Chapter 3: An Awkward Dinner
The elegant dining room of Julio's estate was set for an evening of grandeur. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished mahogany table adorned with silverware and pristine china. Despite the luxury surrounding her, Lía felt small. She sat quietly, her hands resting on her lap, while the voices of her father and his associates echoed around the room.
It was supposed to be a celebration—a show of the supposed "happiness" between her and Alejandro. But happiness was a facade that crumbled the moment Alejandro walked into the room with a practiced indifference that pierced Lía's heart.
Julio, ever the master of appearances, raised his glass. "A toast to my daughter and my son-in-law," he began, his voice filled with the kind of pride that only masked his true intentions. "The perfect union of family and business."
Lía forced a smile as the guests clinked their glasses, her gaze flickering to Alejandro, who barely raised his own. He didn't look at her. He hadn't since they arrived.
"Thank you, Father," Lía said softly, her voice almost drowned by the hum of conversation.
Julio leaned in slightly, his smile thin. "You'll need to be more convincing than that, my dear. A wife's charm is essential, especially when her husband is as... reserved as Alejandro."
Lía felt the heat rise to her cheeks. "I'm doing my best," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"Then perhaps your best isn't good enough," Julio replied coldly before turning his attention back to the table.
Across the room, Camila watched the interaction with a clenched jaw. She had been invited under the guise of moral support for Lía, but it was clear Julio had ulterior motives. She had known Julio for years, and his manipulative nature was no secret.
As the evening wore on, Camila caught Lía's eye and gave her an encouraging nod. It was a small gesture, but it reminded Lía that she wasn't entirely alone in this nightmare.
The first course was served, and the room filled with the sound of cutlery against porcelain. Alejandro remained silent, his attention seemingly fixed on his plate. Lía, desperate to bridge the chasm between them, turned to him.
"How was work today?" she asked softly, her voice tentative.
"Fine," Alejandro replied without looking up.
Julio's laughter cut through the tension like a blade. "It seems my daughter has yet to learn how to hold her husband's attention," he said, his tone dripping with mockery.
The guests chuckled politely, but Camila's hand tightened around her fork. "Perhaps Alejandro should be the one making an effort," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the room.
The laughter ceased, and all eyes turned to Camila. Julio's expression darkened. "And who are you to make such a statement?"
"A friend," Camila said, holding her ground. "One who won't stand by while you humiliate Lía in front of an audience."
Julio's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Camila turned to Lía. "You deserve better than this," she said gently. "You're not a pawn in your father's game, and you don't have to accept being treated like one."
Lía's throat tightened, but she managed a small nod. The warmth in Camila's words was a stark contrast to the coldness she felt from everyone else at the table.
Before Julio could regain control of the conversation, a voice from the doorway drew everyone's attention.
"Apologies for being late," the woman said, her tone light but commanding.
Lía's heart sank as she turned to see her. Sofía.
Dressed impeccably in a sleek black dress, Sofía walked into the room with the confidence of someone who knew she belonged. Her dark eyes scanned the table before landing on Alejandro, who froze in his seat.
Julio rose from his chair, his smile wide and welcoming. "Ah, Sofía. A pleasure to have you join us," he said. "Everyone, allow me to introduce our newest executive at Morales Enterprises."
The revelation hit Lía like a tidal wave. Not only was Sofía back in Alejandro's life, but she was also now an integral part of his business.
Alejandro stood, his movements stiff, as Sofía approached him. "It's good to see you again, Alejandro," she said, her voice smooth as silk.
"Sofía," he replied, his tone unreadable.
Lía's chest tightened as she watched the exchange. The familiarity between them was impossible to ignore, as was the tension simmering beneath the surface.
Sofía turned to Lía then, her smile polite but distant. "And you must be Lía," she said. "I've heard so much about you."
"Likewise," Lía replied, forcing a smile.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Lía barely touched her food, her appetite stolen by the weight of Sofía's presence. Alejandro spoke more in those few hours than he had in their entire marriage, but most of his words were directed at Sofía.
Camila, seated beside Lía, leaned in. "Are you okay?" she whispered.
Lía nodded, but the tears brimming in her eyes told a different story.
As the dinner wound down, Julio rose once again to make a final toast. "To new beginnings," he said, his gaze flickering between Alejandro and Sofía.
The implication was clear, and it was a dagger to Lía's already fragile heart.
Alejandro didn't react, his expression a mask of indifference. But when Sofía raised her glass, her eyes meeting his, Lía knew she was outmatched.
The drive back to the penthouse was silent. Alejandro stared out the window, his thoughts unreadable, while Lía fought to keep her emotions in check.
When they arrived, he made no effort to speak to her, disappearing into his study without a word. Lía stood in the foyer, her fists clenched at her sides.
The evening had been a cruel reminder of her place in Alejandro's life—on the sidelines, overshadowed by the ghost of a woman who still held his heart.
In his study, Alejandro poured himself a glass of whiskey, his mind replaying the events of the evening. His phone buzzed on the desk, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw the message.
Sofía: Thank you for tonight. It was good to see you again. Let's talk soon.
He stared at the words, the conflict within him growing.
In the bedroom, Lía sat on the edge of the bed, her resolve hardening. If she was going to survive this marriage, she needed to find her own strength—even if it meant standing up to both Alejandro and her father.
The battle for her dignity had only just begun.