CHAPTER 111 - The End or a New Beginning?

Regarding Felipe, he doesn't keep in touch with us much. I know he helps Micael from a distance, and I imagine he's seeking his own path. After everything, I don't blame him; he was also a victim of love and manipulation, just like me.

Micael continues to lead negotiations in England, which have been successful. However, he seems to have lost his way a bit since Yara's departure. It seems he's trying to heal his heartache with drinking and reckless behavior. I know this must hurt my friend deeply, even from afar.

Yara is busy with her training, but whenever possible, we have video calls. She can't wait to meet her nieces and nephews and spoil them to the max. She still has her big, charming heart, but in a slightly different way – stronger and more resilient.

In the end, everything is flowing and going well. Today, I only wish that Micael and Yara can meet, forgive each other, and continue the beautiful love story that is destined to be theirs.

POV: YARA

When the past compels us to look backward, to ponder what lies ahead, there isn't much that can be done...

Indeed, today marks two weeks since my training concluded, and I returned to England. Since then, I've been observing him from a distance, wherever he goes. I've contained my emotions, which is not an easy feat, considering Michael is frequently accompanied by different women!

I haven't mustered the courage to approach him. To be honest, after all this time, I'm unsure if there's still hope for us. We've CHANGED; this is evident as I look at him, but I'm no longer the same either!

Taking a deep breath, tonight I've gathered the courage and decided to confront him. Perhaps I'll see a hint of emotion in his eyes, which would reignite my belief that there's hope for us! I'm heading for a bath, stepping into the filled tub, closing my eyes as I sink into the water. I begin to ponder everything that has happened in these recent times, questioning if he still loves me. Is it too selfish to desire that he still thinks of me?!

Two Years Earlier

Davina and Micael still haven't returned from the hospital. I've never felt so powerless as tonight when they were taken away!

"Perhaps if I had received the proper training, none of this would have happened..."

I decide to run through the grounds, as usual. At the end of each run, I collect the mail. This time, there's a strange package in the mailbox, addressed to me: "For Yara." I decide to open it, thinking that Micael might have prepared some crazy surprise. Curiosity getting the better of me, I can't resist and open it immediately.

The contents of the envelope are photos of my mother, seemingly unaware, at home. One shows her in the sun on a bench in our garden, and another shows her having tea. Along with the photos, I find a note and a disposable phone.

Note: "Don't tell anyone or your mother will be hurt. Stay attentive to the phone, answer when it rings!"

"But what the hell is this?"

A shiver of distress runs through my body. A sense of unease settles in, and a chill runs down my spine. I think about telling someone, but reason quickly hits me. Fear takes over, and the dread of the worst paralyzes me.

Two weeks pass, and I decide to start an investigation on my own. With Dom's absence, who is concerned about Davina, and Micael in recovery, I find opportunities to act unnoticed. However, my research leads nowhere. I can't find concrete evidence of how that ended up there. There are no recordings, nothing...

The disposable phone rings.

"Are you ready for my proposition?" - On the other end of the line, the voice that speaks is robotic.

"Who are you?"

"Don't think I'll reveal myself that easily, right? Come on, Yara. We don't have time for cat and mouse games. I know you're trying to discover my identity, but you won't get answers. If you don't want anything to happen to your mother, it's better to cooperate." - Their laughter is malevolent.

"What do you want?" - I ask anxiously.

"Something simple: annul your marriage to Micael."

"How? Why?"

"It's not that difficult. Besides, you have choices. You have a week to leave the Boulevards' house. Do this, and we'll leave your loved ones in peace." - Declares the Robotic Voice.

The call ends abruptly.

"Why are they trying to tear us apart? Who's behind this?"

I think a thousand times about telling Micael, Davina, but with each consideration, a new photo of my mother arrives. I remember the suffering they've just endured. It wouldn't be fair to add more worries.

So, I decide on my own to seek training in France. I need to learn how to defend myself, protect those I love, and safeguard our security. I feel the need to become cunning, strong, a warrior.

I decide to tell Davina about my decision. She doesn't agree immediately, something I expected. She fears I won't survive, but I know it's something I must do for us. While I train, I ask Davina to take care of my mother, to reinforce her security. She doesn't question, understanding my reasons after everything we've been through.

I choose not to tell Micael about my decision. I know he would try to stop me, and perhaps I'd never be able to leave.

POV: MICAEL

"Ever since Dom 'took' Yara's hand on my behalf, things with the Mexican cartel have become quite complicated. He sneaks around, playing dirty, trying to disrupt our businesses. We need to be careful about his treacherous actions. Last week, there was an attack on our shipments, and many of our loyal members were tortured and killed, Mexico-style: decapitated!

Despite Capo Pablo's denials, I'm not naive. I know he's behind all of this. He's not the type to accept having something he believes belongs to him taken away. I wish Yara had given in and stayed by my side. Even though where she is might be ironically 'safe', I fear that Pablo, the sociopath, might attempt to capture her.

Damn, as if she needed protection... I know she's changed. Even though I tell everyone I'm indifferent to her whereabouts, my heart is foolish, a true masochist. I have an undercover operative there who secretly records her and provides me with information. This madness, even after wreaking havoc on my reason and emotions, remains incredibly beautiful, empowered, alluring...

"Damn it, why can't I forget you?" I take a deep breath. Loving someone is terrible. Who's the fool who falls in love? Maybe her leaving was a blessing. I can focus on business, especially on eliminating the pest that's after me... PABLO!

After pondering for a while and finishing the whiskey I was savoring, I decide to call my old friend...

Phone call begins

“Greetings, Dom... “- I greet.

"Greetings, Capo."

“I found a letter in Filipe's room, addressed to us. He apologizes for everything he's done. He claims to have uncovered the truth and feels he's not deserving of remaining in the family after all he's caused. And he's simply disappeared. I can't reach him, my men have no news of him!” - I reveal to Dom.

"I've noticed movements in his account, Micael. Perhaps this was the best decision for him. Keep a close watch, and if you spot anything suspicious, inform me immediately." - he reminds me.

“Yes, Dom!”

“When will you come to visit?”

“Soon, my brother.”

“Of course... I await eagerly. Now, I must hang up. Show up as soon as you can!”

Call ends

I head to the counter and pour more whiskey, settling into the armchair. I open the drawer to retrieve a cigar, and there's a photo of her and me, laughing as we lie together in a hospital bed. Damn it. I slam the drawer shut when I hear knocking on the door.

KNOCK KNOCK

“Capo, there's a woman here wanting to speak with you!” - the security guard reports.

"I'm not expecting any visitors, nor am I interested right now." - I reply sharply, turning over another glass of the drink.

“She insists it's urgent.”

I take a deep breath, loosening my tie.

"I hope it's not the one from last night making declarations. This is getting tiresome... What's wrong with women these days? Can't they have a fling without getting attached?"

Shall I turn her away, Sir? - he suggests.

“No, let her in. I'm not that heartless.” - I smile with malice.

“Yes, sir!”

I down the glass in one gulp, and just then, the visitor enters. My eyes can hardly believe what they're seeing.

"YARA?"

“Hello, Micael... It's been a while!”

THE END!"