Michael

Michael
Chapter 102 Michael

Valeria's idea about helping Daniela isn't completely crazy, but right now I want to be selfish and focus on my baby, not worry about Daniela. I really feel like there's a sword hanging over my head with her lurking around or waiting for me outside the house. I don't dare let Valeria go out, so I keep her home with the excuse of the upcoming birth, and it doesn't seem fair.

My past haunts me, and I regret a thousand times how impulsive I was, but I can't fix it now.

I've carefully thought about what Valeria said. I once felt something for Daniela; I liked her, or I liked the person I thought she was, not who she really is. Maybe I can help her. Maybe I don't have a choice. Perhaps this is Daniela's last chance.

I blame myself for my impulsiveness and madness in the past. How could I even propose to someone I didn't fully know? It's crazy. Sebastián was right; I was a fool, and he warned me enough.

I'm in my office trying to find a solution. I'm here to talk to my lawyers. They are trusted people; we have years of working together, and they are loyal to me and my company.

I'm with my two most trusted lawyers. They are older men, very professional and with a lot of legal experience.

"I need your legal expertise," I tell them what's happening and Valeria's idea about keeping me incognito and providing temporary help under conditions, two of which are psychological treatment and learning a trade in another country. We could also find her a place to live.

"That's like accepting blackmail. She'll feel the manipulation has been successful," one of them says.

"The idea is that she doesn't know I'm her benefactor," I insist.

"She'll suspect it since she asked you for help," says the second lawyer, a man of great professional prestige.

"If we find a legal way, maybe she won't."

"Have you considered that this could also cause you problems with Caruzzo? The girl's father is one of the most influential men economically right now," my first lawyer says.

"Can't you just stay out of this problem?"

"My fiancée, the mother of my child, asked me to help her."

"I understand. We can find a legal way to keep you out of it and ensure it can't be traced back to you. We can also set certain conditions for the help, so if she doesn't accept, it won't happen."

"You can sign a document for that, where she commits to seeking psychological help, studying something short-term that provides a comfortable livelihood, and making it clear that it's temporary assistance."

"Yes, that's what I want."

"We can also make it clear that she won't be able to find out about her benefactor, as the help will be canceled."

"That sounds good."

"We'll study the procedure to ensure you or your fiancée are not involved, although I repeat, it's like paying blackmail, and generally, when you pay blackmail, nothing good comes of it."

"My fiancée believes this will work, and since she's about to give birth, I need us to be at peace and not worry about when that woman will show up."

"Perfect, we'll work on it. We need to agree on the monthly amount and the duration of the help. I suggest she finds a job; it's more effective than putting her in school, which could take longer than expected."

"Do whatever it takes to get her out of the country. Before my child is born, I want this problem solved without her knowing who intervened."

"Very well, give us a day or two to finalize this, and I'll call you to see how it ended."

"I suggest that the fewer people know about this, the better."

"We'll handle it, just the two of us."

"I think it's unnecessary to ask for your absolute discretion and confidentiality."

"Of course, we'll handle it discreetly."

"Very well, thank you very much." I stand up, and we say our goodbyes.

When I'm alone, I tell myself, "Well, sweetheart, let's hope you're right, and this solves the problem I got myself into for being an idiot."

After presenting the problem to my trusted lawyers, I give Mery instructions on pending matters, resolve some issues, and return home. I don't want to leave Valeria alone for long.

As I get close to my vehicle, to my misfortune, I see Daniela's car in the distance again. "Damn it!" That woman's stalking is worrisome. A mental health clinic would be more appropriate—she's obsessed—and I tell myself, "I hope you're right, sweetheart, and this woman goes away and is happy, far from us."

I get into my car and feel the urgent need to call Valeria first. "Hello, my love."

"How are you? Are you resting?"

"I'm at home with Margaret. I'd like to go for a walk in Dubois."

"No, stay home. We don't know when the birth will happen. I don't want you to go into labor, and I'm not nearby. I'm on my way."

"Okay, but that's not cheering me up. I've been here for days."

"Well... tell Margaret to stay with you and keep you company. I'm on my way, sweetheart. Stay there."

I end the call and text Margaret, "Hi, Margaret. Don't even think about going out with Valeria. I'll explain later. Don't tell her anything and stay with her."

A few minutes later, I get her response, "Okay, don't worry, and stay calm."

The drive home feels very long. I'm paranoid because I see this woman everywhere. At least she's following me and not Valeria. I call my lawyers and tell them to hurry. I want that woman out of the country as soon as possible.

It's absurd. I never imagined that Daniela, whom I knew as an elegant and confident woman, would act so abnormally.

"I won't be at peace until she's far away from us."