Beauty Tormented: Beauty Tormented, #1

By Alexandra Rago

Andrea is a rebellious young woman, with a very unpleasant past, a not very encouraging present and a future full of loneliness.
Due to certain circumstances, she is forced to pay a one-year sentence in a hacienda in Veracruz, Mexico, where Matías, the most impressive man she has ever seen, is the owner and as if that were not enough, his childhood best friend. brother ten years older.
The past of both is stormy and more painful. However, there, in the middle of that beautiful place so far from everything, something arises that cannot be denied. Is it possible to overcome and forget her past, to build a new future? Will the love that grows really be enough to heal each of the wounds that her life has left them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexandra Rago
• Release date: Feb 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215188538

Book preview

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

EPILOGUE

Beauty Tormented

Author: Alexandra Rago

© Copyright 2023–All Rights Reserved

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*Note: Please do not read if you are under the age of 18

All characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older.

CHAPTER 1

I was looking out the window at that landscape that had already become monotonous and boring a couple of hours ago. However, he had nothing else to do, there, inside that vehicle. Talking to Cristóbal was useless and on the other hand, he didn't want to either. The relationship had been broken for a long time, there was nothing left to say. At first that had hurt a lot, but by now she was used to living like this.

The last few weeks, especially, turned into a nightmare. She remembered every moment while she lost sight outside: the disaster in that store partly caused by her, Mayra's accusations. Just thinking of her made his stomach turn. Circumstances were once again forcing her not to be the master of her destiny, despite having recently turned twenty-two, and managing to finish a career that she did not like at all, but which she agreed to enter under pressure from Cristóbal. and blackmail from that woman.

The background music made her fall even deeper into her thoughts. The life that was in store for him did not sound attractive at all, on the contrary. Still, it couldn't be worse than it already was.

Several times he heard that his brother's best friend, who owned the place they were going to, became a bitter and hard man after the death of his wife. She remembered him quite a bit from her childhood and vaguely at Cristóbal's wedding. However, that told her nothing about him. On the other hand, that day was, after the death of his parents, one of the worst of his life.

The knot in her stomach from that moment suddenly returned. He turned to Cristóbal feeling pity and anger. If she weren't so blind, everything at that moment would be very different and she wouldn't constantly have that desire to scream for someone to hear her, for someone to care.

—Don't even think about looking at me like that, you alone got into all this.

Andrea rolled her eyes tired of always hearing the same thing. Cristóbal's tone let her see that he was serious. They had not been able to communicate politely for more than two weeks. It was all screams and claims on the part of the two. The truth was that he could see the positive side of the situation: he would no longer be in that house or have to put up with them for a year and, when the term was up, he would make his life elsewhere, far, far away from that pair.

An hour later they deviated from the main road to take a small path. Apparently the real place was at the end of the world. The hacienda was about five hours from the capital of Veracruz, where they had landed a day earlier, at night, on a private flight. However, Cristóbal had decided not to go there by air, since Mayra had no interest in accompanying them to that isolated place, and she decided to stay in the comfort of a hotel while she waited for him to return. That's how things were... with her you always did what you wanted.

He tried to get lost on the road again. From what he had heard throughout his childhood, coffee and sugar cane were grown in that place they were going to, which supplied almost the entire country and abroad, so its location was key, so the place It had to be temperate and have all the conditions for its enormous production to be of the highest quality.

She remembered that Cristóbal used to spend many vacations there and that she had even gone a few times with her parents, but that had been a long time ago. Matías's parents and his parents maintained a close friendship, so the relationship was always very strong between them. Now his parents resided in Europe. From there the industrialization of the product was managed and he decided to remain in charge of production, burying himself in that place so far away from everything.

After an hour they finally reached what seemed to be the entrance to the site. A huge and imposing gate, guarded by several men who were armed, stood in front of them. Cristóbal lowered the window once he stopped the truck that had been provided to him in Córdoba, making sure that those who followed him did the same.

One of the guards of that place calmly approached.

—Good morning, I'm Cristóbal Garza. Your boss awaits me.

Of course, sir, I just have to ask for identification. —His brother took what they asked for from his wallet and showed it.

"Welcome, Mr. Garza. Forward.

Thank you, they're coming with me. He pointed to the other car. The men nodded, opening the giant gate allowing them to enter, but not before observing Andrea with discreet curiosity.

The road continued for another fifteen minutes. The young woman looked at everything with obvious indifference. Kilometers and kilometers of crops, men on horseback everywhere. She understood that she would be completely cut off from the world. There time seemed to have stopped, everything was nature, greenery, animals...

He leaned his head back, closing his eyes. One year, just one year , she thought over and over again, feeling empty and lifeless. It was either that or have a criminal record for being involved in that...situation. He couldn't risk it, if that happened he couldn't rebuild his life in another place far from everything and by his own means. That was the only occasion in which he was grateful for having had money since, thanks to that, everything had been solved in the best way.

