Veil Of Ruse

The airport was buzzing with activity-passengers hustling to their gates, families reuniting, and travelers pulling their luggage through the long, polished hallways. Among the crowd stood a woman, her face partially hidden under the brim of a baseball cap, her dark sunglasses shielding her emotions from the world. After years away, she was finally back. But it didn't feel like a homecoming.

Her name was Lucia Gomez, and the city she had once called home now felt like foreign territory. It wasn't the buildings or the streets that made her feel distant-it was the memories she carried. The kind of memories that clung to her skin like an unwelcome shadow. Her last relationship had ended in a fiery mess, leaving her broken in ways she hadn't fully processed. She had thought moving abroad would cleanse her of the past, but all it had done was give her more time to think, more time to nurse wounds that hadn't healed.

She shifted her bag on her shoulder and exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of everything she'd left behind. This place had been the stage for so much heartbreak. She remembered the endless nights she spent crying over her ex, wondering what she had done wrong. That last relationship had wrecked her self-esteem, made her doubt herself in ways she never had before. She had trusted blindly, loved too deeply, and in return, all she got was betrayal.

But she had learned.

She wasn't the same woman who had left this city two years ago. Now, she was sharper, more guarded. Her heart was still fragile, but her instincts had grown keener. She wasn't here to find love; she was here to test it.

A cab pulled up, and after giving the driver the address of the hotel, she slumped back into the seat, staring out the window as the city whizzed by. The familiar streets felt strange now. The landmarks she once cherished brought no comfort. Everything had changed-including her.

Lucia wasn't back for a vacation. She was here for one reason, and one reason only: to test the man she was supposed to marry.

Diego Lopez Mendoza. His name alone made her heart tighten. He was everything she thought she had ever wanted. Handsome, charming, successful, and, on the surface, devoted. But that's the thing about surfaces-they can be deceiving. Her doubts about his loyalty had been growing for months before she left the country, and even from thousands of miles away, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

She had once been naïve, the kind of woman who believed love was enough to conquer anything. But her failed relationship had taught her that trust was far more fragile. That's why, as crazy as it seemed, she was willing to go to extreme lengths to know the truth.

She was going to test him in a way no woman should ever have to.

As the cab pulled up at the hotel, she paid the driver and dragged her suitcase through the revolving doors. The receptionist handed her a key card, and as she rode the elevator to her floor, Lucia felt the weight of her plan pressing down on her. She was no longer the woman Diego knew. She had changed-both inside and out.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Ivy.

"Everything's ready. You sure you want to do this?"

Lucia stared at the text for a moment, her thumb hovering over the screen. Ivy had been her closest friend since college, the only one who knew about her plan. She had been the one to help her craft the perfect disguise, one that would allow Lucia to slip into Diego's life without raising suspicion.

"Yeah," she typed back. "I'm sure."

This wasn't just about Diego anymore. It was about proving something to herself, too. Could she trust her instincts? Was she capable of rebuilding the trust that had been shattered in her previous relationship? Or was she setting herself up for more heartbreak?

A memory from her past relationship surfaced-one of those moments that still stung. Her ex had been charismatic, too, just like Diego. She had caught him cheating on her, and he had blamed her for being too trusting. It had torn her apart. She'd promised herself she would never let that happen again.

She had no idea what the future held. But one thing was certain: she had to know.

The next morning, Lucia stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing herself. Gone were the designer clothes and polished appearance that Diego had always admired. Instead, she wore simple, inexpensive clothes-a faded blouse, worn jeans, and scuffed sneakers. The woman staring back at her in the mirror looked plain, almost invisible, but that was exactly what she wanted.

She added to the effect by darkening her skin slightly with bronzer, making her features appear tired and weary. The aim was to look like someone who had struggled, someone who wouldn't catch anyone's eye. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun, leaving stray tendrils framing her face. She wore no makeup except for a dull lip balm. As she studied herself, Lucia felt the weight of her decision. She was becoming someone entirely different.

Her reflection stared back at her, a stranger with the same eyes, but a different identity. This was no longer the same Lucia who had once believed in fairy-tale love. This version of her was steely, determined, and ready for whatever came next.

She picked up her phone and messaged Ivy. "Leaving now. Wish me luck."

"Good luck, and stay sharp. Remember, you're in control."

