Episode 2

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.

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