The Line Between Love and Revenge

- Hurry up, Isa! The guys are waiting for us. - I hear Tania shout from downstairs.

- I'm almost ready, babe, I'll be down in a minute. - I reply as I finish painting my lips and check my hair.

I decided to leave it loose this time, to give a touch of naturalness and elegance to my look.

I look at my reflection in the mirror, examining it in detail. My beige dress is tight-fitting, just above the knees, showing a small part of my thighs; red closed-toe heels complete my outfit. I made sure everything was in place, adjusting every detail to make it look perfect.

I decide to apply just a bit of mascara to my lashes, leaving my lips as the focal point, which are a deep red. I search in my chest where I keep my accessories, for some earrings with red accents and a fine gold necklace with a tear-shaped pendant in red. I wanted every detail to complement each other, to give harmony to my appearance.

I give a smile to my reflection. It had been a few months since I had only gone from home to work and vice versa, so I am about to go on a double date with my best friend Tania, her boyfriend Ryan, and his friend Willian.

I descend the stairs, and my friend jumps with excitement upon seeing me. I feel flattered to hear her words:

- You look beautiful, Isa. Will will be drooling over you - she says, winking at me.

I release a laugh as I embrace her, she will never change. Although I set aside the scolding, not to dampen the night; I had already gotten used to her craziness.

- Always trying to get me a boyfriend, - I say with a sigh.

- There's nothing wrong with that, besides, it's been years since... - my friend tries to console me, but I interrupt her before she can mention it.

My face tenses and I do my best not to remember. However, those brown eyes in which I got lost so many times infiltrate my mind. My friend's voice brings me back to reality.

- I'm sorry, tita, I didn't mean to make you think of him - she says, taking my hands tenderly.

- I know, babe. His memory shouldn't affect me anymore - I whisper, trying to convince myself.

- Well, let's forget about that and let's have fun, okay? No sadness tonight. - Tania insists, determined to change the course of our thoughts.

- Yes, babe, you're right - I acknowledge, while using the back of my hand to wipe away a solitary tear that had treacherously rolled down my cheek.

- Relax - she says and takes me by the hand to the sofa, where we sit to wait for the guys.

Tania tries to cheer me up by telling me how annoying her boss had been with a report he asked her to submit.

- I swear I wanted to strangle him - she says, trying to make me smile.

I can't help but laugh at her comment. I knew her boss very well and knew how unbearable he could be, especially when it came to nearing the time of executive meetings. Tania works in an advertising company as an assistant to the retail manager.

With each laugh, I feel the sadness drifting away a little more.

We are relaxed when we hear the doorbell, announcing the arrival of Ryan and his friend Will.

- My love, I missed you - Ryan says to my friend as soon as she opens the door, and leans in to kiss her.

I try to avoid watching them together, my eyes land on Will. He has an above-average height, making him stand out among the crowd. His face, with harmonious features, is framed by a mane of dark brown hair that falls naturally. But it's his green eyes, shining like emeralds, that captivate anyone who dares to look at them. An irresistible combination of charm and physical attractiveness. He smiles at me when he realizes I was observing him.

Ryan looks at us for a moment and decides to introduce us.

- Isa, this is Willian...

He gives me a peck on the cheek and then says:

- Nice to meet you, beautiful - his voice is deep and calm. And his gesture warms my heart.

- The pleasure is mine, William - I reply kindly.

- You can call me Will - he adds, winking at me.

Tania has a smile from ear to ear and a mischievous look that makes me laugh.

Together, we head to the restaurant that Ryan had pre-booked. We arrive and everything looks pleasant and calm. We chat a bit when suddenly Tania interrupts the conversation with the intention of making Will feel uncomfortable.

- Tell me, Will, do you think Isa looks beautiful tonight?

I feel the blush invade my face as I look at her with the desire to kill her. She looks back at me and winks.

- Of course, Tania, Isabella looks very beautiful. - Will responds, a little embarrassed.