For the first time in almost ten years, Mayra, Cristóbal and Andrea agreed, only for very different reasons. For her it was an opportunity to start over, while for Mayra it was ruin before the society to which she had fought so hard to belong, for which she had committed so many atrocities and that if that happened, her plans would collapse in a second. And for her brother it meant jeopardizing the good image of the huge conglomerate that their parents inherited when they died, to which Andrea blamed all her unhappiness and fervently detested.

-We arrived. Christopher turned off the engine. He took a deep breath, finally opening his eyelids. The house was huge, it looked like a mansion out of a dream, everything was stonework and windows. I didn't remember her like that. As much as he tried to find her in his memory. He pulled the door handle gathering courage to go down; she felt intimidated by the majestic and immense of the site. Wherever he looked there was vegetation. In a very particular way he eclipsed her; she was amazed. Come on, put your things down," his brother ordered.

With little effort he removed the luggage he was carrying. He smiled as he remembered the type of clothing he had chosen. For several weeks he chose to show a dark look ; decision designed to upset his brother's wife. Since the new image had the desired effect, it didn't change it, even though that meant that people would see her as an immature and unbalanced girl. Her appearance had never mattered to her. Regularly she had other more important things to occupy her mind, so having her eyes painted that intense black and blood-red lips did not represent any problem for her.

He dragged the suitcase carelessly until it was next to Cristóbal.

A thin and tall lady, with a hard expression, was already there greeting him. Seeing her, he couldn't hide his impression. The young woman was used to it: everyone was alarmed by her image. His problem, he told himself avoiding a laugh.

You must be Andrea, the woman assured with a harsh tone of voice. He didn't answer, just returned the same disapproving look. Matías is not long in arriving, they have already notified him. Come in. —Cristobal walked next to her, nonchalant. It was evident that they knew each other by the way they spoke and treated each other. Accustomed to being ignored, she advanced after them dragging her luggage again.

Things weren't going to be easy for her there, realizing that she swallowed, a little worried about what was in store for her. However, neither of the two people walking in front of her noticed that. Another thing she was used to; he knew very well how to hide his emotions. He possessed an enormous pride that they had tried to trample on in the cruelest and most vile ways, but that he managed to maintain despite everything.

The steps to get to the door were big and high. He climbed them up with a bit of difficulty. When he arrived, he rolled the luggage listlessly. He walked through the entrance without paying much attention to details. Cristóbal and the woman continued talking affectionately. The young woman waited behind them with a crooked face, concentrating on the music on her cell phone.

Suddenly, to his left side, he noticed someone approaching. He turned his face awkwardly and was taken aback to see who it was. Matías looked older, however, he was extremely handsome and manly. The years suited him , he thought, or I am no longer a girl. His mouth went dry as he walked up to them, sure and steady.

Wow, the man exuded masculinity! Her gesture was totally serious, she barely glanced at it to immediately turn her attention to the couple in front of her chatting animatedly. She averted her gaze, losing it in the enormous stone and wood stairs that stretched out in front of her. She didn't want them to see how shocked she had been to see him.

They arrived early... Andrea managed to hear behind the music she was hearing. Both men greeted each other warmly.

—We left Córdoba early in the morning. —Immediately Cristóbal turned to his sister, alluding to the reason why they were there.

Hello, Andrea, Matías greeted her, in a flat, indifferent tone.

Hello, he answered in the same way, although to tell the truth his breathing stopped for a few seconds. The man had an intoxicating, sensual look, something decadent that did not allow her to think with a clear mind.

Matías looked at her in bewilderment. It had grown a lot in recent years. It was impossible to tell what her face was like with those paint splatters that made her look like a poorly characterized clown. She was tall and, from what he could guess, thin, however, the baggy and ill-fitting clothes allowed nothing to be seen of her. His hair was too long, it looked quite dirty, dark and unkempt, part of it was worn over his face. Seeing her like this was disappointing. She knew that, since the death of her parents, she had stopped being a sweet and talkative girl, as she knew.

Now she was a very immature woman, causing disasters and conflicts wherever she was. In fact, that's why he was there, he recalled, for being part of an attempted robbery at a department store where a boy had been injured. The judge, thanks to Cristóbal's influence, did not condemn her, like the owners of the department store. Even so, they forced her to stay away for a year showing that she could be responsible and that she would put drugs aside to become a good citizen. Otherwise there would be no contemplations and a scandal of enormous proportions would fall on them, endangering even their economic stability and their great reputation. Cristóbal begged her to help him, he did not want to put her in an institution since he had to be discreet. Matías didn't think he could do much, not when Andrea seemed to be a hurricane out of control. He promised to give it a try after talking to his parents and agreeing to support his best friends' children.

—I will show you the bedroom where you will stay, follow me.

Matías took his suitcase and began to climb the steps. Andrea looked at him puzzled, no one used to pay attention to her, not even the people who worked at her house. He went after the small entourage without much desire.

