Anna Maria awoke on the king-size hotel bed, her bones aching. The sight of a strange man sleeping beside her sent an involuntary shiver through her. Her gaze fell upon the startling hickeys scattered across her body. With a deep breath, she drew the covers tight around herself, her mind reeling from the memories of the previous night. She had returned a day early from her business trip in Italy to discover that her husband, to whom she had been married for a year yet had not consummated the marriage due to her immediate departure after their wedding, had been unfaithful with her best friend.
IIn a fit of rage, she confronted the homewrecker and was shocked when her husband defended his mistress, her best friend, and even demanded she apologize. "How could you do this to me?" she cried. "After everything I've done for you and your family, toiling so you could have a decent life! Is this my repayment?"
In a fit of anger, she went to a bar to drown her sorrows in liquor. However, the more she thought back on the terrible incident, the more bitter she felt in her drunken haze.
Why should I put up with this? Since you scumbag dare to do this to me, don't blame me for paying you back in your own coin! In her mind, she still vaguely remembered how she had yelled, "Get me the most expensive Gigalo you've got here and send him to my room!"
Having just awoken, Alejandro King was ready to pay off the woman who had taken advantage of his drugged state last night. But he was suprised when he saw the stains on the sheet proving it was the lady's first time. The deep and mellow voice of a man rang icily from behind. "Do I need to take responsibility for what happened last night?"
Anna stared incredulously at him with apparent disgust in her eyes. "Are you kidding me?" Who would want a gigalo to take responsibility for her? "Aren't you thinking too high of yourself or are you planning to leach on me? Don't try to use this trick to blackmail me, I'm warning you!"
"A Gigalo?!" Remarked Alejandro.
As soon as his words rang out, Anna felt two ice-cold eyes looking at her incredulously. The man's breath fanned the top of her head; his voice was frighteningly cold. "What did you call me just now? Say that again!"
The dry warmth on her skin felt so amorous that it almost burned her. For some reason, she chickened out somewhat; a feeling of tension gradually knotted her stomach. After pushing Alejandro aside, she dressed and slid out of bed, pulling all her cash from her handbag and throwing it onto the pillow. "I have no interest in wasting time with someone like you. Take this money for your services and leave. I never want to see you again."
At the sight of the strewn banknotes, Alejandro impatiently took a deep breath. Of all the women who had tried to seduce him over the years, this was his first time coming across a situation like this. He was unsure of what she was up to. What does she take me for? A male escort who's in the business of getting laid?
Anna frowned. Obviously, this guy thinks I'm not paying him enough. Just how much does he expect me to pay him for such quality of service? He doesn't even wear a smile on his face. "Don't feel aggrieved about this, because you're only worth this much. You were too rough and made me quite uncomfortable. Also, your attitude is bad. You didn't know how to please a customer at all."
Irritated thoroughly by the sight of the woman sticking her neck out and yelling in front of him, Alejandro yanked her back on the bed with some force and went on top of her, his muscular body imprisoning her under him. Upon seeing her subconsciously try to get away from him in a panic, he taunted under his breath in a chilling and bloodthirsty voice, "How dare you talk to me like that when this is all the nerve you've got? Since you were not satisfied with my performance, how about I make it up to you now?"
"Didn't you say I was your hired gigolo?" Alejandro's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Well, allow me to give you a free session to make up for your lack of satisfaction yesterday."
With that, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a forceful kiss. His hands roamed over her body, but he stopped abruptly when he tasted the saltiness of her tears. Anna lay still beneath him, her resignation palpable.
Frustrated and ashamed at letting his anger get the best of him, Alejandro released her and climbed out of bed. Without a word, he headed to the bathroom for a cold shower, leaving Anna alone with her thoughts.
Frantically trying to escape the awkwardness of the situation, Anna grabbed her purse from the floor. As she hurriedly stuffed her fallen items back inside, her hand brushed against something unfamiliar. Unknowingly, she also tucked away a sleek, modern iPhone watch that didn't belong to her.