- Well, then you're a bit slow - she comments while crossing her arms.

Ryan laughs at Tania's comment, and I take the opportunity to pinch my friend for her impertinence.

- Not all of us can be like you, Tani. I like to make sure of the ground I'm stepping on - Will says, showing a more relaxed side of himself.

- Relax, babe. Will knows how to play his cards - Ryan intervenes.

- I know, love. I just want to help a bit - Tania says, pouting.

Ryan gives her a tender kiss on the forehead and caresses her hair, pampering her like a little girl.

Meanwhile, I excuse myself for a moment and take Tania's hand to go to the bathroom.

- Don't be mad at me, tita - Tania says as we walk towards the bathrooms. - I just want to help Will. It's clear that since he saw you, he's completely captivated and drooling like a faucet.

I roll my eyes with exasperation, although I can't help but think she's right. I pass my hand over her cheek trying to calm her fervor.

- You might be right, but the poor guy doesn't have to suffer your attacks, babe - I say in a soft tone.

- I just want to see you happy, friend - she replies with an adorable childish expression.

Her confession warms my heart. She has always been like this, ever since we met, tirelessly looking for ways to make me happy.

- I know, but you don't have to make Will uncomfortable, we're just getting to know each other - I tell her, trying to be empathetic.

- I know him and I know he needs a little push to act - she responds with a mischievous smile.

I couldn't help but laugh at her comment, it was impossible to win in this kind of debates. I give her a loving hug and tell her that I love her.

We walk back to where the guys are, laughing and reminiscing about past anecdotes.

- But you have to admit that Cristian was a bit clueless - I said to Tania playfully.

- Oh, the poor guy didn't even know how to kiss - she replied amidst contagious laughter.

I joined in their laughter, but couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I looked around. I glance at the table where we were sitting and something catches my attention, making me tense in my place. Tania notices my reaction, so she looks in the direction I'm staring at. Three tables away from ours, there are three men, one of them completely capturing my attention. Even though he had his back to me, I manage to catch a glimpse of his square jaw and perfectly combed hair.

I regain my composure and we quickly make our way back to our table. Ryan and Will interrupt their conversation to greet us, while my eyes go back to the table, wondering if he has recognized me.

- Are you okay? - Will asks as he stands up to help me with the chair.

- You look pale, - Ryan comments.

- I'm fine, don't worry, - I reply, although I know it's not true.

I try to focus on the conversation, but I see Tania watching me out of the corner of my eye. I look back at the table and our eyes meet directly. Those eyes that have captivated me so many times. There's a spark of understanding in them. A smile forms on his face as he realizes my presence.

My heart starts racing, as if it's in a wild race in my chest, while I think:

«Adrien, he has finally found me.»

I feel enchanted as I watch her approach, her hips moving gracefully, swaying with each step. Her green, almond-shaped eyes are fixed on mine, attentive to the

Her feline smile reminds me how much she enjoys being watched as she comes closer, like a predator stalking its prey-stealthy, determined, and cautious.

She stops in front of me and takes my hand; I lift hers and twirl it to admire its beauty. When she's back in front of me, I take her by the waist and we share a passionate kiss that she returns with intensity and fierceness.

Her warm, hungry tongue envelops me, nearly devouring me. I hold her firmly at the waist, and my caresses become urgent as I trace every curve from her shoulder to her waist, but a spark of awareness reminds me that we are in public.

I bring my hands to her face and break the kiss; she opens her eyes and looks at me with desire, her pupils reflecting an uncontrollable lust. I give her a chaste kiss on the lips and whisper near them:

-You always manage to make me forget where I am, little one.

She looks at me with a mischievous spark in her eyes, steps away from me, and my body immediately longs for her warmth. It was so easy to wish to have her close.

-You look so sexy there -she starts saying-, you make me lose track of time, my love. Besides -she continues as she shortens the distance between us-, I don't think it's a scandal for the son of the owner of the Hamilton hotels to kiss his girlfriend-. She kisses me again, and I wrap my arms around her.