The upper part was very spacious. It had several doors, just the one in front was closed, a long wall and some chairs, then another, this one was open and Matías was heading towards it. A few more doors on the right and left, a small hall with armchairs, shelves full of books and videos; a huge flat screen was between two rooms on the left side and several decorative paintings, which together made a modern and classic place at the same time.

—Andrea, this will be your room.

The young woman entered without making a fuss, nodding. The place was nice and very spacious. It had a huge bed, carefully dressed, with bedspreads in different shades of brown; a window on the right side from floor to ceiling; a couple of front chairs with a small table in the middle; a dresser on the left side and a carved wooden door just in front of it.

Matías put his luggage on the bed.

Open it please.

Andrea frowned, surprised to hear it. She could tell from his expression that he wasn't kidding.

-But...

Open it and take out your underwear, give it to Maria so she can put it where it will go. He looked at her seriously and wasn't kidding. Cristóbal waited for his sister's reaction. Andrea approached doubtfully and did what Matías told her without understanding what was happening. He began to slowly take out his things shamelessly. Maria took them and headed towards the bathroom. Once he finished, he didn't move.

-Is all. —Matías approached her and began to take out everything that was inside the suitcase. What are you doing? It's my stuff." He boiled with indignation. I couldn't believe what he was doing.

—Verify that the suitcase is clean.

Of course it's clean, what are you talking about? He tried to remove it. Matías did not move an inch and continued to do his work.

"I know perfectly well what you're up to and as long as you stay in this house forget about all your 'hobbies.' Andrea opened her mouth to defend herself. Looking at Cristobal, she realized that he was the one who had provided her with that information, damn it! Besides, all these clothes are not going to serve you. You will not distract my workers with that mischaracterization of a clown out of the dark. Here you will dress like the rest, work like the rest and not cause a single problem. Understood?

I didn't bring any more clothes, she managed to say with a small voice. Matías fixed his eyes on his figure, contemptuous, and immediately turned to his friend.

—She can't keep those costumes, Cristóbal. La Magdalena is an hour away, one of my trusted workers will guide you. Please make sure to bring everything that can be used in this place: jeans, comfortable shoes, blouses, jackets, anyway; whatever you think is necessary and please make it her size, this is pathetic —he pointed to the outfit she was wearing at that moment. Cristóbal agreed enjoying the event. Finally someone seemed to be able to bring her to heel.

—You can't do that, Matías, you have no right! She wanted to reason with him. Andrea wanted to cry, to scream. But he managed to keep his voice calm and unchanging. He turned to her stoically.

Hand me your backpack and take off those headphones, please, he requested. The girl did what she had just been asked knowing that she had no other choice. Matías seemed to be quite inflexible and authoritarian. He took a deep breath, praying that this year would pass as quickly as possible. He opened it and checked it. Agree, all this you will not need. The computer, most of your cosmetics, these are all useless here, so... I'll keep them until I think you can have them. Give me your phone, he ordered. The young woman instinctively took a step back. He hadn't been here more than fifteen minutes and it looked like it was going to be worse than his own house. Andrea, give them to me or you won't stay, he warned seriously. She looked at him in astonishment, stupefied actually.

Please... he begged. He flatly denied keeping his hand outstretched.

Don't you understand why you're here? It is not a walk or a vacation. You will grow up whether you like it or not. You are not worthy of my trust after knowing everything you are capable of, so you will not maintain contact with anyone unless I know it and you will not isolate yourself with what you hear. —Andrea wasn't going to argue with him, she had already tried to defend herself too many times and she was very tired of doing it. He gave it to her nonchalantly. Perfect. Breakfast is served at six thirty, if you don't arrive at that time, you won't eat. At seven one of the workers will always wait for you to take you to your chores for the day. Here who does not work does not eat. You are in charge of the bedroom, as well as all your things, and they must be clean and in order. Your hair must remain attached and you must be properly dressed. I don't want you to distract anyone with your appearance. Maria—she turned to the woman to whom she had given her clothes a few minutes ago so she would know who she was referring to—she has as much authority as I do. You will obey her in everything, I don't want a single complaint, is everything clear? -asked. He nodded seriously. Good. Another thing: I don't want the door of the room locked, no one will enter without knocking, but due to your background you can't have that right. Now please take a bath, wash your hair and wash all that paint off your face. Cristóbal will bring you what you need in a few hours," he concluded.

Andrea looked at her brother, who continued with that damn satisfied smile on his face. I was enjoying it. At another time she would have loved to hit him where their legs met, but at this point wasting even a bit of force on him just annoyed her, so, as always, she ignored him— Anything else? he asked ironically.

For now, no, but if there is, I'll let you know. —Matías left the room feeling miserable for what he had just done. Life had taught her to be tough, and she needed to realize that she wasn't that easy. Once outside, he waited for his friend and Maria to come out and closed the door. Maria, take this to the library." He handed her the backpack and the suitcase that he had rummaged through.

