Chapter 20: Between Lies and Truths

The sun was already high when Valeria and Nicolás finished discussing their plan. They both knew that the key to making it work was maintaining control of the narrative—not only with the press and social media but also with their families and friends.

—Before we move forward with this, there's something I need to do —Nicolás said, looking at his phone.

—What is it? —Valeria asked, still uncertain about the magnitude of what they were about to do.

—Talk to my friend… the real groom.

Valeria nodded. If that man talked, their entire plan would collapse.

Nicolás and His Friend: A Pact of Silence

Nicolás dialed the number, and after a couple of rings, his friend answered.

—Brother, what happened? Why does everyone think you were the one who got married?

Nicolás sighed.

—Listen, I need you to keep this a secret. You can’t say anything, not even to your assistants.

—But…

—Nothing, brother. It’s a complicated situation, but I’ll explain everything later. I just need you to trust me and let me handle this.

There was a brief pause before his friend responded.

—Alright… but this is crazy.

—I know —Nicolás replied, hanging up.

Now that he had secured his silence, it was time for the hardest part: facing their families.

The Confrontation with Nicolás’s Mother

As soon as she answered the call, his mother's voice exploded in his ear.

—¡Fernando Nicolás Beltrán, why did you do this to me?!

Nicolás sighed, closing his eyes.

—Mom, my life is my business. I’ve told you many times. I don’t have to ask for your permission to do what I want.

—You know perfectly well that everything was arranged for you to marry Catherine!

Nicolás clenched his jaw.

—That marriage was something you made up. There’s nothing between Catherine and me —he replied coldly.

His mother started throwing insults and complaints, but Nicolás wasn’t in the mood to listen.

—I’m hanging up, Mom. I’ve made my decision, and there’s no turning back.

—Don’t you dare, Nicolás! I haven’t finished —

Click.

He hung up without hesitation. He knew it would only make his mother even angrier, but he didn’t care anymore.

Valeria and Her Family: An Explosive Conversation

Meanwhile, Valeria looked at her phone apprehensively. Her father was calling.

She took a deep breath and slid the screen to answer.

—Hello, Dad.

Her father spoke in a calm voice, though she could hear the emotion in his tone.

—I’m a little sad, but also happy. I would have liked to be with you in such a special moment.

Valeria closed her eyes, feeling the weight of guilt on her chest.

—I know, Dad. I’m sorry, but you know better than anyone why I decided to do everything in secret.

Her father sighed.

—Yes… I know your mother only looks for you when she needs money.

Before Valeria could respond, her mother’s shrill voice interrupted the conversation.

—How could you do this to us, Valeria?!

Valeria felt anger rising inside her.

—"Do this to you"? Seriously, Mom?

—You excluded us from your wedding, and worse, you ruined your sister’s!

That was the last straw.

—I didn’t want you or anyone from the family near me on the most important day of my life! I wasn’t going to let you ruin my life again!

The silence on the other end of the line was heavy.

Finally, her mother exhaled furiously and hung up.

Valeria let the phone fall onto the bed and buried her face in her hands, trying to calm down.

Meanwhile, her sister sobbed inconsolably in her room.

—It’s not fair! I was going to have the best wedding, and now everyone is talking about Valeria!

But her crying turned into a mix of envy and rage when she saw the latest photo circulating on social media.

Valeria and Nicolás knew that if they wanted the charade to work, they had to deliver a final blow: an official confirmation.

Nicolás requested engagement and wedding rings. When they arrived, Valeria held her breath.

The diamond on the engagement ring was dazzling, accompanied by a thinner but equally elegant wedding band.

—Nicolás… this is insanely beautiful —she whispered, her heart pounding and a smile she couldn’t hide.

Nicolás smirked slightly.

—Well, if we’re going to pretend to be married, we might as well do it right.

He gently took her hand and slid the rings onto her finger.

Valeria felt a shiver run down her spine.

When the photo of them holding hands, the rings gleaming on her finger, was posted, social media erupted.

The comments were divided.

"Congratulations, Valeria! You deserve to be happy!"

"I can’t believe it… you always said the single life was the best. You’re such a fake."

"Why didn’t you invite your friends and family?"

But the person most affected by the image wasn’t her followers.

Roberto stared at the picture, his fists clenched.

His heart pounded with fury, his eyes darkening with rage.

—Valeria… —he whispered in a trembling voice.

He grabbed his glass of whiskey and smashed it against the wall.

—If you’re not going to be mine, then you won’t be anyone else’s.

And in that instant, he decided he would do whatever it took to get Valeria back… or destroy her.

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