Chapter 10.

Indefinite Journeys and Buried Vengeances.

Two years had passed since the tense meeting at the mansion. Alain had taken over as CEO of one of his father's corporations, Bardot's L, in honor of the family name.

The pressure of marriage was still present, as in his family it was expected that all young people would marry before reaching the age of 25. Alain, now 22, felt the weight of family expectations on his shoulders.

One day, while he was in his office reviewing some documents, his father Amancio entered the room with a serious expression. Alain, I need to talk to you about an important matter, he said, closing the door behind him.

Alain looked up and nodded. Of course, father. ¿What is it about? he asked, not suspecting what was to come.

¿Do you remember Don Vito Bardot? Amancio asked, watching his son intently.

Alain frowned and shook his head. No, I don't remember, he replied, trying to hide the nervousness he felt at hearing that name.

Amancio sighed and said, It doesn't matter that you don't remember. We have arranged a marriage for our children. You and his daughter will be married next month.

The sudden announcement made Alain feel dizzy. His mind filled with confusing memories and emotions. Images of Christianne and tense moments came back to him with force. Before he could fully process what his father had said, Alain fainted on the spot.

When Alain regained consciousness, he was in his bed with his mother Ana by his side, her face full of concern. Alain, ¿are you okay? she asked softly, stroking his hair.

Alain nodded weakly, trying to assimilate the news. Father told me that I am going to marry the daughter of Don Vito Bardot, he said, his voice full of disbelief.

Ana nodded and said, Yes, son. It is an important alliance for our family. I know it is sudden, but it is in the best interest of everyone. The man will invest too much money in our businesses in exchange for marriage.

Alain sat on the bed, trying to process the situation. His mind was still filled with confusion and resentment. He knew he had to find a way to face this new reality and protect himself and his family.

As he pondered what he should do, Alain decided that he would not let himself be defeated by circumstances. He had to be strong and find a way to confront Christianne Bardot, both in marriage and in his desires for revenge that had been buried in oblivion.

And then he asked: but  ¿is she okay with the marriage? To which his mother said: It doesn't matter if she agrees or not, we adults are the ones who decide and she is already 20 years old, she is a woman and this is her duty. The man, upon hearing this, understood that both she and he had been trapped in this ironic twist of fate...

If only he didn't know how ruthless she was, this wouldn't bother him, but he knew that he was going to sleep with the enemy and that he was lethal, so he didn't want to even imagine what would happen when he found out that he was in love with a young peasant girl whom he visited every weekend...