"Okay," Lucia muttered to herself, pulling on a cheap, worn-out jacket to conceal the last trace of herself. "Time to become someone else."

Ivy had arranged everything, down to the last detail. She had secured Lucia a job at Diego's company, posing as his new driver. It had taken some convincing and a few well-placed calls, but Diego was never one to question a favor from a business partner.

As Lucia walked into the building where Diego worked, her heart raced. She passed through security without a hitch, the ID card Ivy had forged allowing her access to the restricted areas. The plan was in motion, and there was no turning back.

When she reached the garage, a man in a suit approached her, his face serious but polite.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice firm but not aggressive.

"I'm the new driver for Mr. Diego," Lucia responded confidently, her tone steady.

The man raised an eyebrow, looking her over from head to toe with a hint of skepticism.

"Dressed like this?" he questioned, his gaze lingering on her attire. After a brief pause, he nodded slightly.

"Okay," he said, though his tone suggested he was still uncertain.

"Okay," he said again, this time more assertively. "Pull the car around. Mr. Mendoza will be down shortly."

Lucia nodded, slipping into her professional role without missing a beat, and headed toward the car.

She nodded again, walking over to the sleek black sedan that would be her workspace for the next few weeks. Her hands shook as she gripped the steering wheel, but she forced herself to calm down. This wasn't the time to lose her nerve. She had to stay focused.

Minutes later, the elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and out walked Diego. He looked as sharp as ever, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit that highlighted his broad shoulders. His dark hair was styled with precision, not a strand out of place, and his olive skin seemed to glow under the soft lighting of the lobby. Lucia's breath caught in her throat as she watched him approach the car with that effortless, confident stride she had almost forgotten. His smile-a mix of charm and familiarity-sent a wave of memories flooding back, leaving her momentarily frozen.

She couldn't believe how much he had changed. The boy she once knew, all awkward limbs and boyish grins, had grown into this strikingly handsome man. His success was evident in the way he carried himself, exuding an air of sophistication that took her by surprise. They hadn't seen each other in years-only through the occasional social media update, old pictures of him that never quite did justice to the man standing in front of her now.

Her heart raced as the memories of their childhood together flickered in her mind-those carefree days, running through fields, sharing secrets, and dreaming about their futures. But this Diego, the man she now saw, was far more than she ever imagined. The years had turned him into someone both familiar and foreign, and she couldn't help but feel a pull toward him, a strange mix of nostalgia and attraction. He was more handsome than she could have ever predicted, and it shook her to her core.

He slid into the back seat, barely glancing at her. "Morning," he said casually, his eyes fixed on his phone.

"Morning, sir," she replied, her voice steady.

"Take me to Avenida de los Insurgentes 1020, Mexico City," he instructed, scrolling through notifications as if he hadn't just stepped into the car with a familiar face.

"Okay, sir," she replied, her heart racing as she turned the car onto the busy street, the hum of the engine drowning out her thoughts.

As she pulled the car out of the garage and onto the busy city streets, Lucia couldn't help but steal glances at him in the rearview mirror. There he was, the man she was supposed to marry, sitting just feet away from her, completely unaware that his fiancée was behind the wheel.

She wondered how long she could keep up the charade, how long before he saw through her disguise. But for now, she had the upper hand. She was the invisible observer, watching, waiting, and preparing to see the truth behind the man she thought she knew.

And so it began.

As she arrived at his apartment gate, she honked the horn, and a tall man dressed in a security uniform stepped forward to open the gate. As she entered the compound, she was taken aback by the stunning beauty of his house. The architecture was modern, with sleek lines and large windows that showcased a well-manicured garden. Omg, look at my soon-to-be house, she teased in her mind, a mix of awe and envy swirling within her.

"Give the car key to the security after you're done," Diego instructed as he stepped out of the car, his eyes never leaving his phone.

"Got it, sir," Lucia replied, watching him walk off. After he disappeared inside the building, she parked the car, the engine's hum fading in the compound's quiet. As she stepped out, Andre, the security guard, approached her.

"I'm Andre," he introduced himself with a friendly smile.

"I'm Emily," she said quickly, her voice clipped but polite enough to avoid suspicion.

"You'll be handing the key to me, right?" Andre asked with a friendly smile.

"Yes," Lucia responded, her tone clipped. She adjusted her cap again, making sure her face stayed partially hidden. "I'll collect it tomorrow when I report in the morning."

