THE LOVELY MISTAKE

Elena’s POV

I open my eyes and survey the room. My head is pounding; what on earth did I do yesterday? I swear I will never drink again in my life.

Yesterday was undoubtedly the worst day ever; Diego left me, he just left me all alone.

Wait, I was drinking with Lorenzo. Where did he go? Oh wait, I kissed Lorenzo last night.

As I turn my head, I feel a gentle breath brush against my face, and what I see next sends chills down my spine.

Oh my God, Lorenzo is lying next to me! What on earth happened? I cautiously peek under the duvet and realize I’m naked! I’m completely naked! What have I done? What have we done? I slept with my husband’s best friend! How could I betray Diego like this? Just one night, Elena, and you’ve ruined your entire life. I carefully get out of bed and start to dress.

He must have been really messed up and drunk not to wake up by now.

I can’t stay here another second. I quickly grab my phone and quietly take my bags outside. As soon as I’m out, I book a ticket back to Los Angeles and make a run for it. I hop into a taxi and head straight to the airport.

What have I done? I betrayed my husband by cheating on Diego with his best friend. How could I? I was so upset with him that I lost my mind, but that didn’t mean I wanted to sleep with someone else, especially not his friend. I’ve really messed up this time. How could I let this happen? And to think I just left Lorenzo without saying a word to him. He was only trying to comfort me, and now I’ve dragged him into this mistake with me.

I arrived in Los Angeles and took a taxi home. As soon as I entered the house, my mother greeted me with a look of confusion.

Not today, God. I can’t deal with her right now.

“You didn’t let me know you were coming back. You should have taken the plan. What happened this time?”

I walk past her, not ready to provide any answers. I’m stressed, I have a migraine, and my mind is a mess.

She steps in front of me, blocking my way out.

“You are not going to ignore me, Elena Cortez! I am your mother, and I deserve your respect. Now tell me what that worthless husband of yours has done this time.”

My mother only speaks in that manner when she is upset; it appears that someone has already provoked this tigress to elicit such a response from her.

"Mom, can we discuss this later? I am feeling unwell and congested, stressed, and in dire need of sleep, and I have the most excruciating migraine imaginable, please."

Her expression softened as she gently caressed my face; it is unusual, as my mother is rarely affectionate.

"Alright, I do not want you to believe that I only enjoy arguing with you constantly, but we will address this later at dinner. Should I contact the doctor?"

How is it that my mother is being so caring and gentle? Can this day possibly get any worse?

"No, I simply need to take a bath, take something for the migraine, and sleep; I will be fine."

She shrugs and moves aside to take her seat at the dining table, while I quickly step past her and walk away.

"I will have someone bring you something for your pain, and do make sure to rest. If you do not notice any improvement, I will call the doctor."

It is peculiar; we have never been on the same wavelength before. I swiftly enter my room and remove my clothes, as I crave a soothing bubble bath. I lock the bathroom door and prepare my bubble bath. As I unwind in the tub, I cannot help but reflect on my betrayal; even though it was a significant mistake, I feel rejuvenated and joyful, as if someone has gifted me an early Christmas present that I have always desired.

Diego has not made me feel this way in quite some time. Whenever we engaged in sexual intimacy, he consistently expressed dissatisfaction, claiming it was never good enough for him. I concurred with his sentiments, as I had always believed that being intimate with the one you love should be a beautiful and magical experience, transcending the ordinary. However, we never truly achieved that sensation.

Despite feeling remorse and guilt for my actions, I cannot shake the thought that my encounter with Lorenzo was a delightful and enchanting error, perhaps influenced by my inebriated state.

I emerge from the bathtub, realizing that this is not alleviating my stress; rather, it is compounding it. I take a swift shower and collapse onto my bed, completely unclothed. My gaze falls upon the pills on my nightstand, and I take them before drifting off to sleep.

I am roused by my father's voice calling out to me. I sit up, wrapped in my duvet, and see him looking at me with concern in his eyes.

"Sweetheart, I did not intend to wake you. Your mother informed me that you returned home upset and unwell. How are you feeling, my dear?"

I cannot contain the tears that threaten to fall at the sight of my father. I quickly embrace him to prevent him from noticing my tears.

"Darling, what transpired in California? What did that scoundrel do to you? Please tell me, Elena, did he harm you? Are you crying, my love?"

My father releases me from our embrace and gently caresses my face. I cannot disclose the truth to him; he would undoubtedly harm Diego and likely Lorenzo as well. Nevertheless, it pains me to be reminded of all that has transpired, and I cannot control the tears that flow uncontrollably.

"Tell me, Elena, what did that scoundrel do to you? I am going to kill him!"

I hold my father back and embrace him tightly. Although I harbor resentment towards Diego for abandoning me in California, I still love him, and he remains my husband. I cannot allow my father to destroy that.

"I am fine, Dad. Diego was simply overwhelmed with work, and I felt bored, so I chose to return home because I missed you. I was unwell due to the stressful journey."

