Amelia and Jason arrived at Inmaculada Montalbán's grand mansion in the afternoon, with the summer sun still high in the sky, casting soft shadows over the mansion's modern façade. The structure, surrounded by tall walls and lush gardens, emanated an air of luxury and sophistication. The large glass windows reflected the sunlight, creating glimmers that added a majestic touch to the place.
The car stopped in front of the large automatic gates, which opened silently to let them in. The chauffeur, impeccably dressed, opened the rear door for Jason and Amelia to step out. Amelia, still overwhelmed by the attack on social media and the press conference, looked at the mansion with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Jason, by her side, maintained a controlled expression of calm, but inside, the worry about his future at Grupo Xiting and the uncertainty of the ritual's success consumed him.
As she stepped out of the car, Amelia felt the warmth of the air and the scent of summer flowers filling the gardens. Jason approached her and, with a forced smile, took her hand. They both walked towards the main entrance, their steps echoing on the polished stone path. The eyes of the staff, waiting at the entrance, displayed a mix of respect and curiosity as they greeted them courteously.
"Welcome, Mr. Xiting, Ms. Antúnez," one of the butlers said with a bow. "Mrs. Montalbán is expecting you in the main hall."
"Thank you," Jason replied, squeezing Amelia's hand gently as a sign of support.
They crossed the threshold, entering a spacious lobby illuminated by elegant crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The walls were adorned with modern works of art and sculptures that spoke of refined and expensive taste. Despite the grandeur of the place, Amelia couldn't shake the feeling of oppression that had accompanied her since the events of that morning.
As they walked through the lobby, Amelia and Jason remained silent. Each, immersed in their own thoughts, tried not to show their vulnerability. Amelia worried about the media attack and the impact it could have on her future. She felt the weight of the gazes and the venomous comments still fresh in her mind. Jason, on the other hand, was anxious about the possibility of being dismissed from Grupo Xiting and the uncertainty of whether the ritual would succeed in protecting Amelia.
Despite their efforts to appear strong, Jason noticed the tension in Amelia. He was aware of her fragility at that moment but couldn't find the right words to console her without adding more pressure to her already overloaded mind. Amelia, on the other hand, perceived the concern in Jason's eyes every time he looked at her, and although she wanted to offer words of encouragement, she feared that any comment might increase his anxiety.
This silence, heavy with unexpressed emotions, made both feel that the other was going through something difficult without having the courage to speak up. Each step they took through the elegant corridors of Inmaculada's mansion brought them closer to their destination, but it also deepened the emotional distance that the silence was creating between them.
Finally, they arrived at the main hall, where Inmaculada was waiting for them with a serene smile. The room, luxuriously decorated with modern designer furniture and silk curtains, radiated a warmth that contrasted with the tension they both carried inside.
"Jason, Amelia, welcome. Please, sit down," Inmaculada said, gesturing toward the sofas arranged around a glass and steel coffee table.
Amelia and Jason sat down, their hands still intertwined, trying to find comfort in physical contact while their minds remained full of uncertainty and concern. Inmaculada approached with a medical team, and Amelia frowned with curiosity.
"Amelia, we need to take a blood test for some important exams," Inmaculada explained, keeping her tone gentle. "It will be quick and practically painless."
Amelia nodded, extending her arm as a nurse approached with a needle and a small vial. Jason watched attentively, his concern visible in his eyes. The nurse worked skillfully, drawing Amelia's blood in a matter of seconds.
"All done," the nurse said, removing the needle and placing a small bandage on Amelia's arm.
Inmaculada smiled and carefully stored the vial. "Thank you, Amelia. This is necessary to ensure your well-being. Now, I want you to take this opportunity to spend some time with your former companions. I know you made friends with Lucía. Jason and I have some matters to discuss, so you'll be in good company."
Amelia nodded, a little disappointed not to spend more time with Jason, but also excited to see Lucía. She was led through long corridors until reaching a section of the mansion where the novices were held prisoner as she once had been.
Upon entering, she headed directly to the study area, hoping to find her friend there. The room, with its shelves full of books and study tables, had an air of serenity interrupted only by the rustling of pages and the occasional sound of keys. Amelia saw Lucía sitting in her seat, studying seduction. Lucía looked up, and her expression shifted from surprise to a distant coldness.
"Hello, Lucía. It's so good to see you!" Amelia said, approaching with a smile, trying to hide the insecurity she felt.
"Hello, Amelia," Lucía replied, letting go of the mouse and slowly leaning back in her chair. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit? Are you here to flaunt your new life and your luck?"
Amelia felt a sting of pain at Lucía's acidic tone. "No, Lucía. I came because I miss you and wanted to know how you were doing," she replied sincerely, trying to stay calm.