Andre nodded. "No problem. I'll have it ready for you." He extended his hand for the key.

Lucia handed it over without another word, her mind already racing ahead to the next day. Watching Andre walk back to his post, she released a slow breath, relieved to be wrapping up another day undetected. But with each passing day, the stakes seemed to get higher.

Tomorrow, she would return, collect the key, and slip back into her role. Until then, she had to keep her guard up. She stepped outside the gate and quickly booked a cab, glancing back at Diego's luxurious apartment complex, she felt a mix of determination and disappointment swirl inside her.

He was so close, yet so far from the truth. And the longer she kept up this act, the harder it would be to keep her emotions in check.

As Lucia arrived at the hotel, exhaustion pulled her down, and she immediately threw herself onto the bed, lying flat against the soft mattress. She sighed deeply, her mind spinning from the day's events. Just as she began to close her eyes, her phone buzzed. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the caller ID-it was Diego.

"Hi, my love," Diego greeted, his voice warm and familiar.

"Hi, honey," Lucia replied, her tone carefully neutral, even as her pulse quickened. She had spent the entire day in disguise, driving for the man she loved while he remained completely unaware of her true identity.

"How was work today?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Great, but hectic as hell," Diego said with a tired sigh. "I actually got a new driver today."

Lucia's stomach clenched at his words, but she forced herself to sound casual. "Oh, wow! That's great. A male driver?"

Diego laughed lightly. "Funny enough, I didn't even pay much attention. I was so tired I barely glanced at them, but the driver sounded like a lady."

Lucia's heart raced. He doesn't even recognize me, she thought. Keeping her voice steady, she added, "I hope she drives well."

"We'll see. It was her first day today. Let's see how it goes." His tone softened then, filled with affection. "You know, my love, I can't wait to see you. It feels like it's been forever. I barely even remember what you look like."

Lucia's chest tightened with guilt and longing. She had left to complete her degrees abroad, putting distance between herself and her past heartbreak. During that time, she and Diego had reconnected, their childhood friendship blossoming into something more. Yet, despite their history, Lucia still felt hesitant-unwilling to fully trust after what she had been through.

"Don't worry, honey," she reassured him, though her heart felt heavy. "I'll come back as soon as I'm done with my studies."

"Promise me you're taking care of yourself over there," Diego said, his voice tender. "I miss you."

"I promise. I miss you too," she replied softly, feeling the weight of the distance between them.

"Alright, babe. We'll talk soon, yeah?"

"Definitely. Bye, honey."

"Bye, Lucia."

As she hung up, her phone buzzed again-this time, it was Ivy.

"Hey, babes!" Ivy's voice came through, teasing as always. "How did your first day in disguise go?"

Lucia chuckled, though her mind was still racing. "Girl, this is the craziest thing I've ever done. I'm playing the role of a driver and a fiancée at the same time. I just hope everything works out as planned."

"Relax! You've got this," Ivy said, her tone lighthearted. "Just take a deep breath."

"It's harder than I thought, Ivy," Lucia admitted, her voice strained. "Seeing my man up close but not being able to hug him or kiss him-it hurts. And the worst part? He didn't even look at the driver properly. He said his day was too hectic."

Ivy laughed.

Lucia sighed, feeling a mix of pride and insecurity. "You need to see Diego. He's so charming and handsome. Honestly, I couldn't take my eyes off him when I saw him earlier! He's my definition of a prince charming in a shining armour, Ivy. That's why this feels so risky. So many girls would want him, and today I saw it-I can't help but wonder if he's really mine."

"He is yours, Lucia," Ivy said firmly. "But I still think this whole plan is a little... mad. Don't say I didn't warn you when he finds out."

"I need to do this," Lucia said, her voice steady but filled with conviction. "I need to know for sure."

"To prove what, exactly?" Ivy's tone grew more serious. "Anyway, we'll see how it all plays out. Just be careful, girl. Talk to you later."

"Bye, Ivy," Lucia said, hanging up and setting her phone down beside her. She stared at the ceiling, feeling the weight of everything settle over her.

Her plan-testing Diego's loyalty by posing as his driver-was bold, and perhaps even dangerous. But after the heartbreak she had endured in the past, she couldn't shake the need for certainty. She needed to know if Diego was truly the man she could trust, or if his charm was just another mask.

