Chapter 5

Jimena woke up bursting with energy, cheerful and renewed. A shiver ran through her every time she recalled that Saturday night. After so long without intimacy, she felt all her stress melt away. Of course, it wasn’t all happiness—she had to deal with Pablo’s nerves and reassure him that the morning-after pill would prevent a pregnancy. It wasn’t entirely foolproof, but surely, they couldn’t be that unlucky… could they?

There was one thing that left her anxious: the matter of planning. Pablo hadn’t brought it up, and she was afraid to ask for some reason. She didn’t know if what had happened that night would become a regular part of their marriage—like it should—or if it was just a one-time release that wouldn’t happen again.

Insecurity and sadness wrapped around her once more. Since when had she become a fearful, uncertain woman? How was it possible that she saw intimacy with her husband as something unattainable? Would it be a mistake to talk to him about it? Should she?

These thoughts tormented her all morning.

***

Pablo was focused on the monitor, typing and reviewing documents. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn’t hear the door to his office open.

“Mr. Mars,” the brunette with gray eyes called, making a sensual entrance that completely unraveled Pablo’s nerves. “Here are the documents you requested.” She placed the papers on his desk, leaning over more than necessary to give him a clear view of her cleavage. Pablo swallowed hard at the sight she was offering.

“Mr. Mars, I need you to look at something,” she said, moving closer and crouching to his level. “I don’t think this nail color matches my outfit.” The sultry woman ran her hands along her neckline. “The color of my blouse doesn’t go, does it?” she added in a mock-innocent tone.

A wave of heat coursed through Pablo’s body. She leaned in closer to his face, and he froze in place. Suddenly, the door swung open, startling them both. Pablo’s heart leapt to his throat when he saw Jimena standing at the door, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief.

“Ah…” The blonde stammered in shock. “I’m sorry, I should’ve knocked.” Bitterness washed over her chest as she fought to keep the tears brimming in her blue eyes from spilling over.

“Jimena…” Pablo’s face went pale, and he struggled to find words. “What are you doing here?”

“What do you think I’m doing?” she replied angrily. “I have shares in this company too.” She cast a sidelong glance at the assistant.

“Mr. Mars,” the woman addressed Pablo with a hint of malice, “if you don’t need me anymore, I’ll take my leave.” She walked out, swaying her hips deliberately. Before exiting, she paused momentarily to give Jimena a defiant look, then strutted out of the office confidently.

“Your secretary is quite charming,” Jimena remarked with an ironic smile.

“Yes, she is,” he replied indifferently. “What brings you here, Jimena? Where’s the kid?” His tone was sharp as if her presence annoyed him.

“I came to…” She quickly hid the family planning brochure the doctor had given her, which she’d been so eager to share with him, hoping they could choose a method together. “…Adrián is with Marta,” she finished, altering her response.

“And you came for…?” His nervousness made him sound angry.

“What exactly upset you?” Her eyes filled with tears. “That I came to bother you with my presence, or that I interrupted your little intimate moment with your secretary?”

“What nonsense are you talking about, Jimena?” He sank into his chair, flipping through some papers. “If you’re here to make a scene, save it for when I get home. I have a lot of work to do.” His gaze remained fixed on the documents.

Jimena shook her head in disbelief at his audacity and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Pablo let out a heavy sigh, smacking his forehead with his hand in self-reproach.

“I’m screwed,” he muttered, exhaling another frustrated breath.

***

After the argument with Pablo, Jimena went home to wait for her cousin Laura, who had told her she’d be visiting. Jimena was thrilled to hear from her, as Laura had been out of the country for an entire month. She couldn’t wait to ask how her honeymoon had gone.

“Thanks for the gifts,” Jimena said with a hint of shyness, still feeling guilty and ashamed about all the harm she and her sister had caused Laura in the past. She had been so immature. Sometimes, she wished she could turn back time and avoid being influenced by her sister and aunt.

“You don’t have to thank me. I love spoiling my little angel, don’t I, sweetheart?” Laura cooed, leaning close to the baby on her lap and showering him with kisses.

“How’s everything going with Kevin?” Jimena asked playfully.

Laura smiled, her cheeks turning a soft pink. “Well… really good. Though sometimes he drives me crazy. That Kevin is such a mess,” she said, frowning slightly. “But I love being with him. He’s so romantic and sweet, I just want to smother him with kisses.”