As Alejandro stepped out of the hotel room, a scowl etched on his handsomely chiseled face, his bodyguards, clad in well-ironed Armani suits, were waiting at the door. They greeted their boss deferentially upon seeing him emerge.
With the stony and forbidding air befitting a man of high position, Alejandro addressed his assistant, Martinez, in a grim voice, "That woman who entered my room drunk last night, find out who she is."
"Yes, boss," Martinez replied promptly.
Meanwhile, Anna had just exited the hotel when she noticed several cops approaching her in their police uniforms. Thinking she was obstructing their path, she stepped back to make way for them. However, one of the young officers, with sharp eyes, interpreted her movement as an attempt to flee. He rushed over and grasped her shoulders firmly.
"Anna Maria, someone has filed a complaint against you for hiring a gigolo. Please come with us," the officer stated matter-of-factly.
Anna's eyes widened in surprise at his words, her mind racing with confusion and disbelief.
At the nearby police station, Anna was subjected to a lengthy interrogation. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded for mercy, her voice cracking with emotion. She explained that she had only acted in her drunken state and would never have considered such actions while in her right frame of mind.
The officers listened intently, their expressions unreadable as they took note of her statement. Anna's heart pounded with fear and uncertainty as she awaited their response, praying for understanding and leniency.
Martinez's voice cut through the silence of Alejandro's office at the Kings Headquarters. "Boss, the lady who was with you last night is Anna Maria," he began, relaying the information he had gathered. "She's an orphan and a budding soap opera scriptwriter. She's married to a Mr. Alfredo, who seems to be a deadbeat with several failed businesses, relies solely on his wife for support."
Alejandro listened intently as Martin continued. "Yesterday, Anna Maria discovered her husband cheating on her with her best friend. Distraught, she went to the bar to drown her sorrows. It seems it was during this time that you entered her room, leading to your mistaken identity as a gigolo."
Martin's next words brought a sense of unease to the room. "The real gigolo, feeling upset over the missed opportunity, reported Anna Maria to the authorities. She's currently detained at the police station."
Alejandro's brow furrowed as he processed the information. Guilt and regret gnawed at him for his role in Anna Maria's predicament. Without hesitation, he instructed Martin to arrange for Anna Maria's release and to ensure she received any assistance she needed.
Shortly after Martinez intervened, the police officer who had detained Anna approached her and informed her that she was free to go. He advised her to consider herself lucky that someone had vouched for her innocence. With caution to be more careful with her actions in the future, he released her without any criminal record.
Feeling a mix of relief and confusion, Anna thanked the officer and made her way out of the police station, her mind swirling with thoughts of the events that had transpired.
As Anna Maria exited the police station, the last person she expected to see was the homewrecker, Luisa Fernanda. Her heart turned cold at the sight of Luisa standing at the end of the hallway. "Why are you here?" Anna questioned, her voice laced with suspicion.
Luisa's smile was cold as she replied, "How could I miss such an important moment in your life, Anna? You truly are something. Spending money on pleasure when your husband hasn't even touched you yet. Are you that thirsty and cheap?" Her words dripped with disdain.
Anna's confusion was evident as she responded, "What are you talking about? I don't understand. Don't slander me!"
But Luisa's smile faltered, her frustration evident. She had witnessed Anna's drunken actions in the bar the night before, and she had promptly called the police. However, to her dismay, they had arrived too late, and the hotel's security footage had conveniently disappeared.
"You know in your heart whether you've done it or not," Luisa continued, her tone accusatory. "I hope after what you saw last night, you'll quietly divorce Alfredo. He's never been faithful to you, emotionally or physically."
Anna sneered at Luisa's provocation, her resolve strengthening. "You don't have to tell me twice. I have no use for a cheating man. I'll start divorce proceedings today." She concealed the satisfaction bubbling within her as she thought of the prenup clause that would ensure Alfredo paid dearly for his infidelity.
Of course, she kept this information to herself, unwilling to reveal her hand too soon. She relished the opportunity to uncover the truth about Alfredo without Luisa's interference, knowing that justice would be served in the end.
Just as Anna began to turn away from Luisa, hoping to leave the encounter behind her, Luisa's next words stopped her in her tracks.