The next day, Lucia resumed her role as Diego's driver, pulling up to his apartment at precisely 7:30 AM. Her heart pounded in her chest, still unsure of what she'd uncover each time she saw him. But nothing could have prepared her for what she was about to witness.

"Morning, Emily," Andre greeted as he handed her the car key, his smile friendly and familiar.

"Morning, Andre," Lucia replied, keeping her voice steady.

"You're right on time," Andre noted, glancing at Diego as he stepped out of the house, looking as sharp and put-together as always.

Diego walked toward the car, his focus on his phone, as Lucia climbed into the driver's seat. Diego slid into the backseat without a second glance, still preoccupied with whatever business had his attention. Andre opened the gate, waving them off as they pulled away.

"Morning, sir," Lucia greeted as they drove off, her voice neutral yet professional.

"Morning," Diego replied, his eyes still glued to his screen.

Lucia took a steady breath before speaking again. "I'm Emily, sir. I noticed you had quite a hectic day yesterday, so you didn't ask for my name."

Diego glanced up briefly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "At least I know your name now, Emily," he said, before adding, "I trust you'd do a perfect job, though. It's rare to see a woman as a driver."

Lucia smiled beneath her disguise, her heart racing. "I won't disappoint you, sir," she replied confidently. "What would you like me to play for you, sir?"

"R&B would be perfect," Diego said, leaning back and closing his eyes.

As the smooth tunes of R&B filled the car, Lucia stole a glance at him through the rearview mirror. He looked so calm and unaware, completely trusting her with not just his car, but unknowingly with his heart as well.

But then, halfway through the drive, Diego's phone rang. His expression shifted as he answered, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone.

"Hey, babe," he said, his voice suddenly soft. Lucia's heart froze.

She glanced at him through the rearview mirror, her pulse racing. Babe? Was he calling her-or someone else? Her stomach twisted as she listened closely, her breath catching in her throat.

"Yeah, I'll see you later tonight," Diego continued, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Can't wait to spend some time with you."

Lucia's hands tightened around the steering wheel, her mind spinning. The words felt like daggers, each one cutting deeper as she tried to process what was happening. Who was he talking to? Her thoughts were a blur of confusion and anger, her chest tightening with betrayal.

He hung up the phone, oblivious to her silent turmoil, and resumed scrolling through his messages. Lucia kept driving, her mind reeling, trying to maintain her composure. She had started this game to test his loyalty, but now, faced with the possibility of infidelity, she wasn't sure if she was ready for the truth.

As they neared his office, she parked the car, her heart heavy with the weight of what she had just overheard. Diego stepped out, giving her a brief, distracted nod before walking inside.

Lucia sat in the driver's seat, staring after him, her mind spinning. Was this all just a facade? If he was seeing someone else, how could he claim to miss her so much? The plan she had started in search of answers had now left her with even more questions-questions she wasn't sure she was ready to confront.

Lucia sat frozen in the driver's seat, her hands still gripping the steering wheel even though the car was parked. Her thoughts raced, a mix of disbelief and anger swirling in her chest. The reality of what she had overheard was sinking in, and she felt a deep sense of betrayal clawing at her insides.

Who was he seeing? Was it someone new, or had he been hiding this all along?

Her mind replayed the words Diego had spoken so casually-"Babe... Can't wait to spend some time with you tonight." It was as if everything she had feared from the start of this charade was crashing down around her. The careful facade she had built to test him had taken a darker turn.

She had known this might happen-had prepared herself for the worst-but the sting was sharper than she'd anticipated. She wanted to scream, to confront him, but she was still locked in her role. Emily, the driver. The disguise she had chosen to hide behind was now the very thing keeping her silent.

Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. It was Ivy.

Lucia took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions before answering. "Hey."

"Lucia, how's it going? Any updates?" Ivy asked, her voice light and curious.

Lucia swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she replied, "I overheard him talking to someone. He called her babe. He's meeting her tonight."

There was silence on the other end of the line before Ivy finally spoke. "What? Are you sure?"

"Yes," Lucia whispered, her voice strained with emotion. "I don't know who she is, but it's happening."

"Damn, Lucia. I don't know what to say," Ivy sighed. "I told you this might backfire, but I didn't think he'd... you know."

"I know," Lucia muttered, her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. "I thought... I thought he loved me, Ivy."