—Yes, Matías, I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything.

Have food ready for both of us. The woman nodded and left quickly. I can't believe what your sister has become, Cristóbal." A ray of sadness crossed his friend's face. He couldn't believe it either and it was very difficult for him to accept how far everything had come.

—I know, you have no idea how complicated the last few years have been. Matías, really, if my parents were alive they would be very disappointed to see what he has become and, to be honest, I feel guilty," he admitted as they walked down the stairs.

-Guilty? You have tried a lot. Cristobal looked down, nodding.

—Yes, I swear I tried, but... I couldn't... here's the result... Anyway... I'm going to buy what you asked for.

—I'm sorry for everything I did above, but it seemed necessary to me. I don't know how they let it look like this...

—I can't control her, Matías, in fact it seemed incredible to me that she didn't tell you anything, you have no idea of her character. He fights with Mayra in a way... Their relationship is already impossible. —Matías listened to him feeling pity for him. He understood what guilt aroused in a person, and if he could help his best friend, almost brother, he would.

—Don't worry, Cristóbal, it will be fine here. You'll see how it changes... He doesn't have many options.

Andrea looked out the large window of what was now her bedroom. I was trying to feel, cry, show some emotion. The truth was that his body was numb, as was his soul. It had been a long time since she had been moved by anything; neither good nor bad. The only thing that kept her going was knowing that she was getting closer to her freedom and the day when she could forget about everyone forever.

This time he wouldn't make mistakes, with that woman away everything would be easier for him. He would do what Matías told him and he would wait for everything to come to an end in a year.

She calmly walked to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. The image that he returned did not matter to him. Over time he had learned not to give importance to superficial things. He knew that what Matías said a few hours ago was true; She thought so herself, although she did it to annoy, to keep people away, but now, there, it didn't make any sense.

She slowly removed her makeup. Little by little his enormous green eyes were revealing themselves. She removed her intense lipstick, leaving full, full lips in its place. He showered without spirit and half an hour later he put on pajamas since he didn't have more clothes than the one he had been wearing a few minutes ago, which he didn't want to use again. She dried her long copper-brown hair, a curious color they used to say, since it had natural shades in golden tones. She braided it, letting it fall to one side and lay back on the big bed, waiting for time to pass.

Many memories of the past years assailed her. He knew that he would never erase everything that had happened, no matter how hard he tried. The only thing that consoled her was the thought that it would never happen again, that she would never again be vulnerable and within the reach of anyone who wanted to hurt her, never.

A knock on the door woke her up.

Go ahead, he said. Maria entered. Seeing her without all that strange outfit, the woman frowned, puzzled.

Here are the clothes your brother bought, the food will be served in fifteen minutes, he warned as he put in several bags that looked quite heavy. Andrea got up hastily to help her; another girl came after her and carried others.

—Thank you, Maria, now I'll put everything together. The woman continued to assess her, seemed not to understand. I'm not going down to eat, I'd rather order this. Thanks again," he apologized. Maria didn't manage to say anything else, she just nodded serious leaving the bedroom.

Andrea took out all the clothes, realizing that they were simple and very suitable for the place: jeans, boots, tennis shoes, blouses, shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, the odd skirt and dresses, all in various colors, modern and austere. He put everything in the closet that was in the bathroom. Finished, he lay back down. He let his thoughts fly with his eyes lost in the window feeling how slow and thick time passed. A couple of hours later the door opened.

Andrea, I'm leaving. It was Cristóbal. She barely gave him a fleeting glance and then ignored him. The man sat on the bed near her. Take care of yourself. Here you will be fine; We'll be on the lookout —when hearing him refer to that woman, a small ironic smile escaped his lips. He reached a hand up to her legs, but when she felt his touch, she immediately pushed them aside, pushing him away. I am very sorry that things have reached this extreme... I hope you learn to value what you have. —Noticing that I didn't even see him, he got up defeated and depressed. He walked to the door with a sick knot in his stomach. I will come to see you if you need it.

"Don't worry, I don't want you to.

You're never going to change, are you? he refuted irritably, tired of that situation, of not being able to reach her anymore, of having become two such strange beings, so alien.

I don't want to fight, leave me alone for once. His voice was flat, emotionless. Cristóbal wanted to shake her. He hated that he spoke like that, that he was like that, he seemed indifferent to everything, it was as if he were hiding in a far away place that he didn't let anyone access. However, he took a deep breath this time and didn't. Everything was already too broken between the two of them, she just hoped that her sister would mature, grow, become someone useful.

Okay, whatever you want. See you later. —Seeing that the young woman didn't even turn around, he left, closing the door behind him. She leaned there, closing her eyes with her sweaty palms, letting out a pitiful sigh of frustration. That was where their paths diverged, he understood without knowing why.

Night came and she still didn't move. He decided to set the alarm clock an hour before breakfast time. She closed the windows, drew the curtains, turned off the lights, and got under the covers. Half an hour later it was already deep.

