"My name is Valentina, I'm thirty-two years old. I am a single mother, I have a daughter named Emma. She is three years old and she is my adoration."

I have always tried to give her everything.

I tuck her in, leaving a kiss on her forehead, and turn off the lamp that illuminates the room. I go out and see my cousin Trini sitting in the living room, watching the novels she likes so much, "of love".

"Vale, are you leaving already?"she asks me when she sees me taking my bag and umbrella.

"Yes. Today they asked me to arrive early since a colleague asked for permission."

"The boxing bag?"

She tells me and I see her angry.

"Trini don't say those things."

"I don't understand what woman lets herself get hit, come on Vale there are many stones in the street, and in the house there are pans to defend yourself with."

"Anything call me, you know I'm always on the phone."

"Yes, mother hen"she mocks me.

She is barely 18 years old, and at night she works as my daughter's nanny. I leave home and see the car, the one I bought with a lot of effort.

I greet my aunt who is taking out the garbage, she works cleaning in a very important company, she is always aware of the vacancies in the company because she wants me to leave that job.

I get in my car and drive to work. I sigh and smile as I remember how silly I used to be at Trini's age. I never imagined my life would be like this. And I'm not referring to my daughter, of course not. She is the only reason I'm still here, fighting. I mean, when I was young, I used to dream of the prince of the novels that Trini is watching now.

I look at the huge line of cars and I refuse because no matter how early I left, I can't arrive on time because of the traffic. While I wait, thoughts come to me in a cascade.

I see myself studying to be someone in life. I was never a conformist. I always wanted more, never to be stuck. I finished my degree in Finance, but it was useless if I couldn't find a job in that... Then I got pregnant, and look at me now, here, working as a dancer in thematic shows. There are girls who do nudes, but I only give a show.

It was the only job I could take when I arrived three years ago with my daughter in my arms.

I arrived at my aunt's house since she is the only family I have, she always asked me to come and live with her here. After what happened I didn't hesitate and I arrived in this country to start a different life from scratch with my daughter.

A week later I became independent since I wanted to have my space and with my past I only wanted to be alone with my daughter, I managed to rent next to my aunt's house and that's where I live and it's that this job gives me the money I need. I have always tried to give everything to my daughter. She has never lacked anything, and I want it to continue like this.

Emma requires a lot of attention, as she suffers from seizures. Just remembering the reason makes me clench my fists in impotence as I walk through the corridors of the nightclub.

"***Caused by prenatal trauma***".

"*I clearly remember the doctor's diagnosis*."

I arrive at the changing rooms and my colleagues greet me. I see them getting ready in front of the mirrors and I lock myself in a cubicle where I change. I come out dressed in a wig and mask. My clothes are usually the same every day, only the color varies: short skirt and belly button blouse. I always wear stockings and long sleeves, as if the fabric could cover more than it really covers.

I remember the first weeks... I felt dirty, even though I only danced. But over time I got used to it. I realized that if I didn't do something my daughter would die, she is my greatest motivation.

Like every night, I go out to give the show. The extra classes I took when I was studying helped me a lot, I always liked dancing, and ballet was something I knew how to unite with my style for the same purpose.

My night concludes and the people applaud Arabeska, my artistic name.

I say goodbye and go back to the changing room. I take off my mask and I feel like I can breathe again.

"Arabeska, a client wants to see you"my boss tells me.

Without seeing him, I shake my head.

"You know what the answer is."

"I understand that your daughter needs a very expensive study... you need it. It's just accompanying him at the table."

"And sit on his legs"

"Only that. He would give you thousands. You are the most requested."

"Thanks, Lobo, but no."

He nods and leaves. I go back in. If I'm still here, it's because Lobo has always respected our decision.

"I heard that her boyfriend beat her"says one of my colleagues, talking about the one who didn't come today.