"He might still love you, but it sounds like he's playing both sides," Ivy reasoned. "What are you going to do now?"

Lucia closed her eyes, leaning back against the seat as she exhaled slowly. What was she going to do? She had hoped to catch Diego's loyalty-or lack thereof-but now that she had evidence of his deceit, it didn't feel as satisfying as she thought it would. It hurt. Deeply.

"I don't know," Lucia finally said. "I need to figure out what's going on. I need more proof... I can't just confront him without knowing the full truth."

"Be careful, Lucia," Ivy warned. "This could get messy."

"I know," Lucia whispered. "But I need to see this through. I need to know."

They ended the call, and Lucia sat in the car for a moment, staring blankly ahead. Her heart felt heavy, but her determination was stronger than ever. She had come too far to turn back now.

That same day at night after she closed from work she went back to the hotel and this time called Diego.

That same night, after she closed from work, Lucia returned to her hotel room, the weight of her earlier discoveries pressing down like a leaden cloak. She stepped inside, shutting the door behind her with a soft click, her mind racing. Without wasting a moment, she reached for her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed Diego's number. Her heart pounded with each ring, unsure of what she would hear on the other end, but needing to hear it nonetheless.

"Hey, babe," she said, forcing a lightness into her voice, desperately trying to mask the turmoil that churned inside her.

"Hey, my love, how are you?" Diego's reply was warm, his tone familiar and inviting, but there was something-an underlying distraction that sent a cold shiver through Lucia. His voice felt off, as though he were speaking with one foot out the door.

"I'm good! Just finished up some work," she answered, her attempt at nonchalance failing to mask her anxiety. "What about you? How was your day?"

"It was alright," he responded, though his words came with a slight hesitation. "Just the usual grind, you know?"

Lucia bit her lip, her stomach twisting into knots. The uncertainty in his voice triggered a sense of unease she couldn't ignore. "Any plans for tonight?" she asked, her pulse quickening as she waited for his answer.

"Actually, I've got a few things to take care of," he said quickly, too quickly. "I'll probably be busy for most of the evening."

Her heart sank. "Oh, really?" she asked, forcing a smile that he couldn't see but could surely hear in her tone. "I was hoping we could talk all night." She tried to keep her voice steady, but the disappointment was unmistakable.

"Yeah, I wish I could, but something came up," he replied, his words betraying a hint of uncertainty. "Let's make it tomorrow night, honey."

Lucia clenched her jaw, willing herself to stay composed. "Sure," she said, masking the hurt that bloomed inside her with feigned cheerfulness. "Just text me when you're free."

"Will do! Talk later, babe," Diego said before hanging up, leaving Lucia staring blankly at her phone, her fingers frozen against the screen.

The silence in the room was deafening. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest as Diego's words replayed in her mind, but it was his tone-the slight inflections, the way he had quickly dismissed her-that gnawed at her, raising doubts she couldn't ignore. The intimate conversation she had overheard earlier echoed in her head, fueling the rising tide of suspicion.

Was he really as busy as he claimed? Or was there something more-something he wasn't telling her? The weight of uncertainty settled heavily on her chest, and for the first time, she began to wonder if Diego was truly the man she believed him to be.

Feeling a mix of determination and dread, Lucia tossed her phone onto the bed and paced the small hotel room, her mind racing with the possibilities. Diego's sudden plans for the evening felt too convenient, too calculated. She had to know the truth-no matter what it took.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was Ivy again, checking in. Lucia answered quickly, her voice betraying her unease.

"Hey, any updates?" Ivy's voice was light, but Lucia could hear the underlying concern.

Lucia took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. "I just spoke to him," she said, her voice tight. "He says he's busy tonight."

"What kind of plans?" Ivy asked, immediately picking up on the tension in Lucia's tone.

"He didn't say. Just that he's busy," Lucia repeated, her heart thudding painfully in her chest. "But something felt wrong. His voice, the way he rushed off the phone... I don't believe him."

Ivy sighed, the worry in her voice evident. "I knew this was going to get complicated. So, what are you going to do?"

Lucia stopped pacing and clenched her fists, her determination hardening. "I need to find out who he's with," she said firmly. "I can't just sit here and let this go. I have to know."

"Lucia, wait," Ivy interrupted, her voice urgent. "Be careful. I know you're upset, but this could get messy fast."