CHAPTER 2

Won't the... young lady come down to dinner? asked Maria. Matías shrugged his shoulders, not knowing what to say to that woman he loved like another mother. He munched on the stew she had prepared for dinner, thoughtful. He hasn't come down all afternoon, hasn't even made a sound.

He'll come when he's hungry, he assured, not very convinced. He still felt a bit of remorse for the way he'd treated her that morning. He perceived something in his eyes that did not let him be calm.

You haven't done something crazy? he said to the air. Matías looked at her, puzzled.

"I don't think I'm capable of it.

Well... I don't know... From what Cristóbal was saying, you can see that he's not very well, son, she reminded him.

He knew that woman, so he immediately understood what she wanted. She was the only one who could break him and get almost anything he wanted from him, as long as they were alone, because otherwise he was hard and unyielding, even with her.

"Okay, I'll go see. Maria let out a sigh of relief. You shouldn't worry so much, you'll see that everything will be fine —he assured. The woman looked away not very sure. After all, something like that had already happened in that house a while ago.

A few minutes later, Matías was in front of his bedroom door. He put his ear close to try to hear some noise and, indeed, nothing could be heard. He opened slowly. Everything was dark, but he could make out her inside the bed covers, apparently fast asleep. Seeing her like this moved him, after all she had been orphaned very young and had to be raised by that woman who for some reason did not give her much confidence and for which her friend lost her mind. He closed it slowly and returned to the kitchen.

-Alright? the woman asked impatiently.

"Of course it's fine. She's already slept. He picked up an omelette and the fork he was eating with. Maria walked over to the kitchen window, pensive. Now what happens? Matías wanted to know, tense. Sometimes that woman drove him crazy.

-Just thought...

And I suppose you'll tell me what...

—Because today that I went to leave her clothes, they were different. I don't know... it doesn't seem like everything Cristóbal said.

—María, she has done everything you heard and you have to have a firm hand. Please don't underestimate her. I find it strange in you... You are always very bad thought. The woman looked at him, taking another deep breath.

—You're right, son, I must be on the lookout. After all, it was here or in jail. It does not have to be an expert in candy.

-No, it is not. I do not deny that she has suffered a lot, but she is not the only one in this world that goes through a tragedy, she must learn to face things. You know I don't tolerate weak people. They do not think of others and can do a lot of damage to those around them. —María walked over to the long rectangular table that was in the middle of the kitchen and sat down opposite him.

Will you ever forget, son? he wanted to know. Matías stopped eating, denying firmly.

You know not, what Tania did changed me forever and... you scared my hunger away, he growled and got up quickly to immediately disappear without saying another word.

María knew that reaction very well, since that woman was diagnosed a few months after their marriage, Matías had never been the same. Later, when she... died, he became an empty, cold and a little cruel man. He hated people who let themselves be defeated and did not accept the slightest sign of weakness, no matter how justified it might be. He hoped that one day he would realize that life was not like that and that he could not be so hard on people, because everyone has their reasons for behaving in a certain way, and his wife had had her own.

The alarm went off right at the time he had programmed. For an instant he did not recognize where he was. She stretched lazily, threw the covers aside, and headed for the bathroom. He showered quickly, took the skinny jeans, the tennis shoes and a plaid shirt with sleeves up to the elbows that fit him exactly. She braided her long hair so that it fell on the left side below her chest. He returned to the room, made the bed with agility, arranged everything and five minutes before six thirty he was already going down the enormous stairs.

He did not know the house but he soon heard some voices at the end of a corridor. He headed there as even-tempered as ever, through some huge carved wooden doors, and found himself in an elegant, well-kept dining room for twelve people. On the left side she noticed a folding door, she pushed it to pass, to what she was sure at that time was the place she was looking for. Upon entering, Maria was the first to notice her.

-Good morning, young lady. —Andrea answered trying to smile. A small rectangular dining room for six people was right in front of her, and there, Matías had just stopped eating and was looking at her, puzzled. Feeling his scrutiny, a small blush covered her cheeks. She had never cared what other people thought of her image, however, at that moment she felt the need to check if what she had been wearing was appropriate.

Good morning, she managed to say embarrassed. Matías nodded, directing his attention back to the food, his pulse strangely racing. He gestured for her to settle, trying to be nonchalant. Andrea swallowed, dragged a chair a bit away from him, and sat down. Immediately a hot coffee and some scrambled eggs were in front of her. Thanks Maria. She took a piece of bread from the basket and began to eat. A sepulchral silence took over the place. She didn't look up as she ate what had been served to her. Suddenly the noise of the only occupied chair made her look up.

—Thank you, Maria, I hope to arrive at lunchtime.

"Yes, Matias. He approached her relaxed and kissed her on the forehead, immediately turning to Andrea with a serious face.

