Chapter 30: Mystery

Orely

The weather is splendid and under this blue sky, I find myself standing by my workshop window with a steaming cup of coffee in hand. The morning's gentle rays filter through the large bay window and illuminate my small, colorful glass bowls, which shine like gems on the shelves. The smell of coffee exudes a comforting warmth and its rich aroma fills the room. It's so pleasant.

I take a sip of my strong coffee to get my day off to a good start. On the table, some rusks in a rattan basket with a thin layer of butter on top that I've prepared for myself. In my space, where inspiration and creativity reign, I stand in front of my wooden worktop, surrounded by colorful bottles and small glass jars. I bend down and open a cabinet drawer to take out a few ways of essential oils. The sweet scent of jasmine fills the air, escaping as soon as I remove the cap from the bottle, a rich, sensual floral fragrance.

I pour a few drops of jasmine essential oil into a ceramic bowl, adding a touch of serenity to my ideas's concept. With a precise, delicate notion, I almost feel I'm performing a ritual. I close my eyes for a moment, enjoying the soothing scent as it intensifies. Finally, I add a few drops of sweet almond oil, which adds extra moisture to my lotion. By stirring, the creamy color blends and becomes a light consistency. Once everything is well blended, I pour the lotion into pretty glass jars, carefully labeled. I sit down for a moment to contemplate my work, which I've accomplished with satisfaction, while enjoying a toast biscuit. Every little jar I make contains not only a skincare product, but also some of my energy and dedication.

Meanwhile, outside, bees are buzzing happily, busy foraging for the garden's colorful flowers. The petals vibrate in the gentle breeze, creating a living, dynamic canvas like a sunny painting. Suddenly Santiago comes to mind as soon as I look up at the bathroom, thinking of our little intimacy session in the shower. I let out a small smile at this brief but magical moment, but it's quickly wiped away by a shadow of concern.

My thoughts turn to a more pressing subject: my land.

Why does Miguel Rivera insist on acquiring them? What's so special about them?

I frown, puzzled. These lands, inherited by Diego, are more than a mere material possession. It's the reflection of generations of hard work by his family.

I can't let people come and destroy everything on a whim. Money isn't everything. I wonder what could possibly interest this man so much. I don't intend to stand idly by after what I've just been through.

Determined to understand the motivations behind the great Rivera's actions, I decided to carry out my own investigation.

"Behind his actions lurks something abnormal." I whisper, playing with the stirring stick on the table.

I get up, leaving my cream pot creations behind, and start gathering information. Recently I noticed a man who's not from the region often wanders onto my land and claims to be just passing through.

Is this really the case? He doesn't strike me as an ordinary person either. Or is he putting on an act?

Here's a detail that might put me on the right track.

Before I contact my lawyer, I want to get to the bottom of this, explore the mysteries surrounding my land, and find out what's behind this sudden obsession.

I firmly resolve not to let anyone take what's mine. As I've finished some of my body lotion projects, I make a few phone calls and send a few emails to have my samples analyzed at the laboratory, which Tino will be delighted to examine.

Tino is not only a cosmetics scientist but also one of my biggest fans. Specializing in cosmetics research and development, he loves everything I create and does a remarkable job.

Well, I'm off to the garden for a bit of fun. Breathing in the fresh air with my hair blowing in the wind will do me a world of good. But before that, I'm going to join my mother downstairs to see what she's made for lunch.

Santiago

Time seems interminable when you can't solve something. I went to visit my godmother, who is obviously not at home. Where could she have gone early this morning? I decided to take a walk in the local forest. As luck would have it, she comes my way.

"Here you are at last! Hello, godmother."

"Oh well, Sebastian, what a surprise! what brings you here on such an early morning," she exclaimed, did not expect to see me.

"I wanted to see you and at the same time ask you a few things."

"Hmm, I know you little one, you're going to bug me again about the past, aren't you?"

"I must admit that she's right. We can't hide anything from her."

"That's a good start, you nailed it! you have understood it perfectly. I have questions and you are the only one who has the answers."

"Well, first let's go home, I'll make myself a nice cup of tea and then we'll talk."

"Alright! And what did you do in the forest?"

"Can't you see my basket full of strawberries? Maybe you think I've gone to talk to the bears."

"Godmother! I'm only asking. I'm worried about you."

"Now you’re worried about me! Hold the basket for me instead of asking me ridiculous questions. I swear, these young people these days," she swings as I walk towards her, grabbing a strawberry.

As I walk, my phone vibrates in my pocket. It's Alvaro letting me know that the mole who helped Elazio is on the loose, not caring that we've found him. I give him my instructions and we'll pay him a surprise visit. As my eyes darken and my soul smokes with terror, my godmother brings me out of the darkness.

"Pick up the pace! You're as slow as a snail," she shouted from afar, heading towards the house.

"Arrr, godmother, coming!”

Arriving at his little house on the edge of the forest, we find ourselves in his charming kitchen, where we take off our shoes for hygiene.

The sun's rays filtered through the lace curtains, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the aromatic herbs she had prepared with garlic and mustard, adding a touch of nature to the space before her morning's outing. I sit down at the table with a light heart, while my godmother prepares the tea. I take a slice of smoked ham and place it on a slice of bread and spread it with butter.

Despite her strong character, she always had a knack for making every moment special, and today was no exception. She chose a porcelain teapot adorned with delicate floral motifs, filled with a blend of black tea and jasmine flowers. The gentle hiss of boiling water mingled with the melody of birds singing outside. While she pours the steaming tea into our mugs, I get up to wash the strawberries she's freshly

picked earlier. These little red wonders, bursting with sunshine, have a sweet taste that promises to be a delight. I rinse them under water, observing their brightness and vivid color. My godmother, while pouring milk into our cups, strikes up a conversation.

She tells me a little about her knowledge of the benefits of strawberries, and how they can be incorporated into any dish. It's clear from her expertise that she's passionate about cooking. She's always been able to turn simple ingredients into tasty dishes, and today she's planning lamb chops with mint sauce and strawberry salad. Marinated in a mixture of olive oil, mint and garlic, lamb chops take on delicate flavors before being placed under the broiler. I'm not going to lie to you that at first I thought she was going to tell me everything, but she wanted to convey her insights. Against all odds, after taking a sip of her herbal tea, she looks at me for a moment.

Hands resting on the table, fingers intertwined, her mind seems elsewhere, as if she's hiding something.

But I observe her nonetheless. Her eyes have become serious, almost melancholic, and she looks away, gazing into the bottom of her cup. I frown slightly, trying to read his eyes. But nothing comes out. What does she know that suddenly gives her that cold look?

“Hmm, that indifference in her gaze could be armor to make me feel unable to ask her anything" I mused.

Just as I'm taking a deep breath to speak up and break the mood, which has quickly turned cold and distant, she reveals herself.

"So, what's so intriguing that you came to see me so early this morning?" She asks to divert attention.

"Did you know that Mom's coffin was empty?"