"I know, but I'm already in too deep," Lucia replied, her resolve solidifying. "I'm going to follow him. I need to see for myself."

"Lucia, stop," Ivy's voice sharpened. "Listen to me. I know how hard this is right now, but you need to stay calm, okay? Don't make a decision you'll regret later."

Lucia stayed silent, her mind racing. Ivy's words were barely registering, the pull of her own suspicions too strong to ignore.

"Lucia, are you still there?" Ivy called out, her tone softening. "I know you're on the line. You have to hear me. Don't act impulsively. If you get caught, things could spiral out of control, and I don't want you to end up in an even worse situation."

Still, Lucia said nothing, her mind fixated on Diego and whatever he was hiding.

Ivy sighed again. "Alright, I'll talk to you later. Try to get some sleep, okay? Think this through." With that, Ivy hung up, leaving Lucia alone with her thoughts, the phone screen going dark in her hand.

Lucia stood still for a moment, the weight of Ivy's words heavy on her shoulders, but the gnawing doubt inside her refused to let go. She set the phone down and stared at the small hotel room window, her thoughts swirling.

Lucia resumed her role as Diego's driver the following morning, arriving at his apartment at precisely 7:30 AM. She retrieved the key from security, her mind already distancing itself from the conversation they'd had the previous night, accepting the possibility that it might have been work-related. As she waited near the car, she felt an uneasy calm settle over her.

Moments later, Diego appeared-but he wasn't alone. Clinging to his arm was a stunning woman, barely clothed, her disheveled hair a clear indication of a night that had been anything but innocent. Lucia's breath hitched, her heart sinking as she realized the truth. This woman was no colleague. Yet outwardly, she remained composed, every muscle in her body betraying nothing of the storm raging inside.

Diego leaned down, pressing a casual kiss to the woman's cheek. "Good morning, sir," Lucia greeted him as though nothing was amiss, her voice even, betraying none of her inner turmoil.

He glanced at her briefly, distracted by the woman beside him. "Morning, Emily," he replied absentmindedly, his tone indifferent. "Ready for another day?" he asked with a teasing smile.

"Yes, sir," Lucia responded, her voice steady despite the jagged crack widening in her heart.

The woman, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, her tone dripping with condescension. "Babe," she purred, tightening her grip on Diego's arm, "look at her. She's not even dressed professionally for a driver. How can you trust someone like this to drive you around?" Her eyes raked over Lucia with disdain, her sneer evident.

Lucia swallowed back the venom that threatened to spill from her lips. Bitch, you're not even married to him and already acting like it, she thought, but outwardly, she remained impassive, locking eyes with Diego in the rearview mirror.

Diego only chuckled, brushing off the woman's comment. "She's good at what she does," he said casually, as though Lucia was little more than an afterthought. He opened the door for the woman, helping her into the back seat, his complete disregard for Lucia's feelings cutting deeper than she'd anticipated.

Lucia slipped into the driver's seat, starting the engine with her heart pounding in her chest. The flirtatious banter between Diego and the woman continued, filling the air in the car with tension. The woman made no effort to be discreet. "Babe, I enjoyed last night," she whispered seductively, her voice low and intimate. "You're incredible in bed."

Lucia's foot slipped from the pedal, and the car jerked forward abruptly. She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to regain control-not just of the vehicle, but of the torrent of emotions threatening to break through. The reality of the situation hit her like a tidal wave. Diego, the man she was supposed to marry, had spent the night with another woman. And now, she was forced to bear witness to it.

Diego leaned forward, his tone laced with mild concern. "Everything okay?"

"Yes, sir," Lucia replied, her voice cold, her fingers gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. She wouldn't let him see how much it hurt. Not yet.

The woman in the backseat, oblivious to Lucia's inner turmoil, continued her assault. "I'm so lucky to have you," she cooed, placing a possessive hand on Diego's chest. "You're amazing in every way."

Lucia's vision blurred with unshed tears, but she blinked them away, refusing to let her emotions get the best of her. She needed to keep her cool, no matter how painful this was. This was the test she had set for herself, after all.

But to her surprise, Diego's tone shifted. "Look, here," he said sharply, removing the woman's hand from his chest with an air of finality. "I appreciate the compliment, but this was a one-night stand. Nothing more, nothing less. There's no 'us.' Keep it that way."

