46

Julieta had been the first to leave the hotel, and behind her her cousins, who were fighting, causing some of the people staying in the hotel to look at them with horror. Julieta adored her cousins, but without a doubt what she liked most about them was the complicity they had with each other, she couldn't remember a single time in which both of them fought seriously or got angry, as they were almost always pretending and joking. They were unique, for although they came equally from a very wealthy family on their parents' side, they had grown up in austerity, for their aunt Magdalena, who was their late mother's sister, preferred simple things, It was for this very reason that Thomas and Patrick, from a very young age, were taught to earn their own money, so every summer, they worked mowing the lawn or running errands for other families in the area. Thomas always proved to be a noble, straightforward, joking and responsible person, while Patrick was known to be strong-willed, temperamental, sarcastic and overprotective of his family. Unlike his older brother, he did not interfere in the family business, preferring to get involved in everything related to art.

Jul, are you all right? asked Patrick with evident concern, who, taking her by the arm, stopped her. You've been quiet.

I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you as cousins,’ replied the blonde with a big smile.

You flatter us, Jul,’ Thomas interjected, catching up to them.

We're the lucky ones, Jul, assured Patrick. However, I've been wondering why you say that.

You guys, you're not like most well-to-do boys.

Is that bad, I ask curiously. Explain.

I mean, even though you're both well-to-do, you're very simple and not at all presumptuous.

How dreadful,’ Thomas hastened to say, with a frightened look on his face. God help us, if we become like that. Most of them are just spoiled brats, grooming themselves to succeed their parents, and by my reckoning, once they do, they ruin the family business,’ he said confidently.

Are you serious?’ asked Patrick incredulously, who looked at his brother with surprise. Or maybe you're just pulling our leg, like most of the time.

I'm serious, Patrick, he assured him. Why don't you believe me?

It just sounds too far-fetched to be true.

Alex and some of the other partners were talking about it last meeting, because according to the reports we were reviewing from the companies that are our competitors, they have been declining and that is due to the new successors. You agree that the creator of such companies would never allow what they have built with so much effort to be lost, don't you? To tell you the truth, no one.

Except for the children, Patrick said.

Exactly, only 1 per cent really care about their family business and take responsibility for the role of successor, and from there, the rest spend their time squandering it on parties, yachts, travel and women.

Now that you mention it, brother, when my father told you to succeed him, did you think about all that you mentioned?

I was too young, but not a fool, little brother,’ he said confidently. Since I was a child, I knew the burden I would carry, so I mentally prepared myself, how could I squander all our fortune? Yes, it's a legacy we'll leave to our children.

I'm grateful that you're the one in charge. I honestly couldn't.

You have the ability, it's just that you've always been inclined to earn your own way, and I applaud that.

What about you, Jul? asked Patrick, who resumed his walk.

As you all know, Alex is the one in charge of the family business, while I work hard at what I like, not to mention that I'm slowly carving my own path, but I'm also investing what I earn in other actions and donating to some foundations,’ she replied happily, imitating Patrick.

Has it ever struck you that you're the one in charge of everything? Thom, who was walking beside her, was quick to ask.

It's not that I was never interested, because I knew from the beginning what I wanted, and that was not to depend on my family name and do what other society girls do, marry someone wealthy. You well know that I always wanted to be independent and that I only succeed Alex when he is travelling or indisposed and if one day he should be absent and have no offspring, I would succeed him with dignity, not because I am a woman that means I am ignorant, I also have knowledge of what happens with the family business, because I also have a small investment.

How come you never told them? asked both brothers, more than indignant.

I was just waiting for the right time to do it, the blonde defended herself.

You're a box of surprises, Jul,’ Thomas mused.

We all are, but enough business talk, let's just enjoy this wonderful day and our walk.

That's right,’ said an elated Thomas, who stretched out his arms and sucked in a big breath of air.

Don't be so loud, Patrick complained.

I thought I told you, you're a sourpuss, little brother, Thomas said mischievously, pointing his finger at him.

Don't start fighting, boys, interjected Juliet.

