SINGLE MOTHER AND CEO

Sofia:

-At your orders! -I answered, hesitantly, because I did not recognize the manly, husky and deep voice that spoke to me.

-I am Rafael Corner! -He sounded calm and relaxed.

-Hello! How are you?” I asked, “Any problems with the contracts? Any doubt or requirement, please take it up with Shayla, she is in charge of your affairs -I clarified this with him, attending him kindly.

“I’ll get you her numbers,” I reported, sitting down in front of the hairstylist in my room, brushing my hair.

-Excuse me! -He objected, “I’m calling you at this hour, on personal business only, not business,” he explained, smiling. I immediately imagined his smile, just like the one he has in the photo with my children.

-Tell me? -I subtly questioned, as he is one of my best customers. Meanwhile, I continued brushing my hair and then did my daily cleansing routine on my face and neck.

-Can we set your visit to my hacienda for next weekend? -He asked me directly, reminding me of his invitation to visit his ranch.

-That is very difficult! -I replied, “because I have a very busy schedule for the next two weeks. Besides, I have to participate in an event abroad next week -I explained using my sweetest and most affectionate voice.

-Oh, gee! -He replied, “Excuse my haste! To show you my ranch, but I think your kids will love it. Do they like horses? -He asked me without filter or masks.

-Yes, they love horses, why? -I asked without wanting to extend this communication.

-Precisely, I have some foals that they might like,” he said, “and I want them to see them, so they can choose, before sending them to the Orient to be sold.

I wish to give one to each of them,” he added, “Your children have totally won me over,” he said with tenderness and firmness.

-I thank you for your good intentions, Rafael! However, I give my children’s gifts to them,” I affirmed with authority, “I am very selfish and jealous in that respect, I don’t want to share them with anyone,” I confessed with annoyance.

“Besides, why so much interest in them? -I asked.

-Because they won me over! I think it was love at first sight. Besides, they are very wise, intelligent, beautiful, worthy of admiration. They express themselves better than many adults I know, they impressed me when I heard them speak,” he commented.

“I don’t know if I’m wrong, but I get the impression that they express themselves with pride,” I thought, as he continued explaining.

-As I told you before, they won me over. It’s just a gift I wish to give you or let’s do business. You are a business woman like me. I am selling a lot of foals, which will be sent to the East on your ship,” he confessed.

-Oh, I didn’t know you were selling animals, too! -I said, stopping wiping my face and focusing on his call.

-Yes! It’s my forte in the livestock industry,” he explained, proudly.

“This will be my first shipment in your busques directly, up to now I have done it, but using my friend’s brother, Martin Elias.

-Ah! I assumed that Jose David was your friend,” I asked, looking for an answer from him and trying to find out more about the relationship between them.

-No! I am a friend of his brother Martin Elias, I have seen Jose very few times. Although he has always treated me very well and in a timely manner,” he added, seeking to defend him.

Back to what we were talking about, I want your sons to choose the three foals they like best, before putting them on the ship for sale,” he added.

-Really, I thank you for your intention! However, I am not in the habit of receiving gifts either for myself or for them from strangers,” I confessed, refusing the gift again, but with kindness.

-Why don’t we let them decide, do you think? I offer to keep them at the ranch until you find a suitable place for them, or if you already have one, give me the address on the island. I’ll pay the freight! -he answered me.

-Heh heh heh heh! All right, no problem! I see that I won’t be able to convince you otherwise,” I affirmed.

“When I get to the Island tomorrow and check my agenda, I’ll give you an answer. If I’m honest, I’ve been thinking about something like this for them for a while, because they want a pet, but I still haven’t decided,” I answered, giving up.

-I think it’s perfect! -I’ll wait for your call. When does the first trip leave from here? -he asked.

-In twelve days,” I said, pausing.

-Then, that will be the maximum time frame! For the children to come to the ranch to choose their respective foals. Because I still don’t have a date for the new foals,” he told me sincerely.

-Great! -I added, surprised to see how I once again did what he wanted me to do. I have to reschedule my agenda to fulfill this invitation -Could I stay one night at your ranch? -I asked him to push him too.

-My ranch is at your disposal! For as long as you wish,” he offered.

-Thank you! Tomorrow I’ll call you,” I said saying goodbye very thoughtfully, thinking how I say this to my mother.

Rafael:

Initially disturbed when I heard her sweet, tender and harmonious voice, I imagined her with a wide and seductive smile, as when I saw her on the podium delivering her welcome speech, that afternoon.

“It’s a risk for my mother, taking her to the ranch with the children, but it’s necessary to get her out of doubt” I reflected analyzing the situation.

“In any case, I’m going to try to strain my memory a little more to see if I can find memories of her, that will clarify to me whether or not Sofia is the same woman from that night”, I reflected.

With these thoughts, I took a bath and lay down to sleep, trying to let my mind relax and help me find the truth I am looking for. I don’t want to imagine, or assume anything. I don’t want to have false illusions, because the fall can be very strong.

In this state of anxiety and longing, I closed my eyes reconstructing the actions of that day. I know that I arrived early at Martin’s disco, turned into a real beast, since I had argued with my mother, for the same as always.

She was determined that I would accept a date with the daughter of one of her friends: Mirelys Zambrano. When I said no, she got very angry with me and started to fight, because I was already old enough to get married and have my own family.

She questioned having always supported me because she expected more from me. As if the work I have done since my father died was not enough. I have tripled the estate he left us. We live a life similar to royalty.

Since my father died, I put aside my own dreams and yearnings. I devoted myself body and soul to his business. These, even they were not quite productive, one hundred percent and I succeeded.

Still, my mother wanted more and even to marry me to a rich heiress…