- Don't be late. Lorenzo must be about to come for you. We are in full harvest and you are going to help there. Andrea nodded nervously. Maria, send him something to eat because I don't know what time he'll be back," he ordered and disappeared through a door that led outside. The young woman finished what little she had left to eat, took her plates and went to the sink. She opened the key ready to clean them.

Don't worry, girl, go and brush your teeth, Matías already told you that Lorenzo won't be long, he urged her. Andrea smiled for the first time in months when she heard that woman's consideration, nobody used to have it with her.

Thank you...again, Maria, he said and hurried out. The manager of the house was thoughtful. That young woman didn't seem to be who they said, she could swear she had secrets and a lot of pain in her eyes.

A few minutes later, the girl quickly entered the kitchen, Maria handed her a small lunch box with some food and took her to the exit where they were already waiting for her. He watched the truck pull away, feeling his chest tighten. The harvest was very tiring and difficult. Andrea would not last long.

-It's here. —The man seemed serious like all the people who worked there; He didn't ask her anything on the way and only turned to see her from time to time, intrigued. Andrea opened the door doubtfully, there were a lot of people, the sun had already been up for several minutes. I'll take her to Ernesto, he'll tell her what to do. The young woman nodded gratefully. She walked nervously by his side feeling everyone's eyes on her. A stocky man, tall and hard-faced, he was issuing orders firmly. Once he saw them he immediately approached. Miss, this is Ernesto. He and the foreman greeted each other friendly and then he disappeared.

So you are Miss Andrea, he stated, evaluating her.

Yes, he managed to say with a small voice. He looked around and everyone had already disappeared, some in trucks and others walking away from the place going directly towards large plants with very small red fruits.

-Pedro! the huge man yelled. Immediately a skinny boy of about fifteen appeared.

- Tell me, dad.

—This lady is going to help us with the harvest. —A loud laugh came out of the boy's throat, but when he saw Ernesto's angry eyes he fell silent immediately. Show him what to do and how, I hope you do that well. —The warning contained in his words did not go unnoticed by Andrea, who felt like giving this Pedro a kick.

Yes, dad... I'll take care of it, he obeyed seriously.

—I hope so, if it's not like that, you'll be the one who responds to the boss, do you understand? The boy nodded now nervously. What are you waiting for? Take her so you can explain... Now. The boy was almost Andrea's height and had beautiful, very dark eyes.

-Come on? he urged, watching her intently, delighted. Andrea followed him without paying much attention to his attempts to dazzle her.

They walked for more than fifteen minutes between lines and lines of bushes. Many people were already working non-stop, collecting that fruit on enormous baskets. Suddenly he stopped in front of one of those large plants.

-Here. —He began to explain the process to her, it wasn't difficult, but it was thorough and tiring. He handed her a basket to hold on to her waist and without further ado began her work; He felt curious glances from men and women, he ignored them and concentrated on what he was doing. Pedro stood next to her doing the same. After two hours his arms began to sting from having them raised and his fingertips to sting from pulling those fruits that were tightly clinging so much, but he didn't complain, he was just beginning. They all did it with amazing agility, the product of years and years of experience. Pedro was already on his third basket and several floors away from her, while Andrea was halfway through the first. However, he continued, he wouldn't show himself as a weak person, he never had and he had no plans to start.

At lunchtime everyone stopped to rest. She took the little food that Maria had sent her, took out a ham sandwich along with an apple, and ate it by herself; Pedro had already walked away and was talking animatedly with others who worked there.

Nobody paid much attention to him and he preferred it that way. He took off the shirt he had put on before leaving the house, tied it around his waist, and continued.

The hours continued to pass, the pain in every muscle was getting stronger, his feet were already swollen from standing so much, his fingers were on fire and his shoulders felt numb since he had to have his arms raised to be able to start the work. coffee.

The sun was already beginning to set when she heard horses near where she and Pedro were. A tremor, which she tried at all costs to hide, invaded her. Turning around, he saw Matías and Ernesto approaching on foot.

How many baskets does he have? Matías asked Pedro, pointing to Andrea. The boy approached, puzzled by the question.

"Three, boss. Matías appraised her for a moment with cold indifference.

He won't leave until he's at least five, understood? The average is fifteen. he determined. Pedro and Ernesto widened their eyes, amazed. They both nodded helplessly.

—You already heard, Pedro... You won't leave until I finish.

- Yes, dad.

The boy looked, dismayed and compassionate, at the young woman. Andrea returned a reassuring smile. She was touched to see that he was concerned about her situation without even knowing her.

—Let Lorenzo take her when she's done. —Having said this, Matías got on his horse without the slightest effort and turned away without further ado. Several meters later he had to brake, pretending to observe some coffee plantations. Andrea seemed exhausted, she didn't complain all day, on the contrary, she hadn't stopped according to Ernesto's report, whom she blindly believed, since he was one of her most trusted employees.