I wipe my tears away and smile at my father, who continues to regard me with a curious expression.

"Are you certain, dear? You are not trying to defend that loser, are you? Tell me the truth, Elena."

"I swear, Dad, I am not trying to defend him. If he causes me any trouble, I will inform you immediately so that you can deal with him accordingly."

He gazes at me and smiles before enveloping me in a bone-crushing embrace; I truly need this, I need to erase everything that transpired in California

"Now cease your sulking in your room, I am here now, come on, it is time for dinner, let us not keep your mother waiting."

I descend the stairs after dressing to find my mother and Eloisa seated at the dining table.

Wonderful! My mother simply had to invite her favorite child home. I take a seat across from Eloisa, who regards me with a smirk.

"You have returned, Elena. What happened to your trip? You didn’t stay long."

I despise her; I absolutely loathe her. Dad shoots her a glare, and she falls silent.

"Do not bother your sister, Eloisa; she is not feeling well."

I refuse to let this slide easily; she had better be cautious. I am irritable, heartbroken, guilty, and I do not have time for her pretty girl antics.

"My trip was splendid, dear sister. I encountered Lorenzo in California, and he appears to be enjoying himself with one woman. What was her name again? Oh yes, Jane. I believe he has feelings for her; he may propose very soon."

I smile at her as the grin is entirely erased from her face, replaced by a frown. Well, she should not have provoked me today of all days. She drops her fork with a loud clatter, and everyone turns to look at her. She gazes at me, shocked and heartbroken, as her tears threaten to spill. Why do I feel remorse for saying that to her?

"You are a wretched liar, Elena. I am finished with you; you can eat alone."

She exits, and my father turns to me with a smirk. I should not feel sympathy for her; she has treated me far worse. This will certainly teach her to mind her own affairs. I glance over to see my mother glaring at me.

"You will never change, Elena. And Richard, I cannot believe you condone this immature behavior of hers. She is 28 years old; she ought to cease arguing with her sister like a child."

There goes the little affection I believed she had for me. My mother will remain unchanged. My father turns to her and bursts into laughter, and I join him as well.

"Come on, Eva, you know your daughter better than anyone. The man has moved on; so what? Her sister was merely looking out for her best interests. She is also 28; she needs to mature and find someone who truly desires her and wishes to spend his life with her."

My mother glares at both of us before standing up and walking out, muttering something under her breath. My dad and I exchange glances and continue our meal. Well, there goes another family gathering; I am certain Eloisa is upstairs, crying her heart out.

After dinner, my father left to handle some paperwork, and I retreated to my room. I wish to avoid encountering my mother or Eloisa, as it would likely lead to another significant argument. I picked up my phone and noticed several missed calls from Lorenzo. I cannot speak to him at this moment; I cannot confront him or manage this situation. What we did was wrong and reprehensible.

I should simply forget about that night. Yes, if I wish to alleviate my guilt and escape this predicament, I must act as if it never occurred. I picked up my phone and blocked Lorenzo's number; we will never discuss that night because it did not happen, and I will ensure it remains that way.

NEXT MORNING

I hurriedly donned my yoga pants and one of my favorite Superman T-shirts, making my way downstairs to the dining table for breakfast, where everyone gazed at me as if I had birds perched on my head.

I am aware that I appear quite disheveled; I had wept profusely the previous night and was unable to find rest due to the overwhelming guilt I carry, which is evident in my morning appearance.

My eyes were red and swollen, my hair resembled a bird's nest, and I am certain my face looks puffy from the lack of sleep. I silently mouthed a good morning and quickly took my seat, when my father touched my arm, prompting me to look up and meet his concerned gaze.

"Are you okay, hun?"

I offered him a smile and nodded, fully aware that if I spoke even a single word at that moment, I would likely burst into tears once more.

"It is evident that you are not okay; your trip did not go well. If only you had heeded my advice and followed my instructions precisely, you would not be facing these issues in your marriage."

Oh my God! Why is it that every time this woman opens her mouth, she manages to irritate me? I cannot endure it any longer; I will not tolerate it. I rose from the table and excused myself.

"Do not even think about walking out on me and your father, Elena. Why can’t you behave like your sister? You always insist on doing things your own way, and now look at the consequences: your husband has left you, and you are left here sulking alone."

I turn to face my mother, questioning how she can truly be my mother when she ridicules me at every opportunity, as if I repulse her.

"You need to watch your words, Eva. Remember, you are speaking to your daughter, and your words are causing her pain."

My father yells at my mother, who responds with an incredulous expression before turning back to me. I am not interested in hearing what she has to say.

"Wait, Elena, I apologize. I genuinely care about you, and even if your father refuses to acknowledge it, I can sense that something is wrong, and we must address it."

Here we go again. I leave before she can say anything that might upset me.

I head towards the garden and find Eloisa sulking by the poolside, smoking. Clearly, I am not the only one feeling unwell today. I take a seat beside her, and she looks at me, making me uneasy.