A dry cough makes me release Ericka and turn to see Liz, my secretary, apologizing with her gaze.

-I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. Hamilton -her eyes shift from me to Ericka-. I'm here to remind you of the meeting you have scheduled with your father, which will take place in ten minutes.

Ericka lets out a small laugh, and I look at her.

-Thank you, Liz -I reply to my secretary, with the seriousness of an executive.

She nods and begins to walk away down the hallway. I take Ericka by the hand and walk with her to my office.

-Wait for me here, beautiful, I need to meet with my father -I say to her. She makes a pout that makes her look adorable-. I won't be long -I promise. I give her a kiss, and then she heads to the armchair, sitting with her legs on my desk, smiling at me playfully.

I leave my office and head to my father's. Claudia, his secretary, nods when she sees me. I gently knock on the door and prepare to enter.

-Come in -I hear my father say. I push open the wooden door and see him in front of the computer, reviewing some paperwork.

The office is spacious, with large windows letting in natural light. It is decorated with elegance and refinement, muted in neutral colors with some warm-toned accents.

My father, behind a large wooden desk, looks at me and gestures for me to sit down. As I do, I analyze his demeanor and sense that he is anxious. He returns his attention to the computer, continuing with his work.

I knew that since the summer, my grandmother had been even more unwell due to her illness, although her attitude and strength made her seem authoritative when she spoke to any of us.

My father shifts his attention from the computer, and our eyes meet, expectant. From his demeanor, I know something personal is at stake, but if I pressed him, I wouldn't get a response. In the end, my suspicions are confirmed.

-Son -he begins, frowning as he struggles with his emotions. -It's about your grandmother -he adds, running a hand through his hair-. The doctor says her condition is declining, and he cannot predict any improvement.

-I know, Dad. I know it's hard, but right now, all we can do is wait -I reply, trying to comfort him.

-You're right -he sighs, sitting up straight in his chair and looking at me-. But that's not why I wanted to meet with you. -I let him organize his thoughts without interruption. -She holds shares in the company, and it is her wish to pass them on to you.

I tense up in my seat. I knew my brother was focused on the entertainment world and had never shown any interest in the family business. But I didn't expect my grandmother to transfer her shares to me, which would make me the majority partner, surpassing my father.

He watches me silently as I process the torrent of emotions swirling in my head.

-I know you're worried -he continues. Hearing this, I lift my gaze and nod-. But you don't have to -he assures me, easing the growing tension within me-. As you know, Carl has his own interests, far removed from the business -he pauses, breathes, and continues-. That's why I have always placed my trust in you as my future successor.

I nod again, grateful for his trust, despite not having put in the necessary effort in my current role.

-Thank you, Dad -I reply with sincere gratitude-. I will start taking my responsibilities seriously to be a worthy successor.

He stands up and walks around the desk, placing his hands on my shoulders.

-I know you will. Even though you're young, I see the potential you have to manage this business -he says, then gives me a warm hug.

My relationship with my father has always been good, despite the times he called me out for my behavior, which happened constantly. However, I had left that chaotic phase of life behind when I met Ericka. My family, although not enthusiastic about my relationship, recognized that I had changed since being with her.

-Your grandmother wants us to meet with her this Christmas -he comments-. Just family -he adds sadly.

-Don't worry, Ericka isn't excited about family gatherings either -I respond resignedly, shrugging my shoulders, aware that since I introduced Ericka as my girlfriend to the family, she hadn't received a warm welcome, especially from my grandmother. Although she had never openly expressed it, I knew of her disapproval.

After saying goodbye to my father, I returned to my office. Now I had to tell Ericka about the change of plans for Christmas.

Upon arriving at my office, I see her pacing back and forth. She looks up when she hears the sound of the door closing and runs toward me to kiss me. I return the kiss, noticing the urgency in her gesture. My hands travel down her back as she moves even closer, and the warmth of her body begins to cloud my thoughts. If I let myself go, I would end up making love to her in my office. So, I break the kiss, and she looks at me, confused.

