Chapter 13: The Professional Journey

Valeria had just returned to the office after a short trip to Miami, still recovering from the whirlwind of meetings and events she'd attended over the weekend. She had barely settled back into her apartment when Nicolás appeared at her office, as confident as ever.

"Don't unpack just yet," he said, leaning casually against the doorway with his usual carefree smile.

She eyed him warily, expecting some provocative comment.

"Why not?"

"We need to travel to a private island. It's a multi-million-dollar project run by some Arab investors, and they need both of us to personally oversee the progress."

Valeria crossed her arms.

"So now I'm your inseparable partner?"

"I prefer to call you my indispensable ally," he replied with a sly grin.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the allure of working on a private island, even if it meant enduring Nicolás for the duration of the trip.

"When do we leave?"

"In three hours."

"Three hours? Nicolás, you're crazy. I just got back from Miami."

"Time is money, Valeria. So, are you in?"

She sighed, resigned.

"Fine, but this better be worth it."

When the private jet landed on a small runway surrounded by palm trees, Valeria couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. The island was a breathtaking paradise. From the plane's window, she could see white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a modern resort that looked like it belonged in a luxury magazine.

"What do you think?" Nicolás asked, noticing her expression.

"It's impressive," she admitted, trying to conceal how much the place thrilled her.

A welcoming team greeted them with refreshing drinks and warm smiles. They were escorted to their rooms, both with stunning ocean views, before being given a tour of the project.

The development consisted of a series of exclusive villas for high-profile clients. Each villa was designed to blend seamlessly with the island's natural surroundings, combining luxury and sustainability in one package.

"This is very ambitious," Valeria remarked as they walked through the construction area.

"That's why they chose us," Nicolás replied.

She raised an eyebrow.

"They chose us? I think the credit is all mine."

He stopped and looked at her, amused.

"Sure, Valeria. But remember, we're a team now."

She didn't respond, though her glare spoke volumes.

That evening, after a long day of overseeing every detail of the project, Valeria decided to relax on her room's terrace. With a glass of wine in hand and the sound of the waves in the background, she started a live stream for her Instagram followers.

"Cheers to all the single ladies," she said, raising her glass toward the camera with a charming smile.

The turquoise sea and the relaxed atmosphere added a touch of sophistication to the moment.

"Remember, ladies: being single can be amazing."

Comments flooded the live stream, filled with support and admiration. Valeria was well aware of the strong, confident image she projected, though deep down, she sometimes missed having someone special in her life.

From the adjacent room, Nicolás heard Valeria's laughter through the wall. Curious, he grabbed his phone and silently joined her live stream, watching her as she interacted with her followers.

"Life isn't all about work; you have to enjoy the good moments, right?" she said, her smile captivating.

He smirked to himself, impressed by how effortlessly Valeria handled everything, even something as simple as a live broadcast.

Meanwhile, Roberto...

He sat in his office, grappling with personal and professional turmoil. His business partner, Carlos, had just issued him an ultimatum.

"Either you get more involved in the company, or I'm out. I can't keep carrying everything on my own while you're wrapped up in your damn personal drama."

"What the hell are you implying?" Roberto asked, trying to keep his composure.

"That because of you, we lost a multi-million-dollar deal with Valeria Díaz."

Roberto sighed, exhausted.

"You're right. I need to turn things around."

Carlos, still frustrated, softened his tone slightly.

"Speaking of changes... tell me, how do you know Valeria Díaz?"

Roberto tensed up. He knew this topic would come up eventually.

"She was my fiancée."

Carlos raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Fiancée? Don't tell me she's the same woman you left at the altar."

Roberto nodded, staring at the floor in shame.

"Yeah, she is."

Carlos crossed his arms, waiting for more details.

"So what happened?"

Roberto took a deep breath before answering.

"It was Carolina's fault. I got involved with her. Back then, Valeria seemed boring to me. Carolina was the opposite—or so I thought. The day before the wedding, Carolina told me she was pregnant and begged me, crying with the pregnancy test in her hands, not to leave her. I was a coward. I didn't show up to the wedding, and Carolina sent Valeria a letter explaining everything."

Carlos looked at him incredulously.

"Wow, what a story."

"I thought I made the right decision, but Carolina turned out to be a nightmare. She spends all the money on useless things, doesn't take care of herself, eats like crazy, and has let herself go completely. Our relationship is a total disaster."

Carlos laughed.

"No wonder Valeria hated you both when we met her at that event."

Roberto ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.

"I'm going to try to win her back."

"Are you insane?" Carlos laughed even harder.

"She still loves me."

"Let me tell you something, Roberto: no woman who was abandoned on the most important day of her life, dressed in a wedding gown, would ever go back to the man who humiliated and broke her heart."

Roberto didn't respond, but deep down, he was determined to try.

The next morning, Valeria and Nicolás resumed their meetings with the project's architects and developers. The dynamic between them remained tense but productive. Nicolás never missed an opportunity to challenge Valeria, and while it annoyed her, she couldn't deny that he brought valuable ideas to the table.

"Do you know what I admire most about you, Valeria?" he asked during lunch.

"What?"

"Your ability to stay calm even when you're about to explode."

She let out a sarcastic laugh.

"That's not a compliment."

"It is, in a way. Not everyone can handle me."

Valeria looked at him intently.

"Don't think I'm enjoying it."

Nicolás smiled, aware that Valeria was more than just a beautiful and talented woman. There was something about her that intrigued him, a strength he hadn't seen in anyone else.

Their time on the island not only helped the project move forward but also allowed Valeria and Nicolás to start understanding each other better. Though sparks flew between them constantly, a mutual respect grew with every interaction.

Meanwhile, Roberto, from a distance, remained consumed by his obsession with winning Valeria back, oblivious to the fact that she was further away than ever—not just physically, but emotionally too.

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