"Oh, by the way, I'm pregnant," Luisa announced casually, a smug smile playing on her lips as she placed a hand on her small baby bump.
Anna's heart skipped a beat at the revelation, her eyes widening in shock. She felt as though the ground had been pulled out from beneath her once again.
"When did this happen?" Anna's voice trembled with a mixture of disbelief and confusion.
"It's been almost three months now," Luisa replied, her tone dripping with superiority. "And it's a boy. Alfredo and I are thrilled. He really wants this baby, you know."
Anna's mind raced as she tried to process the news. A baby? Alfredo's baby? The thought was almost too much to bear.
"But don't worry," Luisa continued, her smirk widening. "As long as you take the initiative to ask for a divorce, Alfredo will agree to it. After all, he doesn't want our baby to grow up with a single parent. That would be unfair to him, wouldn't it?"
Anna felt a surge of anger rise within her at Luisa's taunting words. She wanted to lash out, to scream and rage against the injustice of it all. But she knew she had to stay strong, for herself and for her future.
With a steely determination, Anna met Luisa's gaze head-on. "I'll handle things my own way," she declared, her voice firm. "And I won't let you or Alfredo dictate my future."
As she moved away from Luisa, her mind spun with the secrets that had just come to light, her heart splintering from the betrayal. Anna walked out of the police station, her mind swirling with confusion and heartache. She never anticipated that her marriage would come to this. The vows of eternal love exchanged during her wedding day now felt like bitter lies, shattered by the very person who made them.
Unable to contain her despair any longer, Anna collapsed on the roadside, tears streaming down her face. The weight of betrayal and broken promises crushed her spirit, leaving her feeling lost and alone.
Nearby, a sleek Aston Martin, the latest model, was parked at the curb. Martinez, Alejandro's special assistant, noticed Anna's distress and glanced at Alejandro, who was seated inside the car.
"Mr. King, the lady crying over there seems to be the person you're waiting for," Martinez remarked, concern evident in his voice.
Alejandro furrowed his brow, his heart sinking at the sight of Anna's tears. He couldn't go over, as he knew it was not the right time to do so. But he knew he couldn't ignore the woman's obvious distress.
Martinez, Alejandro's special assistant, noticed Anna's distress and glanced at Alejandro, who remained seated inside the car.
"Should I get that lady into the car?" Martinez asked, his concern obvious.
Alejandro hesitated, his gaze fixed on Anna's tear-streaked face. He could see the pain etched in her features, but he wasn't sure if he should intervene. Suddenly, he realized something was amiss. His latest model iPhone smartwatch was missing. Frantically, he tracked it with his phone, only to find that it was blinking, indicating it was nearby. In fact, he was almost certain it was with Anna Maria. But why had she taken the watch, he wondered.
After a moment of contemplation, Alejandro sighed and ordered indifferently, "Go to the office first. She's not in the right state to talk to anyone yet. Just call a cab for her."
As the cab arrived and drove Anna away from the police station, she tried to compose herself, wiping away her tears and steeling her resolve. She couldn't let Alfredo and Luisa's betrayal break her. In fact, she promised herself that she would rise above this huddle and ensure they all regretted their actions towards her!
Alejandro sat in his car, contemplating if Anna Maria had unintentionally taken his smartwatch. He found it difficult to decipher her intentions. Was it merely an oversight, or was there a more profound rationale for her actions?
Determined to get some answers, Alejandro instructed Martinez to follow the cab discreetly. He needed to confront Anna Maria and find out why she had taken his watch.
As the cab pulled up to a stop, Anna stepped out onto the sidewalk, her thoughts still consumed by the events of the day. Little did she know, Alejandro was watching her every move from a distance, his curiosity piqued by her actions.
"Enough! Stop knocking already!" Alfredo snapped, frustration evident in his voice. "Would it kill you to take the keys out with you? And yet you have to wait for someone to open the door for you, you high and mighty slacker! Am I your servant or something?"
