Chapter 96: Pretending Everything Is Fine

After several drinks, Alexia began to lose control of her actions. The effects of the alcohol had completely overtaken her, and her once reserved demeanor started to shift into an unsettling seduction. She approached Mateo stealthily, as if each step were carefully calculated. Her breathing was slightly heavier, and her eyes gleamed with a desire she could no longer hide.

In a sudden move, she hugged him, letting her body glide softly over his. Then, with a tenderness that contrasted with the intensity of her emotions, she slid her hand across Mateo’s face, as if ensuring everything about him was as real as she felt. Her breathing quickened, and without overthinking, she began kissing his neck with a frenzied passion.

—Alexia, stop! —exclaimed Mateo, pulling back slightly—. What are you doing? You’ve had too much to drink. Please, lie down and rest. You need to calm down so tomorrow you can face everything like normal. Also, remember Analú can’t find out what you just discovered. You’ll have to keep acting as usual, especially in front of your father. You know he sent us after this lead because he suspects we’re investigating something.

Alexia didn’t respond immediately. Her eyes, clouded by alcohol, stared at him as if trying to process his words, but a part of her refused to accept reality. The desire consuming her couldn’t be ignored, and she felt the need to express it, no matter the consequences.

—No, Mateo, I’m not drunk —she said, with a firmness that didn’t match her state—. You know I’ve wanted to be with you for a long time. For so many reasons, I never dared to say it, but I can’t hold back anymore. I’ve never stopped loving you, and I never will. That’s why I want us to consummate this love tonight.

Mateo’s heart raced as he looked at her, unsure of what to do. He was so close to giving in, so close to letting himself be carried away by what he also desired, but something inside him held him back. He didn’t want to take advantage of her—not like this.

—No, Alexia —he replied, his voice deep, though his body betrayed him—. I’m not going to do this with you, no matter how much I want to. I can’t make such a mistake.

She looked at him, confused, as if she couldn’t comprehend his rejection.

—What mistake, Mateo? Don’t you want to be with me?

Closing his eyes, Mateo realized how hard it was to resist the attraction he felt, but his morals kept him grounded. He couldn’t let alcohol dictate his actions. He couldn’t lose sight of what truly mattered.

—Of course I do. I want to be with you more than anything. But you’re drunk, and I won’t take advantage of this situation —he answered, trying to stay calm—. Just lie down, and I’ll hold you. Please, trust me.

Alexia didn’t respond immediately. Her face reflected a mix of frustration and desire. For a few moments, there was a tense silence between them. Finally, with a deep sigh, Alexia agreed to lie down. Mateo, relieved but still with a racing heart, removed the bottles of alcohol from her view and made sure she was comfortable in bed. Then, he lay beside her, holding her gently like an older brother, trying to soothe her with his presence.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, and Alexia woke up with a start. Opening her eyes, she saw Mateo lying next to her, shirtless, and immediately her heart raced, filled with confusion.

—What… what did we do last night? —she murmured, her voice trembling.

Mateo, reading the worry in her eyes, quickly reassured her:

—Nothing happened, Alexia. You’re fine. We just slept, that’s all.

Despite his words, Alexia felt relieved but also overwhelmed with a sense of shame. She remembered the desire, the emotions she had felt, and felt vulnerable for having revealed so much of herself.

Later, Mateo ordered a special breakfast to the room. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and ripe fruit filled the air, but Alexia didn’t feel like eating. Her thoughts remained trapped in what had happened the night before and the revelation about her family. The weight of the truth suffocated her.

—Alexia, please, eat something —Mateo said as he picked up a fork and began feeding her pieces of fruit with infinite patience—. I know you’re upset, but don’t hurt yourself more. You need to regain your strength.

At first, Alexia refused the food, but seeing the concern in Mateo’s eyes, she finally gave in. The breakfast was simple, but what touched her most was how Mateo treated her. With every bite he offered, it felt like a reminder that she wasn’t alone, that she could still find comfort in those around her.

—Alexia, please get ready. We should have left for the mansion already. Your father is expecting you —Mateo said softly.

—Alright, Mateo. Just give me a moment… I need to shower and put on enough makeup to hide what happened.

Mateo nodded, concerned, but understood Alexia needed her time. He knew he couldn’t push her further. He saw her battling her own emotions, and all he could do was be there to support her.

When they arrived at the mansion, they encountered Mr. Michelini and Thomas, who were heading out to the office. Alexia tried to put on her best face, smiling as she greeted her father.

—Good morning, Daddy. Hi, Thomas. How are you?

—Hello, my princess. I’m glad to see you’re well. I’ll see you tonight; I have business matters to handle —her father replied, stroking her cheek with tenderness.

—Don’t worry, Daddy. Go take care of your work. I hope you have a great day —Alexia said, trying to maintain her composure.

Inside the mansion, they went to greet Analú. But when Alexia hugged her, she couldn’t hold back her tears. The pressure of the pain and confusion overwhelmed her. Analú, surprised, looked at her with concern.

—Are you okay, Alexia? What’s wrong? I’ve never seen you like this, not even on your wedding day.

Mateo, in a calm tone, responded for her:

—Don’t worry, Analú. We had a few drinks last night, and she’s a bit emotional. Don’t mind her; this hangover will pass soon.

—I'm glad it's just that —said Analú, relieved. Then she headed to her university—. Please take good care of her, Mateo. See you later.

Once Analú left, Mateo turned to Alexia with a serious expression.

—You need to be more cautious, Alexia. If you keep acting like this, someone might discover the truth. We can’t allow that.

Alexia, her face filled with frustration, sighed deeply.

—I’m trying, Mateo. But it’s not easy. Seeing Analú fills me with so much nostalgia. How is it possible that my father abandoned her just because she had a heart condition? Now so many things make sense… The song Mrs. Ana Lucía composed for Analú while she was pregnant… it turns out that song wasn’t for her, it was for me. It’s the same song my father used to sing to me from behind the glass in that hospital room, and the one Nurse Miriam sang to me at the clinic...

Mateo looked at her with understanding and affection.

—I understand, Alexia. I know it’s not easy, but I also know you’re a strong and very intelligent person. You’ll figure out how to handle all of this until we find the best way to reveal your father’s secret. Maybe the first step is to talk to him, confront him, and let him know you know the truth. That way, he’ll have the chance to defend himself, and you’ll understand what drove him to do such a thing. And most importantly: you have to encourage him to reveal the secret himself. It would be much harder for the Thomson family and for Analú to hear it from someone else. Forgiveness would be much harder to achieve.

Despite all the pain and confusion, Alexia knew Mateo was right. There was so much at stake, but there was also a chance to find answers. And although her heart was shattered, she knew the first step was to face the truth, no matter how difficult it might be.