And I believe her. Several times we have seen her arrive beaten up to work. She always puts makeup on the bruises, but the worst thing that can exist is a beaten woman who doesn't ask for help. And when someone offers it, she doesn't want to be helped. How many times haven't my colleagues tried to get her out of there... and she always returns with the one who has left her in a pool of blood.

I move away because for me it will be a topic that always brings back bad memories and just imagining it makes me want to force her to leave before that animal kills her.

In the rest of the night I only dedicate myself to serving the drinks at one or another table, until my departure time arrives.

I change leaving the wig and the mask. I leave through the door where only the workers have access, I drive to my house and Trini is watching movies.

I greet her going up to my daughter's room and from the door I see her sleeping, coming home and seeing her sleeping so peacefully is worth every second in that job.

With a smile on my face I go down to where Trini is.

"My mother has great news for you."

"Really?"

I ask her taking off my shoes.

"A new vacancy has opened, no more and no less in the company where she works, it is for a position where you must be close to the hottie of her boss."

"Who?"

I ask her and she sits down to explain to me and it makes me laugh because she always says things very excitedly.

"I mean, not that boss, the clumsy, fat, bald bitter one, no, I'm talking about the boss of bosses, the owner of the company. The hottie of the magazines."

I nod since I know who she is talking about, he is an arrogant and haughty and bitter man who believes he is the last bottle of water in the desert, I saw him once from afar and even so I could feel his aura of an unbearable man and that was enough for me to know what kind of person he is.

"I saw you arrive."

My aunt tells me leaving a kiss on my forehead and sits in front of me.

"There is already a vacancy so let's get to work......."

My name is Armando Garza, I am 25 years old and I am the absolute owner of Nuevo Imperio, the number one company in the country.

Since I was little I knew what my destiny was. I didn't deviate an inch until I achieved it, even if it meant walking on someone else's ashes. My last name carried a curse: my father was accused of money laundering when I was just a child and that erased us from the top. We had to start from scratch. Or rather, I had to.

Today, as I promised my parents, they live surrounded by comforts. They rest. Now it's my turn.

"Armando, why didn't Alexa come with you?" asks my mother, looking up as I check my cell phone.

"She has things to do. Just like me."

I get up from the couch and my mother comes over to hug me.

"Tomorrow I want to have a family dinner."

"Mother, you have a card. Use it."

"It's just that your father is bothered... Could you talk to him?"

"Okay."

I leave her behind and go out into the garden. My father is sitting, immobile, not even looking at the flowers. I approach and he, without turning to see me, perceives my presence.

"Your mother can do whatever she wants," he says in a harsh voice. "It's up to her if she still wants to pretend that she is part of the society that spat on us when we needed it most."

"Father... for Mom it's a way to escape everything that happened."

"But not with those who turned their backs on us."

He is silent for a second, then abruptly changes the subject

"And you and Alexa? How are you?"

"Normal."

"Do you have a wedding date yet?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"In six months."

"That's a long time."

"I know."

My cell phone vibrates. It's Alexa. I sigh before answering.

"Armando, my parents want you to come tonight. They want to start planning the engagement party."

"I'm busy."

"My parents are waiting for you. They will be upset if you don't go."

"And do you think I care? I'm not their damn employee!"

"I'm sorry, love. I'll handle it," she replies in her pampered voice before hanging up.

"Moderate the way you talk to her," my father growls.

I leave without answering. I'm about to get into my Ferrari when my mother appears hurriedly.

"Alexa called me. Her parents are waiting for you tonight... why don't we go?"

"I already told her that I have things to do."

She nods, but fails to hide the sadness in her eyes.

"I just want everything to go back to the way it was before. We have a second chance... but I seem like a freak between you and your father."

"I'm sorry you see it that way. I have to go back to the office."

I get into the car and drive away from that house that, although luxurious, always seemed colder to me than my penthouse.

Upon arriving, I take off my trench coat. It has started to snow. The fireplace is already lit. I sit in front of it, loosening my tie.

Since I was a child, I had no choice. My mind was trained to achieve this. To be the owner of everything. At any price.