Without noticing he began to scan her face, each faction so harmoniously arranged on his face. Her tall, thin body, that hair that, even braided, made her want to touch it and that smile... Despite what she had just said, the only thing she managed to do was give Pedro that beautiful expression, to reassure him in front of her dismay at the decision he had made.

He shook his head as he realized what he was doing. Having just arrived the day before, he was there to make her see that life had consequences and it was important to grow up, not to admire her obvious newfound beauty, which she seemed completely oblivious to.

Is something wrong, Matías? —Ernesto was right behind, but he hadn't even noticed that for a few seconds.

—Nothing, make sure that everything ends well here. I'm going to see the cattle and the packing house. The sugar must be leaving for tomorrow's shipment by now.

Okay... I'll take care of it. See you tomorrow then. —A minute later Matías was already several meters from there.

Ernesto knew him very well, he had seen him grow up, move away when he decided to marry that weak woman; returning utterly defeated, full of guilt and anger first over his illness, then, weeks later, over the recent death of his wife, gradually becoming a man of inflexibility, hard and implacable towards anyone who showed the slightest sign of weakness. He did not understand how that girl's brother thought to leave her with him. Matías had told him part of the story. To him, everything she had done was selfish and an unmistakable display of weakness. He really began to pity her, her life there was not going to be easy at all, on the other hand, it didn't seem to be what they claimed, but only time would tell.

An hour later, Andrea felt like her arms would fall off. Pedro, without saying more, had begun to help her.

—Don't worry, miss, the boss is very tough, but he's not a bad person. —They were almost finished thanks to the agility of the boy.

"I know, Peter.

-Knows? He behaved the same way with me when I left school. Andrea looked at him, intrigued.

Did you drop out of school? Why?

—Well, because... I don't know... I'm very rude and it was hard for me. That was a long time ago..." From his tone of voice he could tell that he was sorry for that decision.

And you don't plan to come back? he wanted to know as he continued by sheer inertia collecting the coffee.

They wouldn't let me anymore, my dad warned me and... Suddenly a very strange blush covered her face. Andrea smiled sweetly at him.

And?... I won't tell anyone. She winked at him, encouraging him with that small gesture of complicity; the boy inspired him with confidence, something strange since that cost him a lot of work.

Well... because I don't even remember how to write anymore... I haven't done it for a long time and... they wouldn't accept me at school, Pedro confessed, lowering his eyes, sad.

—And... would you like to return?

—Well... I don't know... But my dad says I'm a donkey and that's how I'll stay because of my nonsense. Andrea frowned thoughtfully. And you?... I mean... why are you here?... The boss looks as angry as when they found out I wasn't going to school. —Andrea shrugged her shoulders feigning indifference, she didn't know how she could explain things to him. It's okay if you don't want to tell me...

My name is Andrea, Pedro, name me like that: when you call me miss I feel very strange, she complained. Pedro smiled at her assenting when he saw how she frowned.

—Andrea... did you do something wrong? he asked intrigued. She looked down, considering her answer.

It's a long story that, if we become friends, I promise to tell you.

Do you... I mean, do you want to be my friend? he repeated in astonishment. She nodded happily.

That's if you want it.

—Of course I want to, I've never had a female friend, let alone one so...pretty. —That boy put her in a good mood despite feeling that her body was breaking in two.

—I don't have many friends either, so I'd love for us to be. Andrea held out her hand to seal their deal. He wiped it on his pants and shook it happily.

At eight they were on their way to drop off the last of the baskets.

—I'll see you tomorrow, I'll help you so it doesn't get so annoying.

—Don't worry about me, Pedro, I'll learn... —It was already night and Lorenzo was a few meters away, waiting for her in the truck. The return was very short, his eyes closed. When he arrived, he went down feeling that his legs would bend, his arms were numb and his fingers didn't even feel them. She opened the door with difficulty, she felt dirty and full of dirt, but with much more peace than in many years. He walked towards the kitchen remembering that, in the morning, Maria had said that dinner was served early.

She entered discreetly and, indeed, there she was accompanied by another woman who was accommodating some containers.

-Good night. Maria turned when she heard it.

Good evening, miss, do you want to have dinner? —Andrea nodded timidly approaching the table.

If I can still... yes.

Sure you can, sit down. The woman began serving him something she had prepared that made the kitchen smell wonderful. Matías won't take long to arrive, but you're starting, you've only eaten what I sent you. He moved to her side to place the plate in front of her.

"Don't worry, Maria. The sandwich was delicious, thank you very much. She grabbed the fork, trying not to make the woman realize what an enormous effort it was for her.

—Good evening... —They both looked up when they heard Matías enter. He just sat in the same place in the morning.

—How did the day end, Matías? Maria was already serving him too.

Well, the sugar order goes out tomorrow morning and the harvest is going smoothly, that's why I'm so late. —Andrea ate without looking at him, she didn't understand why he made her a little nervous, besides it was evident that she couldn't stand it.

—Yes, I know, son, it's good that everything is going well.

