Chapter 19: Blooming Essence
The next day, 7:30 a.m.
Orely
As soon as I open my eyes, the fresh garden air streaming in through the open window revitalizes my senses. The sun's rays filter through the light curtains, creating dancing patterns on the floor. The birds chirp happily, adding a soft, peaceful melody to this beautiful morning. As soon as I open my eyes, the fresh garden air streaming in through the open window revitalizes my senses. Last night is still playing over and over in my head. A starry but magical night that I recall with this handsome man. He's so tender, so affectionate. I felt both vulnerable and strong, as if this encounter had awakened emotions in me that I'd never dared to explore. Santiago's intense gaze and mysterious smile had captured my attention. Every touch of his hands was a declaration, a secret language that only we understood, and I let myself be carried away by this wave of tenderness. My heart beat to the rhythm of his caresses and I felt hypnotized. This bewitchment seemed to me both a blessing and a curse, a call to adventure and a promise of uncertainty.
I finally get out of bed and approach my bedroom window, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the esplanade. The delicate scent of fresh dew floats in the air, where the garden flowers, vibrant with color, seem to bloom in the morning light and each petal reveals its own palette of hues, from soft pastels to vivid shades, creating a vivid tableau of natural beauty. Their nuanced fragrances fill the atmosphere, blending to form an intoxicating scent that soothes the mind and awakens the senses. Each breath of air carries with it floral, fruity and even spicy notes, creating an olfactory orchestral work that invites contemplation. The sweetness of roses and the freshness of citrus blend harmoniously, evoking memories of summer and shared moments. It's as if each aroma tells one of the stories I'm living, a sensory journey that reconnects me to nature and to myself.That's why I can spend hours in this greenish world, letting myself be carried away by the alchemy of scents.
Suddenly, a few light knocks on the door take me out of wonderland. I slowly move away from the window, still a little numb from the memories of that famous night. My footsteps echo on the floor, and I approach the door, each movement laden with anticipation. When I open the door, I see my mother, with a slight smile on her face. I didn't even have time to react before she started asking questions like the crime squad, but in a playful way.
"So, you're in love with him, aren't you?" she asks, her voice full of excitement and curiosity.
"Hello first and foremost! But you're so interested in my evening with the young man that you've forgotten your manners," I retorted nervously, trying to hide the confusion I still feel.
"Oh, darling, with me, you can't pull that off! Don't try to change the subject." She replies, frowning slightly, hands on hips.
"We talked about his brother and his father, if you want to know everything. He was surprised to learn that I knew his brother, and I told him about my doubts concerning Diego's death, that his father might be in on it. Is it good? Happy? I state heading for the bathroom.
"And how did he take the news?"
"A bit shocked. But he will do a little investigation and if it's in the loop, then it will take the necessary measures."
"You see, he's interested in you."
"What nonsense! Instead of talking rubbish, let me take a shower," I say in an annoyed tone so as not to appear to be blushing.
"Right, we'll talk about it. I'll wait for you in the kitchen for breakfast."
"So what are we having?" I asked enthusiastically.
Since she's a good cook, I'm excited to know what the morning snack will be.
"Freshly baked pastries, accompanied by red fruit and coffee."
"Hmm, I'll be there shortly."
"See you later," she declares, closing the door behind her.
As I was saying, she's a true cordon bleu chef, and besides, she's the one I learned to cook with."
Well, that's not all, but I've got to hurry, she's already whetted my appetite.
A few hours later..
I find myself on the balcony reading the contracts on my phone sent to me by my lawyer, Jorge Selvatira, to confirm the land Diego left me in his will before he died.
"Ah Diego, you had it all planned, didn't you? You knew you were going to die and you chose to accept your fate like that," I whispered angrily.
Suddenly, I hear the sound of a car turning off its engine. I sit up in my rocking chair and lean over to see who it could be. Seen from above, I can see a beautiful red hybrid, the latest from d'Andrés. The exterior design features flowing, aerodynamic lines and impeccably finished bodywork. No wonder, the wealthiest people in the residential area. Seeing me, Andrés gives me his best smile, and I beckon him to wait while I go downstairs to join him. Dressed in denim overalls, I shove my phone into the front pocket.
"Hello master, what's the honour of your visit worth," I announced.
"Hello Orely, arhh, no formalities between us and just Andrés will do," he says, flashing a charming smile, and I nod.
I didn't realize he had one hand behind his back until he pulled it away to offer me flowers.
"Here, it's for you."
"Oh, jasmine flowers. Thanks for the thoughtfulness, but you didn't have to." I said as I smelled them.
"Ah, I see it's the expert speaking. It's all right, the pleasure's all mine. As they're fragrant and symbolize friendship and tenderness, I wanted to give you some.
“Absolutely not. I'm not an expert. They're just flowers that I know, but a good choice." I reply, playing with the petals.
As I don't say anything, he initiates the dialogue.
“I'm here about our last conversation under terrible circumstances, do you remember?”
"Yes I remember very well, and I suppose you're going to tell me everything.
Disturbed by his kindness, I frown slightly to understand why there are so many mysteries.
"Okay, I'll be blunt, I like you," he confides nervously, running his hands through his hair.
What? Is this some kind of joke? If it is, it is not a good one. It's probably his hormones or his impulses playing tricks on him.
"How so? What are you getting at? Only yesterday, I learned that you got engaged on the day my late husband died," I announced, intrigued.
"How do you know," he says in surprise.
"I just know. Well, let's be clear, I thank you for your honesty and for helping me with my husband's funeral in my weakest moments, which I could have done very well on my own. But that's where it ends. Don't ruin this friendship now that I'm starting to appreciate you," I proclaimed in a resolute tone.
"Sorry, you're right, I don't know what came over me but I'm interested in you."
"Personally, I'm not interested in you. We don't share the same feelings and you're not very honest with your fiancée. You're not even married yet and you're already cheating on her by confessing your feelings to someone else. How I pity her."
That's all it would take, two brothers fighting over me. I might as well put an end to this situation once and for all before it gets out of hand, causing more than enough damage for four people to suffer. And even less that their father should find out, it's me he'd target first for this misunderstanding coming from his son. I think at the same time as I give him a determined stare to show my displeasure at his visit. Not knowing what to say, he bows his head and approaches me.
"Fair enough. I apologize and you're a very good person. I'll be satisfied with this friendship that binds us. I hope you can forgive me."
I have nothing to forgive you for. Think instead of your sweetheart, who trusts you blindly while you stab her in the back.
"Alright Orely, I got the beating of my life and I think I deserved it. We'll stay friends," he reacts shamefully, giving me a check.
After a few seconds upon reflection followed by a heavy silence, I finally opened my mouth.
"It's okay, we'll stay friends."
"Thank you. And how did you know about my engagement?"
"I got to know about it from your brother."
"Wait, Santiago? He rarely makes conversation with a chick.
Really? That's when I consider myself lucky and relieved to hear that.