-I'm sorry, babe -I whisper-. I need to tell you something.

She looks at me expectantly as she walks around the desk to sit down. She moves closer to me, sitting on my lap. I caress her hair and give her a kiss.

-So? -she asks impatiently, drumming her fingers on the desk-. Stop the suspense and tell me.

Her soft fingers move from the desk to my neck, caressing me as she tries to lose herself in my warm eyes. Despite how impulsive and wild she was, her gaze enveloped me.

-My grandmother... -I begin to say, and I notice her rolling her eyes-. She wants us to spend Christmas with her.

She immediately stands up, walking around the desk with a mix of anger and distress in her eyes. I watch as she takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. I know her gestures well and can tell she's upset but trying to control herself. After giving her a moment to process it, she looks at me with tear-filled eyes.

-I'm sorry, my love, but I was hoping to spend Christmas with you -she admits, and a tear escapes down her cheek.

I quickly stand up and wrap my arms around her; she sighs, and I hold her tighter. I was sure she wouldn't cry; it had been ten years since her parents' accident, and since then, she hadn't cried uncontrollably.

-I promise I'll make it up to you, baby -I assure her as I give her a kiss.

The icy January sky embraced me with its gray melancholy that morning, as if reflecting my mood in tandem with my emotions. I felt a shiver as I looked through the window of my room while tying my tie with trembling hands. I was preparing for my grandmother's funeral, the woman who had taught me everything I knew about business and life.

My father's words echoed in my head like a persistent echo: "He told me he would leave you his shares." I knew the responsibilities that came with that action, but I was ready for it. At least, that's what I wanted to believe.

I had shared with Ericka the revelation my father had made to me, and she was excited about the idea of being the partner of a CEO. Despite that, I still couldn't grasp the fact that I would be leading the Hamilton hotel chain, founded by my grandfather with effort and dedication.

However, the day had come, and today would be her funeral. My grandmother had passed away after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which had caused irreversible cellular degeneration until her body could no longer withstand it. Now, in just a few days, I would be named the new CEO, and I would have to make important decisions for the future of the company.

I grabbed the car keys and headed to the cemetery. I intended to stop by my parents' house, but a message from my mother informed me that they were already there, waiting for me.

The funeral ceremony was emotional; strangers offered their condolences to me and my father. My grandmother was a respectable woman; before her illness, she was always active in the family business and was known as "The Iron Lady." I had never seen her as a fragile woman; after my grandfather's death seven years ago, she had moved forward, demonstrating her strength and firmness in every decision.

Since I was a child, I admired her deeply. I felt her loss, but I was not someone to show my emotions, especially in public. I remained calm and stoic throughout the ceremony, even though my heart ached inside.

I needed Ericka, but an opportunity abroad had come up for her, and her modeling contract didn't allow her to accompany me. I knew it was the perfect excuse for her not to feel obligated to be with me during this difficult time. I had already gotten used to the fact that she didn't like family events. I just hoped that would change when I made her my wife.

After my grandmother's funeral, I decided to walk and clear my mind. I had avoided my parents' invitation to go to their house. I simply wanted to be alone.

I parked the car downtown and walked aimlessly through the avenues, feeling the cold air trying to seep through my suit. Even though I was wearing an overcoat, I knew it wasn't the ideal time for a walk. The streets weren't as crowded as usual due to the weather. The sky was overcast and threatened to rain at any moment.

I looked for a place where I could be quiet; I didn't want company, but I also didn't want to stay alone in my apartment. For a moment, I found myself staring at the facade of a restaurant. It looked familiar, so I searched my memory trying to recall any hint. The image of a woman with black hair and blue eyes came to me; I remembered attending the restaurant's opening and seeing her there. Her beauty had captivated me from the first moment, but I hadn't had the chance to talk to her.

I quickly headed toward the reception area, glancing at my watch; it was twenty minutes to one in the afternoon. A blonde woman behind the counter attended to me.

