My Blind Fiancée

Ava couldn’t help tears streaming down her face. Mateo was showing her his cruel side, and this wasn’t the man she had fallen in love with. She didn’t even want to think about what he would do when he found out she had kept their son a secret.

“Think about it. If you decide to accept, you know where to find me. We would be together without involving emotions, just for pleasure, without asking for more from each other.”

She quickly turned around and left without saying anything more. That day, she felt like the love of her life had broken her heart. She tried to control herself as she entered the hall; she didn’t want to make a scene. She returned to Dante’s side, feeling Camila’s insistent gaze, but she tried to ignore it.

“Are you okay?” The photographer noticed that something was wrong.

“I am, thanks.” She didn’t want to explain what had happened.

“I thought about going to look for you, but I figured you might have a lot to talk about. I don’t know the story between you two, but from the photograph he sent me, I know it’s important.”

“It’s complicated.” Ava sighed as she replied.

“Well, whenever you want to talk, I’m a good listener.” Dante offered with a warm smile.

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind.” She replied while forcing a weak smile.

Mateo returned to Camila’s side, who tried to appear pure and innocent in his eyes. What he wanted the least at that moment was her company or anyone else’s.

At the end of the event, Mateo took Camila to his apartment. He was a bit drunk, and she thought it was the perfect opportunity to get what she wanted. She invited him inside, and he hesitated for a moment. Camila took advantage of that moment to kiss him, but his reaction was not what she expected. He pulled away abruptly, and the girl fell back. Mateo apologized for hurting her, but she used the opportunity to make him feel guilty.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Licciardi. I did it without thinking,” Camila was very good at acting.

“I’m sorry for hurting you. I didn’t intend to, but I’ll ask you not to try it again if you want to keep your job.”

“I understand. It won’t happen again,” the girl pretended to understand. Now it suited her to continue playing the good girl.

Mateo said his goodbyes and left the place. His annoyance was evident. What did that girl think she was doing? He had already apologized in his office, explaining his reasons.

Camila stood by the building’s entrance, watching him leave. She turned to go inside when suddenly someone grabbed her by the hair. It was such a strong pull that she couldn’t help but scream. When she turned, she saw that Clara was the one responsible.

“You idiot, how dare you touch my man,” the deranged blonde said with fury.

“Your man? You wish,” Camila retorted.

“I’ll tell you once, do it again, and consider yourself dead.”

The anger in Clara’s eyes made it clear that she meant it. A chill ran down Camila’s spine.

“I’ll stay at your place. They’re looking for me, and they’ll never think I’m with you.” It was more of a command than a request.

“No way, get out of here,” Camila didn’t want to get involved with this woman.

“Are you sure about what you’re saying, Afrodita?” Clara emphasized the last word.

Camila was taken aback. “How do you know I’m Afrodita?” she asked, paling.

“I’ve been following you. I’m not stupid enough to show up at your house without making sure you won’t betray me.”

Camila had no choice but to accept her, even though she knew she wouldn’t be able to relax with this woman around.

“You’ll help me make Mateo forgive me and come back to me.”

Days passed, and Mateo didn’t receive a response from Ava. Perhaps he had made a mistake in giving Tadeo the evidence he had against Teodoro, fearing that his uncle would discover it and harm him.

He was constantly furious, as Ava was in Dante’s company every day. That photographer was going too far. If he didn’t stay away from her, he might regret it.

Two months had passed, two long months without being close to her. Mateo didn’t realize that it was only his wounded pride that was keeping them apart.

That day, Camila brought him the mail, and among the envelopes, one in particular caught his attention. It was an invitation from Dante, who would be opening a new exhibition in the city. Of course, he would go-it was the perfect opportunity to be close to Ava.

Camila, who had noticed the invitation, didn’t miss the chance to beg him to be her companion, using the excuse that she was an admirer of Dante’s work. She knew she had problems with Clara, but she would figure out a way to calm her down.

The secretary had been receiving visits from Tadeo. Every weekend night, when she returned to her dressing room, they indulged their instincts. Tadeo knew what he was doing, and lately, he had become quite creative. She didn’t particularly like the whole bondage thing, but when Tadeo mentioned that Mateo was into it, she didn’t hesitate to play along. The detective had casually mentioned it, unaware of the girl’s obsession with Licciardi.

On the day of the event, just like the last time, Camila put a lot of effort into her appearance. She wore a partially see-through dress that revealed parts of her back, it was red, and it matched her black hair beautifully while highlighting her fair skin.

As soon as they arrived at the event, Mateo scanned the room for Ava. He found her at the back, accompanied by Dante. The presentation began, and the photographer turned on the lights that illuminated the images projected on the wall. Mateo was left in awe. Dante had captured Ava with all her expressions, and it put him in a terrible mood.

He noticed she was wearing the same dress she had on the night of the concert, with her back exposed, adorned with the same tattoos. She looked beautiful. Dante moved to the front, leading Ava by the hand.

“As you can see, most of the photographs in this exhibition feature images of this beautiful woman. I saved the best for last,” he said, turning towards a sculpture in the center. It was covered with a fabric that hid the details.

Dante approached the sculpture and removed the canvas covering it. Everyone was amazed. The sculpture was beautiful, depicting Ava’s face and body perfectly. She was semi-nude, covered only by a thin, translucent fabric that concealed just the necessary parts.

Mateo turned red with anger. To pose for that sculpture, Ava must have been nearly nude. The thought of her being like that next to another man hurt him deeply. No one but him should have those photos and that sculpture. He didn’t care about the price; he was willing to pay whatever Dante asked for.

When Mateo had the chance to speak with Dante without Ava present, he offered a significant amount for those works.

“I didn’t think you were a fan of my work, Licciardi,” Dante said with amusement.

“Well, I am now. Do you accept the offer?” Mateo asked, not hiding his frustration.

“Let me think about it. No single person has ever bought all my exhibited works before.”

“I need to know now. If the amount I’m offering isn’t enough, name your price.”

“For old times’ sake, I’ll sell them for the amount you’ve offered.”

Mateo handed him a check for the agreed-upon sum and provided an address for the works to be delivered the next day. After Mateo left, Dante approached Ava.

“You see, I told you it would work. He bought all the works. That man still loves you.”

“I’ll follow your advice and accept to sign the contract, but I’ll keep being seen with you to provoke his jealousy. Thank you so much for helping me, Dante.”

“You’re welcome, my beauty. You know you can count on me. It’s an advantage that Licciardi doesn’t know my preferences. Ha, ha, ha.”

“That’s true. If he found out, our plan wouldn’t work.”

Meanwhile, Mateo was completely focused on examining the sculpture. Camila was at the table, feeling upset that he hadn’t approached her all night.

Ava took that moment to approach him. She would accept the deal, giving her a chance to regain his trust.

“Hello,” Mateo said, surprised to see her so close.

“Well, you’ve decided to step away from Dante for a minute,” he remarked, unable to hide his jealousy.

“I accept,” Ava said without hesitation.

“You accept? You accept that you have something to do with him?” Mateo’s face turned red instantly, and he felt furious hearing her words.

“I accept to sign the agreement you offered me.”

“Oh, that,” he felt a wave of relief wash over him, “perfect. I’ll expect you in my office tomorrow to agree on the terms and sign.”

“I thought it would take a few days.”

“Why wait? Don’t you think so?” He said, running his fingers over Ava’s cheek to her lips. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, kissing the lobe of her ear.

“You won’t regret signing that agreement. On the contrary, you’ll enjoy it.”

This agreement would be the perfect way to have her with him without admitting that he was still crazy about her. He resisted forgetting the past; his pride overruled his reason.