Lucía raised an eyebrow, her gaze filled with disdain. "Really?" she retorted, crossing her arms. "Because it seems like you just want to rub your perfect new life in my face."
Amelia was momentarily speechless, feeling the distance between them. The room, which once seemed like a refuge, now felt cold and hostile. "Lucía, I didn't want this to separate us. I thought we could still be friends."
Lucía looked at her steadily, her eyes full of resentment and something deeper, perhaps pain. "It's hard to be friends when one of us gets everything while the other remains stuck with the pressure of ending up in a brothel."
Amelia felt a mix of sadness and frustration. She didn't want to lose her friend but understood Lucía's resentment. "Lucía, it's not as easy as it looks. I'm facing many challenges and need the support of my friends, not their disdain."
Lucía let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing in the silent room. "Well, it looks like you'll have to manage on your own." She got up from her seat and, with a gesture of disdain, left the room, leaving Amelia feeling alone and hurt.
Amelia followed her with her eyes, feeling a growing sense of desperation. Finally, she gathered her courage and went after her. She found Lucía in the hallway, staring out a window with her arms crossed.
"Lucía, wait. Don't leave like this," Amelia said, her voice trembling slightly.
Lucía turned around, her eyes shining with a mixture of fury and pain. "What else do you want, Amelia? What do you expect me to do?"
Amelia took a step forward, trying to connect with her friend. "I want you to understand that I didn't choose this to hurt you. It's only been three days since I left here. What could I have possibly done to help you in such a short time?"
Lucía looked at her in silence, processing her words. After a moment, her expression softened slightly. "I don't know, Amelia. All of this is so unfair. Seeing you leave while I stay trapped here… it hurts."
Amelia nodded, understanding her feeling. "I know, Lucía. But I haven't forgotten about you. I'm trying to find a way to make things better for both of us. I just need a little time."
Lucía sighed, her posture relaxing a little. "I suppose it's hard for everyone. But seeing your success so quickly… it's hard not to feel envious. I've been here for almost three months, and in less than a week, you managed to gain freedom. You come with a designer dress, diamond earrings, and necklace. And you probably haven't even suffered abuse from your partner."
"And I understand," Amelia replied, taking another step towards her. "But instead of pushing us apart, we should support each other. Be strong together."
"Strong together? I don't even know why you're here today. Do you think you can just come and talk to me whenever you please? Seeing you here without being returned is very strange. No one has ever come back to this hell."
"I'm sorry, I'm being thrashed on social media, had to defend myself against a pack of ruthless journalists. I'm forced to wake up at six to run cross-country, take cold showers, get tied up in bed, and I'm expected to run a company where everyone thinks I'm only there because of connections. Just give me a chance to gain more confidence with Inmaculada and achieve something good for you."
Lucía nodded, her expression showing a mix of resignation and hope. "Alright, Amelia. I guess I can try. I'm sorry, I didn't know you were under so much pressure."
Amelia smiled, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Thank you, Lucía. I promise I'll do everything I can to help you."
The two friends stood there in the hallway, sharing a moment of understanding and reconciliation. Although they knew the road ahead would be difficult, they also knew they would be stronger together.
Meanwhile, Jason and Inmaculada headed to a private room decorated with ancient symbols and candles. The atmosphere was charged with energy and mystery. The walls were covered with tapestries depicting ancient rituals, and in the center of the room, there was an altar adorned with crystals and herbs.
"It is crucial for this ritual to be perfect. We need to ensure that everyone remembers Amelia instead of Roberto," Inmaculada said as she prepared the necessary elements. Her tone was serious and focused, aware of the weight of the task ahead.
Jason nodded, understanding the importance of the ritual. "I'm ready. Let's do this," he replied with determination, though his mind couldn't help but worry about the possible consequences if something went wrong.
Inmaculada began to chant words in an ancient language, her hands moving with precision over the ritual elements. She lit a series of candles, each of a different color, and placed the vial containing Amelia's blood in the center of the altar. With every word she uttered, the energy in the room intensified, creating an almost tangible atmosphere of power and mystery.
"I need your energy, Jason. This spell requires more power than I can channel alone," Inmaculada said, her voice firm but with a hint of urgency.
Jason nodded and positioned himself in front of her, extending his hands towards the altar. Inmaculada took his hands, closing her eyes and focusing. A pulse of energy began to flow between them, a current of power that felt like a vibration in the air.
"Focus on Amelia. Visualize everyone who knew Roberto remembering her instead," Inmaculada instructed, her voice now resonant and filled with power.
Jason closed his eyes, focusing his mind on Amelia, on her face, her voice, her presence. He felt the energy growing within him, a force that connected him to Inmaculada and the spell itself. The light in the room intensified, enveloping them both in an almost blinding glow.