You're right, Jul,’ nodded Thomas. I bet you want to take a picture too,’ he said, referring to his brother, who only made a face of few friends. After having walked for ten minutes, Thomas, not waiting a minute more, gave his camera to Patrick, so that he could take his picture, to which the brown-haired man, having no other alternative, agreed to take the pictures that his brother wanted so much. Thomas looked like a little boy with a new toy, he just posed and posed, because he really enjoyed the moment, so much that he managed to convince his brother and cousin to take a picture together. Patrick, reluctantly, had agreed, as he was never a fan of having his picture taken or letting them be taken, especially because when they talked about his family, he was not pleasantly surprised to see pictures of him on the front page of magazines or newspapers. On the other hand, his older brother enjoyed it, because when the reporters asked him for photos, he always agreed more than delighted, he even joked and posed, while Thomas took the photos, Patrick could remember what that gossip magazine said, because although they showed how different both brothers were, they were: ‘While the eldest of the prestigious Carrington Thompson family is uninhibited, cheerful and accessible, the youngest is a headache, as he does not cease to look with disdain at everyone around him, he is sullen, arrogant and somewhat haughty’ that brief note, had not only annoyed him, but affected him so much that he even refused to attend public events, but it was not until Thomas intervened, who very kindly asked the person responsible for the note to retract it. Even if he did not show it so openly, he admired his older brother, for he was always there to support and defend him, as an older brother is expected to do. Although, in the first years of school, Thomas used to beat up any bully who dared to mess with his little brother, earning not only fear but respect, for each of his threats was no joke. Finally putting aside those pleasant and unpleasant memories, he allowed himself to enjoy that moment, because, without a doubt it was worth it, for the first time he posed and joked, leaving his brother and cousin surprised, who first looked at him incredulously, but once they understood his attitude they imitated him, the three youngsters laughed and joked, Once they managed to finish the two rolls, they opted to continue touring some emblematic places, they were so comfortable enjoying their tour, until their stomachs began to demand food, Patrick, proposed to eat something at the Hilton restaurant, because apart from being elegant, its dishes were not only novel, but also delicious. Thomas, on the other hand, had suggested eating some sausages and hamburgers, because although the young man loved to eat the typical junk food, he preferred simple places to opulent ones, and he didn't wait to express it.

I'm more partial to burgers...I haven't had one in a while,’ he mused, putting a hand to his stomach.

Do you want to get sick? Patrick questioned incredulously, scowling at him.

It'll be worth it, if I do, Thomas replied with a broad grin.

For God's sake, Thomas.

Don't be a party pooper, bro...look, apparently the ones they sell at that street stall are delicious, because there are some people, he reported, pointing to a trailer that was parked in the middle of the park, where a long line could be seen, and at the little tables that were placed around it, most of them were occupied by families, couples or friends.

You know I don't like to eat in places that are within everyone's reach, especially because we don't know if a journalist will recognise us and start taking pictures of us,’ he said reluctantly.

What's wrong with that? You should stop taking to heart everything that is published about us. It's something that can't be avoided, and you know that better than anyone else.

Because I know it, that's why I don't like to go through life in such a relaxed way.

Patrick, Thom, he's right,’ Juliet interjected. It hasn't been easy for me to deal with the reporters either, especially now that it's known that I'm not only marrying the actor of the moment, but also the heir to a dukedom. You can imagine how much they harass me. I'm not going to lie to you that just as there are some reckless reporters, there are also those who are respectful and cordial. However, I have never taken what they say about me very seriously. Remember when a gossip magazine called me the spoiled, spinster heiress? I ask in an amused tone. Far from being annoyed, I was amused, and I could have asked Alex to do something about it, but I didn't, because it was like indulging them. Patrick, what I want to say, is that you learn to live with this and don't take it so personally, on the contrary, feel grateful, because good or bad they have you present,’ he finished with that comforting voice.

All right,’ Patrick nodded, letting out a tired sigh. I'll try, and we'll go and eat where Thomas wants us to.

You won't regret it,’ said a very happy Thomas, who was walking briskly.

I hope so, he said in a whisper.

Come on, take off that face, at least we have to please Thomas once, he deserves it,’ mused the blonde.

I'm sorry if I seem too exaggerated with my attitude, but you must understand that I've had a hard time dealing with the media.

I understand, Patrick, but remember that you are not alone and that we will support you,

comforted the blonde.

Thank you, Jul,’ said the auburn-haired man sincerely.