The woman, clearly insulted by his blunt rejection, huffed and crossed her arms, her flirtatious demeanor vanishing. "Whatever," she muttered under her breath before alighting from the car without so much as a goodbye.

Lucia remained silent, watching through the rearview mirror as the woman stomped away. Diego sighed, rubbing his temples as if exhausted by the brief exchange. "Take me to the office," he muttered, leaning back in the seat, his focus already shifting to his phone.

She then tune the player to r&b and started singing along.

As they got to the office, Diego suddenly spoke again, this time complimenting her. "Great voice By the way," he said

Lucia's eye shooked, thanks sir. She wasn't expecting the compliment.

Diego gave a curt nod without looking up. "Alright, Emily. I noticed you always resume early. Keep up with the same time.

"Yes, sir," she replied, keeping her tone neutral. Inside, though, her heart twisted painfully at having to hide who she really was from him, especially in such an intimate setting.

The rest of the drive was filled with silence, the tension thick in the air. By the time they arrived at Diego's building, her chest felt tight, like she couldn't breathe. When Diego stepped out of the car, he gave her a brief nod of thanks before heading inside, completely unaware of the emotional wreck he was leaving behind.

The moment he disappeared through the office doors, Lucia's composure shattered. She gripped the steering wheel, her breath coming in ragged gasps as the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over. Sobs wracked her body as the weight of everything crashed down on her. She had known this wouldn't be easy, but seeing Diego with another woman-hearing her talk about their night together-was more than she had bargained for.

She quickly fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed Ivy's number.

"Hey, babe, wassup" Ivy answered, her voice light and teasing as usual. But when she heard Lucia's sobs on the other end, her tone immediately shifted. "Lucia? What's wrong?"

"Ivy," Lucia choked out, wiping her tears furiously. "He was with another woman last night. I had to drive them both to the office. He-he spent the night with her."

"Oh, no, Lucia..." Ivy's voice softened, filled with concern. "I'm so sorry. I knew this would be hard, but I didn't think it would happen this soon. Are you okay?"

"No, Ivy. I'm not okay," Lucia whispered, her voice barely audible. "I thought I could handle this, but...seeing him with her, hearing them talk about last night, it-it broke something in me. "I don't know how much longer I can do this."

Ivy's sigh was audible through the phone. "Lucia, this is exactly what you were afraid of. You knew there was a chance you'd catch him doing something like this, but you're stronger than this. You have to remember why you're doing it."

Lucia wiped her tears, trying to steady her breathing. "I know, Ivy, but it's different when you're actually living it. I just wish I didn't care so much. It hurts more than I ever imagined."

"Of course it does," Ivy said softly. "But you're the one in control. You're the one holding all the cards here. You're not just his fiancée-you're his driver now, too. You have a front-row seat to see who he really is. Don't let him break you."

Lucia took a deep breath, clutching the phone tighter. Ivy was right, as much as it pained her to admit. This was exactly what she had set out to do-to see Diego's true colors. She just hadn't expected the reality to be so brutal.

"You're right," she whispered. "I need to stay focused."

"You can do this, Lucia," Ivy assured her. "Just take it one day at a time."

"Yeah," Lucia replied, her voice still shaky but with a hint of resolve. "One day at a time."

The call ended, leaving Lucia alone with her thoughts and the fading adrenaline. She sat there for a few more minutes, allowing herself a moment to breathe, to let the emotions settle before she pulled herself together.

Wiping her face one last time, she started the car, the engine's hum drowning out the lingering echoes of her heartbreak. The plan wasn't over yet. And neither was she.

The rest of the day dragged on with an unbearable weight pressing on Lucia's chest. After leaving Diego's office, she drove aimlessly around the city, her mind swirling with thoughts she couldn't organize. She had seen him with another woman. She had heard him dismiss her so easily, like she meant nothing. It hurt more than she had anticipated, but she was determined to continue, no matter how painful it became.

By the time evening approached, Lucia found herself parked at the same spot outside Diego's building, waiting for him to finish work. She had managed to push her emotions down just enough to appear calm on the outside, though inside she was still raw.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. It was Ivy again. Lucia answered, her voice a bit steadier than it had been earlier. "Hey."

"Hey," Ivy replied. "Just checking in on you. How are you holding up?"