What on earth happened to her? Her hair is a mess, her face is swollen and red, and her eyes look as if they might pop out of her head. She resembles a drug addict. Perhaps I overreacted with my comments about Lorenzo.

"You look terrible, Elena. I assume your trip was not pleasant?"

I can always count on her to try to provoke me, even when she appears worse off.

"You are not looking any better yourself. Just so you know, I was joking about Lorenzo. He is not involved with anyone seriously, so stop making me feel guilty and return to being your perfect self."

She gazes at me with a frown before embracing me. As strange as it feels, I find comfort and relaxation in her arms; it seems we both needed this hug.

"I am aware that you were dishonest regarding Lorenzo, yet it still affects me to think that I may not be the one destined to be with him. He is a good man, Elena; it is rare to find men of his caliber. Believe me, I should know, having dated a significant portion of the male population, all of whom have proven to be disappointing. Therefore, cease feeling guilty and focus on yourself. You must ensure that your husband recognizes your worth, but do not ever attempt what you did yesterday again, or I assure you, I will take drastic measures against you."

I chuckle and feel at ease in her embrace; it is moments like these that reveal my sister's kinder side. She releases me and wraps her arms around me once more.

"Let us have a makeover, Elena. I truly miss those times; we only engaged in such activities when we were thirteen. Please, I need this to unwind, and I am certain you will enjoy it as well."

What?! I despise being Eloisa's doll for makeovers. We ceased our makeover games after Eloisa kissed Timmy, a boy I had feelings for, which effectively ended our playtime. However, perhaps I do need this to de-stress. I nodded in agreement, and she giggled as we both stood up and walked past our parents, who looked at us in astonishment. We made our way to Eloisa's room, where she keeps all her beauty supplies.

We both began by showering and applying each other’s makeup, followed by styling each other’s hair. Eloisa prefers her hair to be curly and wavy, while I prefer mine straight. Afterward, we transitioned to dress-up games, where we ended up laughing and cheering for each other’s costumes, reminiscent of our childhood. Eventually, we collapsed onto her bed, feeling utterly exhausted.

She gazes at me and smiles.

"You know I don’t harbor any hatred towards you, right? It’s just overwhelming to have someone who resembles me, yet is so different and sophisticated. Sometimes, I wish I could be like you, Elena, confronting life boldly, saying no to mom, and having dad’s unwavering support. It can be tiring to feel jealous of you at times."

Seriously, did she just admit to being jealous of me? I never imagined she would express such a sentiment.

"I don’t hate you either, Eloisa. Yes, it is overwhelming to have someone who looks like me, but you are a perfect and more beautiful version of myself. I also grow weary of feeling jealous of you."

She looks at me and smiles before cuddling me, and I snuggle deeper into her embrace.

"We should have conversations like this more frequently. It feels wonderful to have peace with you, Elena, rather than constantly being at odds."

I return her smile as sleep overtakes me. At least I have my family’s support, even if it can be somewhat questionable at times.

I am awakened by Eloisa, who is shaking me and fussing about.

"Wake up, Elena! You sleep like a pig. It’s time for dinner. Get out of my bed; you’re ruining my favorite duvet with your smelly saliva!"

I anticipated that everything would revert to normal once we were awake, and it did. I got up and stared at Eloisa, who was scowling at me. I responded with a grin and let out a fart.

"How dare you! You smelly, dirty pig! How could you fart on my blanket? You are so dead, Elena!"

I swiftly evade her strike and dash towards the dining table, taking a seat beside my father, who is smiling at me. Eloisa rushes downstairs and shoots me a glare before she settles into her chair next to our mother.

"Well, you two appear happy and cheerful this evening; this is what I love to see—my two beautiful daughters getting along as the sisters they truly are."

I smile at my father, and Eloisa does the same before she turns to glare at me again. I can tell she is plotting her revenge with that devious mind of hers.

"Girls, are you even listening to me?"

We both turn to face our mother. I did not catch a single word she said; she looks at us with annoyance before dismissing it.

"Your father has decided to retire, and we have agreed that before he does, he will teach you both the ins and outs of his business. We are hosting his official retirement party tomorrow evening and inviting many guests, particularly business associates and company employees, so that your father can formally introduce you both as his heirs."

Eloisa beams and cheers, while my father glances at my mother and mutters to himself. I can't shake the feeling that he is not entirely supportive of her plan.

"Elena is the one who will take over the business, Eva; Eloisa will assist her while also pursuing her own career. Do not misinterpret what I said."

Eloisa continues to smile, but I feel a wave of anxiety. Taking over my father's business is a significant responsibility, and I struggle to manage my own life; how on earth will I handle his business? My father touches my hand and smiles at me.

"Do not be anxious, my dear; I am confident you will excel. Everything will be alright."

Right, everything will work out. I take a deep breath to steady my racing nerves. Everything will be fine; I sincerely hope so.