Ignoring Alfredo's sarcastic remarks, Anna changed into her slippers and entered the house. Alfredo persisted, "Where did you spend the night?"
"It's none of your business," Anna retorted, her tone cold. "You lost the right to ask me that when I found you in bed with my so-called best friend."
She went to the bedroom, opened her dresser, and retrieved the required documents for the divorce proceedings. "Since you're awake, hurry up and follow me to the civil office so that we can annul our sham of a marriage!"
Alfredo was shocked by Anna's decisiveness. Didn't she love him anymore? "You're kidding, right?" he asked incredulously.
"No, I'm not!" Anna replied firmly, her resolve unwavering. "Your mistress already informed me that you two are expecting a baby together. Consider this my gift to your cheating couple!"
Alfredo's mind raced with panic and frustration. He couldn't believe the mess Luisa had created by revealing their secret to Anna without his consent. After all, Anna was the one who provided him with financial support, unaware of his dependency on her. Now, with the impending divorce, Alfredo faced an uncertain future.
How would he ensure that Anna continued to provide him with money after their separation? The thought gnawed at him, fueling his anxiety. He needed to come up with a plan, and fast, to secure his financial stability once the divorce was finalized.
Alfredo's cunning mind was already in motion, strategizing how to extract as much as possible from Anna before finalizing the divorce. When she requested they head to the civil office, he refused, claiming he needed to discuss it with his lawyer first. His excuse was a calculated move to buy himself more time and leverage in the negotiations.
With a dismissive "hmm," Anna Maria saw through his ploy. She wasted no time in taking action. Heading to the bedroom, she swiftly packed her personal belongings, determined to leave the apartment and Alfredo behind.
As Anna Maria left, a brazen Alfredo remained behind, his mind consumed with thoughts of how to deal with her later. His cunning nature propelled him forward, plotting his next move to ensure he got what he wanted from the divorce proceedings.
Anna called her lawyer friend, Lina, and asked her to meet at the hotel where she had checked in. When Lina arrived, Anna updated her on the situation, and Lina's fury was palpable.
"I told you that scumbag didn't deserve you!" Lina exclaimed, her voice laced with anger. "You see now? Just a year later, his true colors came out. Aren't you glad I added that clause to your prenup contract discreetly? I can't wait to see his face when he finds out about it!"
Anna nodded, a sense of vindication washing over her. Lina had always been there for her, offering support and guidance when she needed it most.
"And that Luisa!" Lina continued, her tone dripping with disdain. "Wait till I go back home for the holidays. I will make sure to report her bad character to her poor mother in the village so that she can know what that daughter of hers is up to in the city!" Anna couldn't help but smile at Lina's fiery determination.
The next day, a text from Alfredo came through, requesting a meeting at their most frequented cafe. Despite her reservations, Anna agreed to hear him out before serving him with the divorce papers.
When they met, Alfredo tried to be friendly, adopting a sickly sweet manner as he spoke. He confessed his mistakes but insisted that he still cared about Anna. He proposed that she bear with him until Luisa gave birth, promising that he would allow Anna to take care of the baby as their own and have no further interactions with Luisa.
Anna couldn't help but burst into laughter at Alfredo's audacity. Did he actually expect her to care for the product of his betrayal? What did he take her for? Despite her desire for family after growing up in an orphanage and living alone, she couldn't fathom accepting such a proposal. Alfredo had preyed on her naivety and kind heart for too long, and now she saw through his manipulative facade.
As she reflected on her life with Alfredo, Anna realized the extent to which she had sacrificed for him. She had worked tirelessly to secure a good job in the capital city of Espania, abandoned her dream of becoming an actress, and endured the disdain of his family, all in the hopes of gaining their acceptance. Yet, despite her efforts, she was met with betrayal and disrespect.
Now, faced with Alfredo's preposterous request, Anna felt a surge of anger and indignation. She had sacrificed enough for him, and she refused to be manipulated any longer. With newfound resolve, she vowed to reclaim her independence and live life on her own terms, free from the shackles of Alfredo's deceit.
