Chapter 21 Tension.
Chapter 21.
Tension.
Meanwhile, at the exclusive restaurant, dinner unfolds with the same tense cordiality as always. Carolina talks incessantly about her plans with Lucas, ignoring his subtle coolness. Maintains an educated distance, speaking only of business and the upcoming board meeting. Carolina, however, is a masterful actress.
At a key moment, as Lucas leans slightly over the table to explain a point about the company's restructuring, Carolina takes advantage. She knows exactly where the paparazzi she had alerted are located. With a casual movement, she slides her hand over the back of Lucas’s hand and smiles, managing to capture the perfect image of “intimacy” and “reconciliation.” Lucas, oblivious to the discreet flash, only sees the gesture as an annoying distraction and subtly withdraws his hand.
Later, upon leaving, Lucas is absorbed in his phone, discussing a logistical problem with his assistant. Carolina strategically clings to him, seemingly seeking support, and smiles at the nonexistent camera. The performance is complete.
Arriving home, after midnight, Lucas enters in silence. He removes his jacket, uncomfortable with the act. He enters the main living room. There, the scene stops him in his tracks. Alicia is asleep on the sofa, the dim light of the fireplace illuminating her figure. She is wrapped in a cashmere blanket, her face relaxed in sleep, vulnerable and beautiful.
The relief of seeing her wait for him violently clashes with the guilt of having been with Carolina. He approaches slowly. She sighs in her sleep. Lucas takes her in his arms with the tenderness he only has for her. "I need you, my love," she whispers in her sleep, instinctively clinging to his neck. He kisses her gently on the temple. He carries her to her room and carefully places her on the sheets. He stays observing her for several minutes, with a heavy heart, stroking her cheek with palpable devotion.
"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Despite the pang of conscience due to the memory of his brother, Lucas cannot stop what she makes him feel; it is such an intense connection that it cuts deep. A few months ago, he would not have allowed himself to feel such things for her, but since she turned 18 and exposed her feelings for him through actions, he also began to develop a disturbing attraction, which gave way to the feelings he can no longer stop for her; she is everything he has, she is his world.
Lucas finally retreats to the bathroom, letting the night's exhaustion and the tension of the deception guide him back to bed, next to her. Freshly showered, he clings to her hips in search of the peace she transmits to him.
The Icy Breakfast.
Alicia wakes up early. She goes down to the kitchen but stops before reaching the dining room. On her phone, a notification from her favorite news portal shines with a devastating headline: "Confirmed! The Golden Bachelor, Lucas Jank, and his Trusted Partner, Carolina Valdés, in an Active and Long-Term Relationship." The photos from the dinner, especially the one of the contact on the table and the captured smiles, are proof of the intimacy between Lucas and Carolina.
Alicia walks toward the table with slow steps, her rage contained beneath a mask of glacial serenity. In the spacious dining room, Lucas and Carolina are having breakfast together. Carolina laughs as Lucas pours her coffee.
Alicia enters. Lucas looks up and his face pales. Carolina simply smiles with insolent calm. "Good morning, Alicia," Carolina says, with a maternally condescending tone.
Alicia sits down, not greeting anyone in particular. Her eyes, although fixed on her plate, transmit a cutting coldness. "I saw the news, I'm happy for you," she says, her voice flat and emotionless. "I'm glad to see that teamwork is working so well."
Carolina, feeling victorious, takes advantage. "Yes! Lucas and I are doing very well. In fact, it's good that you are here. We need to talk about your formal incorporation into the company, Alicia, so Lucas doesn't have to divide himself so much between work and his personal and professional life. Now that the Jank family knows about our relationship and is happy for Lucas and me, we should rethink the family dynamic, don't you think?"
At her words, Alicia turns to look at Lucas in disbelief. Lucas finally stands up, unable to endure the spectacle. "Enough, Carolina! We've already talked about this."
"What did I say wrong? I understand that perhaps things between us haven't started well, but she's not a child, she must get used to it. I don't understand why we have to hold back in front of her. How does our relationship affect her? I can't understand it."
Alicia looks at her, holding back the urge to tell her the truth. "Alicia, can I speak with you privately for a moment?" Lucas asks, a little tense.
Alicia lifts her gaze and stares at him intently. There is an abyss of betrayal in her eyes, but there are no shouts, no tears. She maintains her composure. "It's not necessary, Uncle," she replies, stressing the word with noticeable coldness. "Carolina is right. We should maintain the dynamic." Alicia takes her coffee. "Tell me, Carolina, how do you think this 'relationship' will contribute to my image when I join as vice-president?"
Carolina is surprised by the astuteness of the question. "Not at all, dear. On the contrary, it will give you stability. They see you as part of our family... our unit."
"That's enough, we're late for the meeting," Lucas says. "Come on, I'll take you to the university."
Alicia stands up quickly, "No, I'll go on my own," she says with controlled coldness. "I don't want to delay you for your meeting with Carolina. Excuse me, have a good day."
"What's wrong with Alicia? Everything seems to bother and inconvenience her. I can't understand it."
"You don't need to understand her. Just don't interfere in my affairs; I'll handle everything concerning Alicia."
"You overprotect her; you've spoiled her too much, you even put her above me."
Lucas grabs her chin, making her tense up. "Do you think I don't know that you orchestrated this whole scandal with the photographs? Did you want to be the official one? To be recognized as Mrs. Jank? Perfect, you have it, but understand one thing, Alicia will always be my priority, so be careful. I can offer you everything you desire, but with Alicia, keep your distance. I'll take care of her matters. Is that clear?"
"Very clear, my love."
Lucas releases her, opening the car door for her and helping her get in, unaware that Alicia hasn't left yet. She is watching the scene from afar, which causes her intense pain. She doesn't understand how Lucas wants to handle this situation, but clearly, for her, it's not a game; she truly loves him. But if he breaks his promise, if he crosses the line with Carolina, she won't hesitate to leave. She will give him time to fix things until she graduates from university in three months; until then, she will have to play along, hoping that everything will be resolved for the best.