My cell phone rings. It's Julian.

"Armando, I suppose you are celebrating your girlfriend's new clothing line."

"What do you want?" I answer, rubbing my face. It's been a shitty day since my secretary quit without notice.

"The vacancy came out, but you should accept the candidate that Alexa and her parents recommend. If not, the same thing will happen as with the last one. She will end up quitting."

"Julian, I need someone in that position tomorrow. Right now."

"Are you in your penthouse? I'm going there."

I hang up, knowing he will come even if I tell him no. Thirty minutes later, the elevator rings.

But it's not Julian who comes in. It's Alexa.

She's wearing a white coat that she takes off as soon as she enters, revealing the lingerie she's wearing underneath. She walks over to me, sits on my lap and puts her hands on my shoulders.

"Put on your coat. Julian is on his way," I say, pushing her hands away. Instead of relaxing me, she is irritating me more.

"Is it Julian... or Violeta?"

She looks at me angrily.

"I hate claims. Take your coat and get out of my house. Go to your parents. If you want to cancel the wedding, do it."

She wipes away her tears in silence, picks up her coat and presses the elevator button.

"The wedding is canceled."

"It's fine with me."

The doors open. Julian gets out of the elevator just as she gets in, causing the doors to close.

"And now what happened? Did she find messages from Violeta again?"

I don't answer. My look says it all, that I won't answer him. He pours two glasses of vodka.

"The resumes have arrived. Choose one."

"Discard all those who have already worked as a secretary, those who have connections with wealthy families, and those who were recommended by the Vitres."

"Okay, out with the vulture clan," he says, laughing. And yes, that's what they are. Scavengers who only approach when they smell defeat.

"Also discard those born here. I want someone who has recently arrived in this city. Who has family. Who really needs the job and doesn't leave it abandoned."

"With those filters there are only five left."

He shows me the options, but I don't look. I keep watching the fire.

"Choose whichever one. Have her come tomorrow. I need it urgently."

Julian takes out his cell phone and shows me a news item.

> "The model Alexa Vitres launches her new summer clothing line and expresses her enthusiasm for the preparations for her wedding with the businessman Armando Garza."

"Impressive. She leaves here crying and five minutes later she is on a live broadcast announcing the wedding with enthusiasm."

And what surprises me the most... is that you put up with her. Although, well, she must be good at something.

He pours more vodka.

"Sometimes I wonder why you put up with her... but then I remember when I heard her say that you thought you were Christian Grey."

"Who?"

"A guy who liked to tie women up in bed and do I don't know how many strange things to them..... he makes them sign I don't know what and he puts them in......"

I take the glass from his hands.

"Yaaaa, go home. You're talking nonsense already."

I yell, holding my throbbing temple, he gets up without taking offense. I watch him leave and I block the elevator. I don't want anyone else coming up tonight.

I go up to my room, take a hot shower, put on my pajama pants and get into bed.

I end my shitty day.

My aunt is sitting in front of me.

"Done, I recommended you," she says with a proud smile.

"Thank you," I reply as I check my cell phone and notice that they have already received my resume. It surprises me, since it's not office hours. I look at the time: 4:00 a.m.

"Don't these people sleep or what? They must be exploiters," I think, frowning.

But seeing the hope reflected in Trini's mother's face, I take a deep breath and decide to think positively.

"When is Emma's surgery?"

"There's no date yet," I say in a thin, tired voice.

She gets up and signals to Trini.

"Let's go, Vale needs to rest," she says, and Trini comes over to hug me tenderly before leaving.

I close the door softly and go up to my room. I lie down next to Emma, hug her, and close my eyes tightly. Like a gust of wind, the memory of my adoptive parents comes to my mind... giving me everything, educating me carefully, without me knowing that, in reality, they were just preparing me to be their son's wife.

My biological mother had worked for them. She died when I was very young, and they left me in the care of that family, who were supposed to take care of me.

I abruptly cut off the memory, sitting up suddenly with my heart beating like a drum. I was out of breath.