Frustration boiled within Alfredo as Anna Maria served him with the court papers, demanding a divorce. He watched helplessly as she left the cafe, unwilling to engage in any further confrontation. His carefully laid plans were unraveling before his eyes, and he couldn't comprehend how he had ended up in such a predicament.
As Alfredo sat alone, his mind raced with thoughts of desperation and regret. Why had he pushed Anna Maria to her limit? Why was he so unlucky to have been caught in his deceit? Where else would he find such an easy-to-control cash cow to milk dry and live a carefree life?
Reading through the legal notice served to him, Alfredo's frustration only deepened. He realized he didn't even have the funds to hire a lawyer. The allowance Anna had deposited into his account earlier that month had been squandered on his lavish spending to spoil his mistress. He hadn't anticipated that things would take such an unpredictable turn, and now he was left scrambling to figure out his next move.
Alfredo felt a deep sense of helplessness wash over him. What could he do now? Stripped of resources and his carefully constructed facade crumbling, he is confronted with an uncertain future, laden with the repercussions of his actions.
Alfredo's desperation drove him to contact Anna's bank manager, hoping to gain insight into her financial situation before their divorce proceedings progressed any further. He needed to secure his own financial future, even if it meant exploiting Anna's resources.
When Tom, Anna's bank manager, confirmed that the payment for her recent script had been deposited, Alfredo's excitement soared. A six-figure sum was the best payout yet, and he saw it as an opportunity to secure his own financial stability before their separation.
However, his plans were swiftly thwarted when Tom delivered unexpected news. "I'm sorry, Alfredo, but that won't be possible," Tom informed him solemnly. "Anna Maria's lawyer was here, and she ordered you to be removed from accessing Anna's account. Additionally, she closed access to your joint account and instructed us not to transfer the monthly allowance to your account as we used to."
Alfredo's heart sank as the reality of his situation dawned on him. With his access to Anna's funds revoked and his own financial resources depleted, he was left with no means to support himself.
As Anna wandered the city streets, her mind heavy with sadness, the piercing wind forewarned her of an impending storm. She had left home in haste, not even bothering to grab a coat, and now she stood on the roadside, trembling in her summer dress, chilled to the bone.
Her heart ached with disappointment and anguish, the weight of her troubles bearing down on her with each passing moment. Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice the approaching car until it came to a stop beside her.
Sitting in the car, Alejandro observed the petite and lonely figure standing nearby. Moved by a sudden impulse, he instructed his chauffeur to pull over to the side of the road.
As Anna sat on the roadside, she realized the gravity of her situation. She had wandered too far from her hotel and had forgotten her phone, leaving her unable to book a cab ride back. With the threat of rain looming overhead, her distress only intensified, and tears once again streamed down her cheeks.
Above her, a deep and mellow male voice broke through her despair. "Why cry like this? Are your tears so worthless?"
Anna looked up, her eyes filled with confusion and tears, only to see the familiar face of the man she had slept with days ago. Anger surged within her, and she unleashed her pent-up emotions in a fiery outburst.
"It's you again? Haven't you gotten me into enough trouble already?" Anna exclaimed, her voice dripping with frustration. "Thanks to you, I was detained at the police station and almost got locked up!"
Alejandro stood behind her, his demeanor calm but with an unpredictable aura surrounding him. "But you weren't, though, right?" he countered. "Do you even know why? Because I personally intervened and had you released."
Anna wiped away her tears, her expression defiant. "Still so full of yourself, huh?" she retorted. "I was lucky there was no evidence to support the accusations that day. That's why I was let off. It had nothing to do with you."
Alejandro's eyes narrowed slightly in frustration. He couldn't believe this woman's audacity. Despite his efforts to help her, she continued to dismiss him. Did she not see the lengths he had gone to for her? Did she not recognize him beyond his appearance? With a sigh, Alejandro couldn't help but wonder, did she still see him as a gigolo in his custom-made King's collection suit and shoes?
Feeling extremely depressed, Anna didn't want to deal with Alejandro anymore. As she attempted to leave, her legs, numb from squatting for too long, betrayed her, causing her to lose her balance. Instinctively, she reached out to Alejandro to steady herself, but he teased her with a chuckle.
