The Weight Of Wealth

~~Elena~~

I stood in shock, unable to breathe. A storm of emotions tore through me,fear that chilled my bones and jealousy that set my heart ablaze.

But deep down, the truth was undeniable. I had always been the one throwing myself into his arms, desperate for a piece of him.

And yet, the ink on his chest told me what my heart refused to accept.

The woman he loved… was Valentina. Not me.

“What’s wrong?” he asked the moment his gaze fell on me.

I froze. The answer lingered on my lips, but I swallowed it back. What right did I have to ask him about anything? I was no match for Valentina. She was a celebrity, radiant as a goddess,while I was just… me.

I shook my head quickly. He continued dressing, buttoning his shirt with calm precision, while my mind spiraled into a storm of thoughts.

“I have a meeting with a client. Make yourself comfortable,” he said simply.

“No… no. I’ll be leaving,” I blurted out, rushing toward one of the bags. I pulled out a simple yellow gown, slipped into the bathroom, and slid into it without even taking a bath. It fit perfectly, brushing my knees, but my heart still felt restless.

When I stepped out, he was fixing his tie. “I’m leaving,” I muttered.

He turned to me. “I’ll drop you off.”

“No… no, I don’t want you to,” I said quickly, my voice trembling.

His gaze held me for a moment before he moved toward the wardrobe. He pulled open a drawer, retrieved my bag, and handed it to me.

Without hesitation, I snatched it and bolted out of the room.

I took out my phone with shaky fingers, I dialed Mariana.

“Please… I need you to come pick me up,” I whispered, tears stinging my eyes.

“Chill, baby girl. Where are you? I’m coming.”

“I… I don’t know where I am.”

“Take a picture of any signboard. As long as it’s in Madrid, I’ll find you.”

Stepping outside the gates, I spotted a restaurant across the street. My hands trembled as I snapped a photo and sent it to her.

Her reply came instantly. Not far from my dad’s hospital. I’ll be there. Just wait.

I tried to calm my racing heart, but the pain in my chest mixed with the sting in my feet.

I could barely stand. My legs were swollen in my heels.

Within a minute Mariana’s car came into view.

I practically fell into the passenger seat and leaned back, letting out a shaky breath.

“Seat belt,” she said. I nodded and clicked it on.

“What happened? Why were you sobbing on the phone?” she asked as she started the engine.

I stayed silent.

“Elena, talk to me. Why are you here?”

“Please… I need cold water,” I whispered.

She drove up to a convenience store and ran in. A moment later she was back with two chilled bottles. “Here.” She handed one to me and set the other in the cup holder.

I drank until the cold steadied me. Her eyes never left my face. “Now tell me.” she said.

I spilled everything,every ugly and shameful piece,from the party to this morning.

When I finished,she buried her face in her hands, then lifted her head, speechless. “Elena… why….” she started, but shut her mouth and closed her eyes, trying to stop herself.

She drew a deep breath, then snarled under it, “I told you Rodriguez men are dangerous. Especially Carlos… he’s stupid. I swear I want to strangle him.” she said

I could see it in her eyes.Mariana was struggling, fighting a battle inside herself. She didn’t want to blame me, didn’t want to say the words I knew were at the edge of her tongue.

But the truth lingered between us. This wasn’t just about Carlos. It was about Alejandro.

Her grip on the wheel tightened. Her jaw locked. I braced myself, waiting for the storm, but it never came.

Instead, she closed her eyes briefly, releasing a breath that trembled with frustration. “Elena…” she whispered, and the sound of my name carried more weight than any accusation she could have spoken aloud.

She pressed her lips together, as if locking away everything she wanted to say.

Then she started the engine.

“Let’s go home,” she muttered, her voice low but firm.

I sank deeper into the seat, silent, as the car rolled forward.

********

The car slowed to a halt at the front gate of the Rodriguez mansion.

I unfastened my seat belt, already reaching for the handle when Mariana’s hand moved faster, locking the door shut again.

The gates swung open, and the car slid inside.

“Why are you driving in?” I asked, panic rising in my chest.

She parked with calm defiance, her eyes sharp. “Saving your ass,” she said flatly as she pushed her door open.

My heart raced. I had no choice but to follow her out.

We stepped inside, and a shocking scene greeted me.

My aunt sat there with her daughter, Isabella,both engaged in easy conversation with Carlos’s mother.

The moment Isabella saw me, her lips curled into a mocking smile. “Oh, my sweet cousin,” she said, gliding toward me as if we were the dearest of friends.

Mariana instinctively stepped forward, but I caught her arm and gave her a quiet nod.

“Is she your bodyguard?” Isabella sneered, her eyes flicking to Mariana with obvious disdain.

Before I could answer, Carlos’s mother’s voice cut through the room, sharp as a blade.

“Where are you coming from?”

Mariana answered before I could open my mouth."She’s coming from my house,” she said firmly, meeting their stares head-on.

Carlos’s mum stood up, her steps sharp as she came toward us. My aunt followed closely behind.

“I remember clearly,you left with Carlos. He came home yesterday… but you didn’t,” she accused, her eyes narrowing at me.

Mariana didn’t flinch. “Why don’t you ask your son what he did to her?” she cut in, her voice firm.

The room fell into total silence, as if deep down, everyone already knew what Carlos was capable of.

“Then why did you let her sleep over? You should have brought her home,” my aunt’s voice rang out, pressing further.

“And why should I answer that?” Mariana shot back coldly.

The silence that followed was heavier than before.

I turned my gaze to Mariana. She had really grown up. Once, I was the one who always defended her. Back in high school, her life was so simple. Nobody knew her parents were wealthy. She was bullied until I stood up for her,and from then on, we became inseparable.

Later, I found out her parents were doctors, not middle-class as everyone thought. That was just her lifestyle. Simple. Humble. But today… She was standing tall, fierce, and untouchable.

Indeed, being wealthy stopped nonsense. I used to be bold too, because I believed I had everything.

“Whatever,” my cousin muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Why are you people here?” I managed to ask, my voice low but steady.

“Of course, we came to see you,” Isabella answered sweetly, her words coated in poison.

“Cut the crap, Isabella. We’re not close,” I snapped.

“Such a fun killer,” she muttered, eyes rolling again.

Carlos’s mother’s gaze lingered on me and Mariana for a moment before she turned and climbed the stairs, without any words.

I let out a slow breath. “Since you don’t want to say why you’re here… Mariana, see you later. And thank you for today. I owe you one.” I hugged her tightly before turning toward my room.

“Your grandmother is awake. She’s been asking for you."My aunt’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

I froze mid-step on the stairs, my whole body going stiff.