Lucia sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. "I don't know. I'm trying, but it's hard. I keep replaying this morning in my head. The way he looked at her...the things she said. It's killing me, Ivy."

"Listen," Ivy said firmly, "you're stronger than this. You've already faced the worst part. You saw it with your own eyes. Now you know the truth, but you have to keep going if you want to get the whole picture. Don't let him off the hook just because it hurts."

"I know," Lucia murmured. "But it's so exhausting pretending to be someone else around him. I have to smile, to act like everything's fine when all I want to do is confront him and ask him why he's doing this."

"You'll get your chance, Lucia. Just not yet. Stay the course."

Before Lucia could respond, she saw Diego exit the building, alone this time. Relief washed over her. No woman on his arm, at least for now. "Ivy, I have to go. I'll talk to you later."

"Alright, stay strong," Ivy said before hanging up.

Diego approached the car, looking distracted. As soon as he slid into the back seat, Lucia cleared her throat. "Good evening, sir."

Diego nodded absentmindedly, still scrolling through his phone. "Evening. Emily,"

"Yes, sir," she replied, keeping her tone formal, though hearing him use the name "Emily" felt strange.

"Good. Let's head to the club. I've got a meeting tonight," he said, his voice distant.

Lucia nodded, starting the car. She drove through the city, her mind racing. Why was he going to the club for a "meeting"? Was he really meeting someone for work, or was there something else going on? Her mind jumped to all the possibilities, each one more painful than the last.

When they arrived at the club, Diego stepped out of the car and turned to Lucia. "Wait here. I won't be long."

"Yes, sir," she replied, watching him disappear inside the building.

Lucia sat in the car, her fingers drumming against the steering wheel as she stared out at the entrance. Time passed slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity. She kept telling herself to stay calm, to stay focused, but her mind wouldn't stop racing. What if he was with another woman again? What if he was lying about the meeting?

Her phone buzzed again. Ivy. Lucia answered quickly.

"Where are you?" Ivy asked.

"Waiting outside a club. Diego said he had a meeting," Lucia said, her voice flat.

Ivy hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Do you think he's really in a meeting?"

"I don't know," Lucia admitted. "I just don't know anymore."

Before Ivy could respond, Lucia's heart stopped as she saw Diego walk out of the club, his arm slung casually around another woman's waist. Her heart shattered all over again. The woman was laughing, her hand resting on Diego's chest as they exchanged a look that made Lucia sick to her stomach.

"Lucia?" Ivy's voice cut through her thoughts. "What's happening?"

"He's with someone else," Lucia whispered, her throat tight as she tried to keep the tears at bay. "Ivy, I can't do this. I can't watch him with other women."

"You have to," Ivy said softly, but firmly. "You need to know who he really is. This is exactly why you're doing this, remember? It's painful, I know, but you're stronger than this."

Lucia bit her lip, her hands trembling on the wheel. "I just didn't think it would hurt this much."

"You're going to get through this," Ivy said. "Just stay calm. Remember the plan."

Lucia took a shaky breath, nodding to herself. "Yeah. You're right. I'll talk to you later, Ivy."

As she hung up, she forced herself to breathe deeply. Diego opened the car door and ushered the woman inside without a word to "Emily." Lucia's heart clenched as she saw him being so casual, so unbothered by his actions. It was as if she didn't exist to him at all.

As they drove back toward his house, the woman giggled, whispering sweet nothings into Diego's ear. Lucia tried to tune it out, but every word felt like a knife twisting in her chest. He's not worth this, she reminded herself. This is the real him.

When they arrived at Diego's house, the woman kissed him on the cheek and walked up the steps to his apartment. Diego turned to Lucia, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment before he spoke. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, Emily."

"Yes, sir," Lucia replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Diego nodded and disappeared into the house, leaving Lucia alone in the car once again.

The moment the door closed behind him, Lucia broke down. She couldn't hold it in any longer. Tears streamed down her face, her body shaking with sobs. She pressed her forehead against the steering wheel, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces. How much more of this could she take?

She sat there for what felt like hours, letting the pain flow through her. But eventually, the tears stopped, and she wiped her face, her resolve hardening once again. This was exactly why she had taken on this crazy plan-to see the truth. And now, more than ever, she knew she couldn't stop. Not yet.

Lucia got down from the car and took a cab back to the hotel. She would continue, no matter how painful. She needed to see this through to the end.