"Throwing yourself into my arms again, huh?" Alejandro chuckled, holding her steady. "This isn't the appropriate place, though. It's hard for me to indulge you here."
Disgusted, Anna pushed him away, trying to recover from her stumble. "Can't you act like a decent person for once?!" she snapped. "And I don't believe it's a coincidence that I bumped into you here. Are you following me?"
Alejandro let out a hearty chuckle in response. "You're right that it's not a coincidence," he admitted softly. "I had the latest model iPhone smartwatch that went missing that morning after. Maybe you took it away accidentally? I would have let you keep it as a souvenir, but it has highly valuable information within it, so I'd like to have it back, please."
Anna frowned at his accusation. "I didn't take anything from you," she retorted. "Is everyone in your profession so unscrupulous as to try different ways to ask for money? How despicable and shameless."
Alejandro's patience wore thin, his expression turning frosty. "Everyone in my profession?" he repeated sharply. "Just what profession am I in?"
Anna shivered, unsettled by his sudden change in demeanor. "Seriously, do you want me to spell it out for you?" she replied, her voice trembling. "You think it's honorable to be a male escort? I don't have any of your stuff. If you've lost it, just call the police."
Anna's expression turned pale as she sensed Alejandro leaning in closer. "What the hell do you want? I'm not in a good mood right now, so don't mess with me!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with fear.
Alejandro's eyes darkened as he gently grabbed her chin. "What do you think I want?" he whispered, his tone low and intense. Memories of their previous encounter flooded his mind, but this time, Anna's response was uncertain, her dewy eyes reflecting her confusion.
As Anna contemplated the situation, she couldn't help but rue the influence of alcohol on her decisions. If she hadn't drowned herself in it that night, would she be facing this predicament now? Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, Alejandro's voice brought her back to the present.
"Are you sure you want the police involved?" Alejandro suggested, his words jolting Anna from her reverie. "Why don't you first check your purse from that day and see if you accidentally picked it up? In fact, why don't I accompany you there?"
To her dismay, Alejandro gave the cab driver the address to her hotel, confirming her suspicions that he had been following her all along.
Once they arrived at the hotel, Alejandro paid the driver and instructed him to keep the change, eliciting an eye roll from Anna. Ignoring her reaction, Alejandro caught up with her and cautioned her not to try anything funny, or he would cause a scene. Reluctantly, Anna followed him into the hotel, feeling a sense of embarrassment as they entered together, tucked in his arms like a loving couple. They took the elevator to her room, where Alejandro couldn't hide his disdain at the small accommodation.
"Hmm, couldn't you get better accommodations?" he remarked, clearly unimpressed with the room's size.
Anna bristled at his comment. "Urgh, just wait here. I'll get my purse, so you can confirm I don't have anything belonging to you, then you can leave," she retorted, heading to the closet in search of her purse. After rummaging through the contents, she threw them onto the bed, intending to prove her innocence.
However, to their surprise, among the items scattered on the bed lay Alejandro's missing watch, accompanied by a packet of extra-large CDs. The unexpected discovery left them both stunned, and Anna could only stare in disbelief at the incriminating evidence before them.
The unexpected discovery of the CDs made Anna blush deeply, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment. Alejandro couldn't resist teasing her, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Huh! Not only did you take the watch, but also the remaining pack?" he quipped, his tone laced with amusement. "Were you intending to use them with your next gigolo?"
Anna's embarrassment deepened at his remark, especially after he continued saying: "Sorry, but I'm afraid this size would be too big for other men. If you hadn't noticed, I am bigger and better than most men!" Her cheeks flushed crimson as he spoke, and she avoided meeting Alejandro's gaze, feeling flustered by the unexpected turn of events.
Anna quickly retrieved both the watch and CD packet and shoved them into Alejandro's hands. "There, you have your property. Now leave!" she demanded, her voice laced with frustration. But Alejandro showed no intention of leaving so soon.
Instead, he asked, "Tell me, why were you crying earlier?" His tone softened, a hint of genuine concern in his voice.