Mencia's POV
As Nia gracefully exited through the door, a subtle sigh of relief coursed through me. It wasn't that I was glad to see her go, but rather, this departure presented an opportunity to execute my plan more seamlessly.
Witnessing Nia inadvertently causing pain to Juan was unbearable, and I couldn't stand idly by. I felt compelled to take action, to intervene ,and make him realize the mistake he made by choosing her over me.
I harbored no intention of causing him harm. On the contrary, he was everything I had ever yearned for, and my love for him knows no bounds.If Nia could capture his heart, then surely I could do the same. After all, how difficult could it truly be?
The next morning, I woke up incredibly early, around 4 am, gearing up for my visit to Juan. I kicked off my day with a bubble bath, diligently exfoliating my skin. The ritual continued with a careful leg shave, ensuring every detail was perfect. Stepping out of the shower, I adorned my hair with heatless curling ribbons,then covering my body in lotion, striving for the softest, smoothest skin.
The mirror reflected my dedication as I delved into an extensive makeup routine, investing three hours in perfecting every detail. Throughout this process, one singular thought consumed my mind – making Juan take notice of me.
However, a strange decision loomed. Despite my preference for a more sophisticated style ,I decided to emulate Nia's style, opting for a short black dress, a preference I knew Juan had taken note of. To enhance the illusion, I even used the same cologne Nia favored.
As the clock struck 7 a.m, I grabbed my handbag and made my way to Juan's residence. His men, armed to the teeth, stood guard around the building, but to my surprise, they greeted me with open arms, probably mistaking me for Nia.
Navigating through the maze of corridors, I found myself outside Juan's room. Familiarity eased my steps as I pushed the door open, greeted by the dimly lit interior.
"Is that you, Nia?" his voice echoed from the shadows, sending a chill down my spine. "Juan," I replied softly, approaching his bedside. He lay there, half-awake, oblivious to my true identity.
As I neared him, he reached out, pulling me into an embrace. "Nia, you came back for me," he murmured, drawing me closer. Before I could utter a word, his lips met mine in a passionate kiss, wrapping his arms around my waist. His embrace tightened, but then abruptly released, as if sensing something amiss.
He flicked on the bedside lamp, casting a glow on his tired, uncombed hair and stunning green eyes. Panic flashed in those eyes as they met mine, and he hastily pulled away.
"Mencia!" he exclaimed, panic evident in his voice as he recoiled. "What do you want?" he growled, his tone laced with hostility.
"Just because Nia left me doesn't mean I'll let you in," he declared firmly, his gaze piercing through me.
"Juan, please listen to me," I pleaded, but he cut me off with a sharp command. "Get off me."
"You even had to dress up like Nia just to get my attention. Please leave now," he demanded.
"What did I ever do to you, Juan?" I cried out in frustration. "I knew you liked me, but what did I ever do to make you despise me?"
"Are you asking what you did?" he retorted, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're ruthless, obsessive,manipulative and you don't care about anyone but yourself. You are a sociopath, Mencia. I can't believe I kissed you. What have I done?"
"Juan, listen to me," I pleaded, rushing forward to embrace him from behind. Instead, he forcefully pushed me to the floor.
""¡Quítate de encima!¿Por qué estás tan desesperado?" he yelled, his voice laced with frustration.
"Please leave. I don't want you here," he pleaded, his tone softer but firm.
"I've changed now, Juan. I promise I won't go down that dark path anymore," I implored, desperation tainting my words."Do you know Nia's last words to me before she left SanCasas?" I asked, hope flickering in my eyes as he raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"She told me to take care of you," I confessed.
"Just because I'm no longer with Nia doesn't mean I'll be with you," he countered.
"But she dumped you, Juan," I blurted out, unable to contain the truth any longer. "She did dump you, and you still love her," I added, the bitterness of reality seeping into my words.
"Fine,I'll let you continue this self-destructive pattern, falling for those who'll hurt you," I declared, seizing my handbag.
As I gripped the door handle, he urgently called out, "Wait, Mencia." I shot him a sly smile."Why did you kidnap Sofia?" he demanded.
Flipping my hair with a soft smile, I retorted, "Why?" He seized my hands, pressing for an answer. "Fine, I admit it. I snatched Sofia because seeing you two together ignited jealousy. Four years together, and you expect me to move on easily?"
"Did Nia even know about Sofia?" I snapped. Confusion etched his face as he stammered, "What... What the hell are you talking about? I wasn't with Sofia. I was just helping her win the contest."
"Juan, honey, I know you too well. You don't just help people without ulterior motives," I said, my hand trailing his facial features. "Where is she?" he demanded.
"Well, she escaped. Someone helped her. I searched and never found her; that's why I staged the fake body," I admitted.
The room fell silent as Juan processed my confession. He looked both shocked and angry. "You really do have problems,you're a psychopath" he exclaimed. I leaned in, whispering, "It was the only way to make you suffer, just like you made me suffer."
"Admit it, Juana. You had a thing for Sofia, didn't you? You two even had your fun," I purred, trailing my fingers over his chiseled chest, feeling the tension rise as he gripped my hands.
"You're out of your mind, Mencia," he countered.
"Don't worry, I won't breathe a word to Nia...if you play nice and play by my rules," I said, striding to the bed in a seductive manner.
"Now you're trying to manipulate and threaten me, Mencia?" he scoffed.
"Juan, darling, I know how terrified you are of Nia discovering your little secret. You couldn't even muster the courage to come clean to her. It's adorable, really, how in love you are," I taunted, inching closer to him.
"Get away from my bed," he growled.
"Well, do what I want, and I'll keep your little escapade with her best friend a secret. But if Nia discovers, she'll despise you," I whispered, a smirk playing on my lips.
"We're cut from the same cloth, Juan. We both manipulate and threaten to get what we want.We're both psychopaths," I chuckled, watching his facade crumble.
"You can tell her if you want; besides, she's long gone from SanCasas," he replied, attempting to feign indifference.
"Well," I replied with a sly grin, "let me sweeten the deal for you."
I rose from the bed, closing the distance between us, "Juan, darling, do something for me, keep it our little secret, and maybe, just maybe, I'll let you in on where Nia is," I whispered, my hands gently wrapping around his neck.
"What do you mean, where is Nia? Is this another scheme to kidnap her again?" he snapped, forcefully removing my hands.
"Well," I replied in a high-pitched tone, "trust me, Nia's safe. I actually prefer her to Sofia. Sofia's a real piece of work."
"What do you want from me, Mencia?" he demanded.
"Shushh," I silenced him with a finger on his lips. His expression a mix of fear and anger. "What do I want? Oh, you know exactly what I want .I know your prowess in bed and that irresistible physique – I want you.Sé mío,aún te quiero." Let's relive it one more time, and I'll even assist you in winning over the girl," I murmured, slowly moving towards the crotch of his trousers, skillfully unzipping them.