- Good afternoon, welcome to Rasetti Restaurant. Do you have a reservation? - she asked kindly.

- Good afternoon, miss. No, I don't - I admitted.

She looked at me with an apologetic expression on her face.

- I'm sorry, we don't have a table available.

- That's fine - I replied, a bit disappointed.

I directed my gaze inside the restaurant; despite the hour, the place was busy, but not overcrowded. The atmosphere was shaded in neutral colors, with tables perfectly arranged and chairs upholstered in cream and gold tones. The white tablecloths had blue and gold details that completed the harmony. In the background, a small orchestra played classical music that perfectly enhanced the ambiance.

I continued scanning the surroundings, perhaps searching for that blue-eyed angel I couldn't forget. Would she be there? What would I do if I saw her? Would she recognize me? Would I dare to speak to her? I felt nervous and excited at the same time. In the end, I gave up, realizing it was almost impossible to find her among so many people.

I headed toward the exit, my mind analyzing the situation, looking for a way to see her again. On the day of the opening, she had been on the arm of Mr. Rasetti, so I suspected she was his daughter. Maybe I could call him and ask for a meeting to discuss business, giving me an excuse to go to the restaurant again. Or perhaps I could wait for her to leave and discreetly follow her home. Or maybe I could...

A thunderclap jolted me from my thoughts, and I looked up at the sky. Then it started to rain.

***

The day of the will reading had arrived; it was eight in the morning. The lawyer had summoned us for ten. I wanted to arrive early; I felt anxious, my nerves on edge at the thought of discovering part of the contents of that document.

I had received an early message from Ericka expressing her love and pride in me. She made me feel like a teenager; I loved her craziness and the glow she radiated when we were together.

The image of that blue-eyed angel came to my mind again, causing a flutter in my stomach. I had talked to Ericka about her, without giving too many details. I liked seeing her jealous, but I had assured her that she was the only woman in my life. Still, the memory of the angel kept me intrigued.

I had never felt anything like this for another woman; her mere presence made me forget everything else around me. Since the day I saw her in the restaurant, she frequently occupied my thoughts. I needed to know why.

Who was she? What was her relationship with Mr. Rasetti? What did I feel for her? These were questions that tormented me, and I couldn't answer them. I only knew that I had to see her again, even if it was just once more.

Upon arriving at my parents' house, I hugged them both, especially my mother. I saw her with red eyes and a pale face; I knew she had cried a lot over her mother-in-law's death. Since the day of the funeral, three days ago, I hadn't come to visit them. I was never good with sadness, and I preferred to be alone on days like that. They had always respected that about me.

I took advantage of arriving an hour early for the meeting with the lawyer to propose a private conversation with my father. We headed to his office, a spacious and elegant place filled with books, diplomas, and family and business photos.

- Dad - I began once I sat down across from him on a leather sofa - there's something I want to discuss with you before the will reading.

He looked at me with interest and nodded.

- Some time ago - I continued - I was thinking of an idea for the hotels. I know we have good cuisine and catering service for the rooms, but I feel it's not enough for some guests staying at our hotels.

He looked at me attentively and gestured for me to continue.

- So, I have in mind a proposal to have a restaurant in each of the hotels. A quality restaurant, with a varied menu and a cozy atmosphere. I believe that would give us more prestige and more clients.

- Do you already have a restaurant in mind? - he asked, showing interest in my proposal.

I nodded. He clasped his hands and said:

- Adrien, as I told you that day in my office, I know your grandmother will be leaving you her shares, which makes you the majority partner, above me.

- I know, but I still don't want to overshadow you, Dad. You are my mentor and my role model. I want your opinion and your support.

He stood up from his chair, and I did the same. He shook my hand firmly and then hugged me.

- I have never doubted your ability, son - he assured me - I know you will be a good manager, even better than I am. I am proud of you.

- Thank you, Dad, your trust is gratifying for me.