“Ah…” Jimena sighed wistfully. “I wish Pablo and I had something like that.” Her eyes filled with tears, threatening to spill.

Laura looked at her with concern. “Are you two okay?” she asked, worried.

“No.” Jimena shook her head as the tears began to fall freely.

“Oh…” Laura murmured sadly. “Did you have a fight?”

“Laura, it’s not about whether we fight or not…” Jimena wiped her tears, forcing a smile. “Our marriage is a disaster. Pablo doesn’t love me anymore, and I think he’s involved with his secretary. I caught them about to kiss, and instead of explaining himself, he treated me like I was intruding. I’m such an idiot for thinking I could win him back. I don’t know what to do—I love him so much, and I’m terrified of losing him.”

Laura hugged her tightly, and Jimena broke down, sobbing uncontrollably in her arms.

“You should talk to him,” Laura suggested gently as she wiped Jimena’s tears. “It might just be a misunderstanding. You need to stand your ground and try to work things out. You’re his wife, so you have every right to an explanation.”

“I know.” Jimena lowered her gaze. “But I feel so insecure around him like I don’t deserve his love. It’s as if, because of me, he’s stuck in a marriage he never wanted.”

“He wasn’t forced to marry you. If he did, it’s because he wanted to. You shouldn’t blame yourself for that,” Laura replied tenderly, pressing a kiss to Jimena’s forehead. “Pablo would be a fool to lose a wife like you.”

“You’re only saying that because you haven’t seen his secretary, Laura,” Jimena said, looking down indignantly. “That woman looks like a model. And I…”

“Stop comparing yourself!” Laura interrupted, frowning. “You’re beautiful, intelligent, a great mother, and a wonderful wife. You’re fun and incredibly strong. Never put yourself down or compare yourself to anyone. Pablo chose you for a reason. And look,” she pointed to Adrián, “together, you made the most beautiful baby in the world.”

Both of them smiled at that.

Laura returned to the gallery, while Jimena headed to the gym to fight off her sadness in the best way she knew—working out.

***

Jimena glanced anxiously at the clock on the wall. It was late, and Pablo still hadn’t come home. Was he with his secretary? When the bedroom door opened, she quickly pretended to be asleep. Was it really so hard to face him? Pablo walked into the bathroom, and a few minutes later, returned in his pajamas. He stood still for a moment, watching her.

“I know you’re awake,” he said, crossing his arms. “Can we talk?”

Jimena’s heart pounded in her chest. This was the moment she had been waiting for, but all she wanted to do was run away. Why was she avoiding him? Fear gripped her. What if he admitted he was interested in that woman? Could she bear such pain?

She sat up, avoiding his gaze, but Pablo moved to her side of the bed and stared at her intently.

“Why did you come to the office today?” he asked, his tone expectant.

“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt… your work,” she said with a touch of irony.

“What the hell are you implying?” he snapped, his frustration evident.

“I know what I saw, Pablo.” She held back tears. “Don’t worry, I won’t make a scene.” She looked at him with a forced smile.

“You see? That’s what I mean when I say you’re not the same woman I fell in love with,” he said angrily. “There was a misunderstanding, and you should’ve demanded an explanation. But instead, you’re passive and complacent, like one of those submissive wives who put up with everything. What happened to your spark? You don’t even flirt with me like you used to! You’ve become so dull and expressionless that you bore me!” he spat, unmoved.

Jimena froze, stunned by his words, the room heavy with an awkward silence. Pablo sighed, ready to lie down when she finally broke the quiet.

“You’re right,” she said, unable to stop the tears from falling. “I’ve changed. No, this meaningless marriage has changed me. Your lack of love and interest, your rejection, your complaints and regrets. Ever since you found out I was pregnant, you changed towards me and made me feel guilty for something you caused.” Her voice wavered, but she pressed on.

“And I don’t regret getting pregnant because I love my son more than anything. But you pressured me into having sex, even though I told you my aunt raised us with certain reservations about pre-marital relationships. You insisted, Pablo. And you didn’t even have the decency to buy a condom that worked. Don’t put all the blame on me because we were both responsible. And forgive me if I don’t know how to deal with a man as small as you.”

With that, she walked out of the room and went to sleep on the sofa in the baby’s room. Once there, the tears she had been holding back poured out freely.