Inmaculada poured a few drops of Amelia's blood over a crystal, which began to shine brightly. Jason could feel the energy flowing through him, connecting him to the ritual in a deep and spiritual way.
"This blood is Amelia's essence," Inmaculada murmured, her voice resonating with an ancient force. "Let her identity imprint itself in the minds of all who knew Roberto. Let the truth transform, and may Amelia be all that they remember."
The energy in the room reached a peak, Inmaculada's words wrapping the space in a cloak of power. Jason felt his strength draining, but also the clarity of purpose and the importance of what they were doing. His hands trembled slightly from the effort, but he didn't let go of Inmaculada's, keeping the flow of energy steady.
Suddenly, a light surrounded Jason and Inmaculada, filling them with a sensation of warmth and clarity. The light grew in intensity, reaching a climactic point before dissipating into a gentle glow. Both fell to their knees, exhausted but satisfied.
Inmaculada lowered her hands, her breathing heavy but her face showing an expression of satisfaction.
"The ritual is complete," she announced, her voice now calm. "All those who knew Roberto at Harvard will now remember Amelia. The transition is complete."
Jason, panting, felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Inmaculada. I knew I could count on you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude and exhaustion.
Inmaculada nodded, also drained. "Now, we must ensure that Amelia continues her path without suspecting anything. The protection must be complete."
Jason nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "We will. Together, we'll make sure she's safe and can fulfill her destiny."
With the sense of having made a significant breakthrough, though exhausted, Jason and Inmaculada left the room, ready to face the upcoming challenges with renewed determination and the hope that the sacrifice of their energy had not been in vain.
With the ritual finished, Inmaculada pulled out a small crystal vial, its contents glowing with a faint golden light.
"Jason, this potion will ensure Amelia's infertility for a year. Other contraceptive methods won't work because of the worm," Inmaculada explained, her tone firm and assured.
Jason frowned, concerned. "Is it safe?"
"Completely. But it's necessary to avoid any complications. However, I wouldn't rely too much on the last month. It would be best to give her another potion when that time approaches," Inmaculada replied. "It's up to you both to decide year by year if you want to have a child."
Jason took the vial, grateful but also worried about the complexity of the situation. "Thank you, Inmaculada. I'll do whatever is necessary to protect her."
When Jason and Inmaculada returned to the hall, they found Amelia alone, looking thoughtfully out a window. The afternoon sun cast soft shadows in the room, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted with the intense emotions they had both experienced.
Jason approached and embraced her from behind, his hug full of warmth and protection. Amelia turned to look into his eyes, searching for answers in his expression.
"How was your meeting with Lucía?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern.
Amelia sighed, feeling the weight of the encounter with her friend. "Not as I expected. But I'm fine," she replied, trying to hide the mixture of sadness and frustration she still felt. As she spoke, she noticed the sweat and exhaustion on Jason's and Inmaculada's faces. Her mind began to wander, wondering what had really happened. Could they have been involved in some sort of intense physical activity? The idea of them being involved in something more intimate crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. If Jason and Inmaculada wanted to be together, why would they have given her to him?
Jason, noticing her distraction, gently squeezed her hand. "Let's go home. We have a lot to discuss and prepare," he said, guiding her towards the exit with a firmness meant to convey security and confidence.
As they walked towards the exit, Inmaculada bid them farewell with a warm smile. "Jason, Amelia, I hope everything goes well. I'm here for whatever you need."
Amelia responded with a slight nod but couldn't help her reply from sounding a bit distant. The doubts about the relationship between Jason and Inmaculada weighed on her mind, adding to the concern for Lucía and the difficult situation she found herself in.
"Thank you, Inmaculada. We appreciate all your support," Jason said, his tone serious but grateful.
They got into the car, and the chauffeur greeted them with a nod before starting the vehicle. Amelia leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes for a moment, trying to process everything that had happened.
The ride back was enveloped in a heavy silence. Jason, burdened by the situation at Grupo Xiting and Amelia's complicated position, couldn't find the right words to comfort her. Amelia, for her part, felt a whirlwind of emotions: concern for Lucía, suspicions about Jason and Inmaculada, and the constant attacks on social media.
"Jason, I know there are many things I still don't understand," she finally said, breaking the silence, her voice laden with uncertainty. "But I trust that you'll find a way to solve this."
Jason looked at her, his face somber. "We'll try, Amelia. We'll do whatever is necessary," he replied, his tone reflecting the weight of his own worries.
As the car drove away from the mansion, Amelia looked out the window, watching the landscape pass by quickly. Despite the doubts and fears, she knew she couldn't give up. But at that moment, her determination was mixed with a deep sense of unease and vulnerability, aware that the road ahead would be long and challenging.