One day I found letters from my aunt, always asking about my mother and me. That's how I managed to contact her, that's how I had family again. But she doesn't know anything about my past, and I want it to stay that way. I want her to think that I was just a naive young woman who got pregnant by an idiot who abandoned us. It's easier to live with that version.

I go to the bathroom, and as I pass the computer, I see an email notification.

> We appreciate your interest in working with us, but we have already chosen another candidate. In the future, should another vacancy open, we will take you into account.

"Idiots... as if that job were to attend to the King of England," I murmur sarcastically.

I'm upset. It frustrates me, it offends me. I didn't want to work there, but it makes me angry.

"Anyway, who wants to work in a corrupt company full of men who think they're the center of the universe?" I grumble to myself as I brush my teeth.

I keep talking without a filter, arguing with no one, until a little voice interrupts me.

"Mommy..."

I stop immediately and come out of the bathroom. Emma is sitting on the bed, rubbing her little eyes with her hands. I get on the bed and tickle her. She laughs, and when she's fully awake, I pick her up and take her to the bathroom.

While I brush her teeth, she sticks her cheek to mine, and we look at each other in the mirror. The reflection moves me... she's identical to me. A mini version of me, with that angelic face that heals everything.

I dress her carefully, comb her hair into two pigtails, and then I get ready. I've always liked to match our clothes. Today we're wearing blouses of the same color: she with denim pants and me too, only she with sneakers and me with heels.

I put her little bag across her chest, the one she doesn't let go of even to sleep, and I grab mine. We leave the house and I put on my sunglasses.

"How's my princess?" says my aunt, bending down to pick her up.

Emma wraps her arms around her.

"Hello, Auntie," my daughter says, leaning on her shoulder as if her refuge were there.

"They already responded about the vacancy," I tell my aunt. "They already chose someone else."

I see the disappointment on her face and something else, but I can't figure out what it is. I know that deep down she wants me to stop working in that place. She doesn't trust them... but I've already gotten used to it.

"How's the most beautiful princess on the planet?" says Trini, showering Emma with kisses.

"How beautiful! Where are you going?"

"I want to take Emma to the mall," I reply. "In fact, we were coming to you first so we could go together. Do you want to come?"

"That's a silly question!" says Trini, running back to her house, and I laugh.

"I start working in an hour," my aunt says as she checks her watch.

"You were supposed to have today off... that's why I asked for mine, to coincide with you."

"That's right, but a woman my age can no longer afford to risk getting fired."

"Aunt, that's not the point. They have to respect your schedule. Did they ask you nicely? Will they give you another day in return? Besides, you're young and beautiful too."

And I'm not lying, my aunt has managed to maintain herself despite being a widow.

She looks at me tenderly, but avoids answering.

"Take care. I'm getting late," she says finally, leaving a kiss on both of our foreheads.

And with that, she tells me more than she thinks. I know her boss is a bastard who has no consideration. Hopefully the day he gets fired, they'll at least give him company stock, because she takes care of it as if it were her own.

Trini comes out quickly, and then my aunt.

"I'll take you," I offer.

"No, you guys go. I'll take the usual bus."

"Aunt, that's not an option. Let's go," I say, opening the door.

"Let's go, Auntie!" Emma adds, and that convinces her.

She gets in without arguing anymore.

"I don't want you to fight, Vale," she warns me.

"I won't," I assure her with a smile.

We arrive at the company. It's the second time I've come, and I'm still impressed by how huge and luxurious it is. Tinted windows, automatic doors, an elegant fountain in the center. It seems like another world.

My aunt gets out, says goodbye with a kiss, and enters the building.

Suddenly, I hear a strange noise in the rear tire. I get out to check.

Just when I bend down, a deep voice startles me:

"Parking here is prohibited."

I turn around immediately, and I can't help it... for a moment I feel like my mouth is hanging open.

The man in front of me is obviously someone important, he looks quite good, and his presence is something that doesn't go unnoticed.