Chapter 4

The sun was just about to set, its soft glow highlighting the whitewashed walls with terracotta roofs. Ainara loved their home—it was one of the reasons she chose Architecture instead of a business degree. From her private balcony, she could see everything.

The lush gardens and centuries‑old acacia trees were still there, and she remembered her old tire swing. The bougainvillea still bloomed endlessly, and because of it, her favorite color had become fuchsia.

She noticed the cobblestone path that led guests through a candlelit courtyard. String lights crisscrossed above like fireflies. Romance was in the air, but knowing her mother was remarrying did not make her happy. She wanted her mother to be happy, of course. It was just that Jaime—she had no words. He had always been kind to her, even before, so she couldn’t understand why she resisted him for her mother.

A soft love song floated through the air. The quartet her mother had chosen was rehearsing for tonight’s entertainment.

It looked perfect—almost too perfect. Round tables draped in ivory linens, each adorned with low arrangements of white orchids, eucalyptus, and golden anthuriums. Her mother had always loved orchids, so Ainara wasn’t surprised they were the centerpiece.

Soon, guests began arriving one by one. Some she knew, others she didn’t—probably Jaime’s acquaintances. The host welcomed everyone, and through it all, Ainara held a champagne flute. Santino sat at the same table but was busy with his girlfriend, Julie.

“Sorry, I’m late.” The words were whispered, but she knew exactly whose voice it was.

Ainara swallowed as she felt his warm breath against her nape. She wasn’t sure whether to turn and greet her boss… her soon‑to‑be stepbrother.

“That’s understandable. Jetlag can be vicious,” she replied without facing him. She pretended to listen to the host, though she wasn’t absorbing a word.

When the appetizers were served, Ainara finally sat properly. Why did they have to be seated together? Andres could have been placed at another table.

“Look, honey. Our kids are all seated together. Aren’t they adorable?” her mother said.

Jaime gave Ainara a kind smile. “How was the flight, Ai? You must be exhausted. I asked your mother to move the date so you could rest, but she refused. She wanted the engagement party exactly as she planned it.”

Ainara stifled a sigh. “Yep—that’s Mama.”

When a friend called Jaime away, they were left at the table. They ate in silence until people began dancing. Ainara slipped away, wandering until she found a quiet spot in the garden. She sat on a bench and sipped her champagne.

“You have to slow down with that,” he said.

Ainara closed her eyes. Andres again. He had followed her.

“What are you doing? Why are you following me? Don’t you have business to attend to?”

He raised a brow. “We’re at a party. I have no intention of working tonight. I’d rather talk to you.”

She rolled her eyes. “My throat hurts. I don’t want to talk.” “

Your voice doesn’t sound hoarse.”

He reached as if to touch her forehead, and she pulled back.

“You’re lying.”

“If you don’t believe me, that’s your problem.”

She lifted her glass again, but Andres took it from her.

“Hey!”

He set the flute on the far side of the bench. “Your throat will hurt more if you drink champagne. It’s sweet.”

“I like sweet.”

Andres sat beside her, sprawling so that she felt trapped between his legs.

“If you like sweet… then try me.”

His lips hovered close to her ear. Sparks ignited, and if he didn’t move away soon, the fire inside her would consume her.

“Andres, we can’t—” Her voice was weak, but she hoped he wouldn’t notice. “We can’t… but you want to.” He kept flirting.

His finger traced the middle of her back down to her waist. Her dress was low‑cut, with thin crisscross straps. She felt exposed, though she was clothed.

“There’s something between us, Pilar. Don’t deny it.”

She didn’t deny it. If circumstances were different, maybe she would entertain him after leaving his company.

“We shouldn’t start something that’s bound to end, Andres. We can’t date each other. By law—”

“They’re not married yet,” he insisted.

“And when they do marry, we stop?”

“We don’t have to stop if no one knows.” He twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. “I think we have something rare.”

Ainara shook her head. “You have no intention of getting married, Andres—but I do. I want to settle down and have a family someday.”

Andres stilled, releasing her hair. “Change is constant.”

“Does that mean you’ll reconsider marriage?” He didn’t answer. “And let’s say you do—still, you can’t marry me because—”

Her words caught in her throat. She hadn’t realized how close his face was. She could feel his breath against her skin.

Were they finally going to kiss? Their parents weren’t married yet. There was still time—

Ainara closed her eyes, silently giving permission. But before Andres could kiss her—

“Ai!”

Saved by her younger brother. Andres muttered a curse under his breath at the interruption.

“What are you guys doing here? Mama’s looking for you. Come on!”

Santino’s eyes were full of suspicion at the scene he had walked in on. He was younger, but not naïve. He knew about the birds and the bees.

And right now, his sister was that delicate flower caught in the crossfire.