Chapter 97: I Like Your Father, Alexia!

Analú left the university with a heavy heart. She missed Nicolás. He used to pick her up several days a week, taking her home or, lately, to the Michelini mansion. However, things were different now. Their calls and messages had become sporadic, almost cold. Her expression darkened every time she thought about the possibility of Nicolás dating Britny. How could someone take the place that had been hers for so long?

When she arrived at the mansion, Analú found Alexia on the couch, staring distractedly at the ceiling, her brows slightly furrowed, and her arms crossed over her chest. There was something off about her, a kind of melancholy that didn’t match her usual vibrant energy. Her hair fell messily over her shoulders, and her bare feet tapped lightly on the edge of the furniture in a repetitive motion that betrayed impatience. Analú set her things aside, observed her for a few seconds, and with some concern, noticed how Alexia seemed lost in her own thoughts, as if carrying an invisible weight she couldn’t shake off.

—Are you okay, Alexia? —asked Analú, placing her backpack on a nearby chair.

Alexia looked up with a faint smile.

—Hi, Analú! I’m fine… I think. I feel a little unwell, but it’s probably because of yesterday. I drank too much. And you? How was university?

—All good —Analú replied, trying to sound convincing.

Alexia raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing her.

—Are you sure? You’ve been different these days. Sad, distracted… You don’t have your usual spark.

Analú sighed, her façade crumbling under Alexia’s concerned gaze.

—You’re getting to know me too well, Alexia. It’s complicated… but I think I need to tell you something.

Alexia straightened up on the couch, crossing her legs with interest.

—Of course! Why haven’t you told me before? I thought you trusted me.

—It’s not that, Alexia. It’s just… I feel embarrassed talking about this with you. —Analú lowered her gaze, nervously playing with the straps of her backpack.

—Embarrassed? Please, we’re like sisters. You can trust me.

Alexia gently took Analú’s hands. Her gesture reassured the young woman, who, after a deep breath, decided to open her heart.

—Okay, Alexia, but promise me something first… Whatever happens, what I tell you won’t change our friendship.

—You don’t even have to ask. Of course, it won’t change anything —Alexia replied with a warm smile—. I promise I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.

Encouraged by her words, Analú closed her eyes for a moment before speaking.

—I think I’m in love with two people.

Alexia burst out laughing.

—Now that’s a problem, Analú! But tell me, who are the lucky ones?

—One of them is… Nicolás.

Alexia’s expression turned serious. She knew Analú and Nicolás had a special connection, but she never thought Analú might have romantic feelings for him.

—Nicolás?

—Yes… And ever since he started dating Britny, I can’t stop thinking about him. Before, I never imagined seeing him as anything more than my friend, but now… now I can’t help imagining myself hugging him, being with him. And when I see him with Britny, I feel a rage that consumes me.

Alexia nodded, trying to process what she had just heard.

—I see. And who’s the other person?

Analú swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her secret crush her.

—It’s someone… older. Someone who could be my father, considering the age difference.

Surprise spread across Alexia’s face.

—Older?

—Yes, and there’s more. It’s someone you know very well… It’s your dad, Alexia.

The air seemed to freeze in the room. Alexia remained motionless, her gaze fixed on Analú as if trying to decipher if she had heard correctly.

—My… dad?

—Please, don’t get upset. Let me explain before you say anything.

Alexia took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

—Fine. Go ahead.

Analú began recounting every detail that had led her to fall in love with Mr. Michelini: how he had cared for her in small moments, how he had made her feel special with his words, his attention, and the tenderness with which he treated her.

—The day of your wedding, when he was drunk, he told me I was also a special woman in his life. And then, that time I threw up on my dress during the event, he was the one who helped me without showing disgust or rejection. And there’s more… One night, while I was studying and fell asleep in the living room, he carried me to my room. He thought I was asleep, but I heard him whisper that he loved me.

Alexia placed her hands on her head, trying to process what she was hearing.

—Analú… my dad is not in love with you.

—How can you be so sure? Everything he’s said, everything he’s done…

—Because my father sees you as a daughter, Analú. Just as your mom adopted me, he’s adopted you in his heart. Don’t confuse his paternal love with something else.

Alexia’s words hit like a slap. Analú blinked, feeling tears well up in her eyes.

—Then… everything I felt wasn’t real?

Alexia got up from the couch and approached Analú, who kept her gaze fixed on her trembling hands. She knelt in front of her and took both of her hands firmly, trying to convey the support she wanted to offer.

—Analú, I know what you’re feeling is real, and I’m not going to judge you for it. I promise I’ll be by your side to get through this, but you need to trust me. My father doesn’t feel what you think; he sees you as someone who deserves to be protected, not as a partner. I want you to think about everything we’ve been through together, about the bond that unites us. You can’t let this confusion ruin the relationship you have with him or with us.

Analú looked up, her eyes filled with anguish and doubt.

—Alexia, I don’t know how to turn off what I feel. Every time I’m near him, my heart races, and even though I know it’s impossible, I can’t help dreaming of a different future. But you’re right, I don’t want to lose you or him. It’s just that… I’ve never felt as important to anyone as I feel with him.

Her voice cracked as she finished, letting out the full weight of her emotions. Alexia hugged her tightly, allowing her to release her pain. In that moment, they both understood that this was a hurdle they would need to face together, no matter how long it took to heal the wounds these forbidden emotions had left in Analú.