-You've just arrived? he questioned. It took Andrea a while to realize that the question was directed at her. She looked at him, nodding. So you finished? His tone was one of disbelief.

Yeah, you said I couldn't leave until I was five, so...I did that. —María looked at him with astonishment and with a bit of reproach when listening to her. The man ignored her and continued with his gaze fixed on Andrea.

That's right, and when I say something I expect my orders to be carried out.

I know, and as I told you, I did so. —Matías was amazed at the way he responded. She didn't seem upset, but she was making it very clear that she wasn't scared.

-Perfect. I hope you finish them earlier tomorrow since everyone here has to work quickly and efficiently," he pointed out.

Andrea nodded and stopped looking at him to concentrate on taking the fork well without noticing the difficulty that this was for her fingers and hands. Matías, nor anyone else, spoke, although several times she felt his gaze fixed on her. A few minutes later he got up, thanked Maria and disappeared. A little later she managed to finish.

Go rest. Tomorrow will be another long day.

Thank you, it was really good.

—For a moment I doubted it, it took him a long time to eat it. Andrea smiled sweetly.

It's just that I'm a little tired, but of course I liked it.

Thank you, girl, now go rest. As soon as he heard her coming up the stairs, he left the kitchen heading to the study where he knew he would find him. He opened the door without bothering to knock.

Is something wrong, Maria? —Matías was in front of his computer surrounded by various papers.

—Yes, and you know very well what it is. He didn't even divert his attention from what he was doing.

-I have no idea.

—Matías, son, that girl is not used to the harvest, if you exploit it like this it won't last.

—She didn't come for a walk and I'm surprised that you have so much consideration, she has no option to resign. Now he was looking at her with a sarcastic smile.

It's not consideration, it's common sense. I know that she is not on vacation, however, that does not mean that you push her to the limit; the men and women who harvest have spent their entire lives dedicating themselves to it.

"Maria, enough. That girl is going to learn that actions cost, that she can't go through life doing unconscious things without consequences, that's why Cristóbal brought her. Maria was furious when she heard it.

—In the first place, she is not a girl and I know very well that you already noticed. Taking the hint, he stood up immediately. And secondly, teach him what you want, but don't be inhumane. —The words, from what he considered his second mother, were driving him crazy.

—It is better that you go, I will do what I think appropriate, understood? And I don't want to know that you're condescending to her. Surely with that face he has managed to fool many people, but not me... and I hope not you either. You've always been very suspicious, I don't know what's wrong with you now," he confronted her annoyed. María knew that there was nothing more to talk about, she knew him very well and, on the other hand, she could be right. She left without another word, closing the door behind her.

What she had just told him had left him baffled. He went to the large window and was lost in the darkness of the night. What was happening to María? She had never been like that with Tania, she treated her with patience and a lot of respect, but she never said anything in her favor. Suddenly the memories of that time crowded into his head. He loved her, he loved her, her delicacy, her fragility was just what had made him fall in love with her, her soft way of moving, of speaking. Tania had been all femininity, also weakness and selfishness. She did not want to overcome her illness, she did not let herself be helped, on the contrary, she sank without a fight and in the end, still having hope, she decided that seeing herself withered was not a possibility and she took her life without caring about anything or anyone else.

Matías leaned his forehead against the glass. Those memories hurt him, they opened a wound that he felt would never heal. Guilt had not departed for a single day. He gave no sign of doing anything of those proportions; I never would have suspected that this idea was forming in his head. And that was what tormented him. After that disaster her soul remained suspended, she felt incapable of feeling pity, love, compassion or any similar feeling for someone. From that day on, he had to create an inflexible, dominant world, where anyone who was not strong did not fit and was automatically rejected. He would never allow himself to be around weak people again. Never.

Andrea had taken a bath that left her completely relaxed and even more sore. Washing her body and hair was a titanic task. But once inside the covers, it didn't take two minutes for her to fall completely exhausted.

In the morning the alarm clock rang at the same time as the day before. He wanted to get up immediately, but he realized that his muscles did not respond. He huffed several times, turned on his side and gathering all his strength he did it. She had never been so aware of her body as at that moment when she could swear that even the pore of her skin ached. Without knowing how, he turned off the clock and stood up.

He walked slowly to the bathroom. God , even my hair hurts , she thought groaning as she walked. He chose a change of clothes, took a short shower, and after much effort managed to get dressed. He made the bed as best he could, and even sweating for what it implied. She tied her hair in a ponytail as the braid represented using her arms even more. When he finally finished it was six thirty.

He lowered himself slowly, trying to manage the pain with breathing exercises and trying to think of something else to divert his attention, but it was only half working. When he reached the kitchen, he took a deep breath and opened the door. She didn't want them to realize that she could barely stand upright, that was a pleasure she wasn't going to give Matías. After all his pride was all he had left.

Good morning, he greeted, as he sat down in the same place as the day before. María answered her while Matías just nodded without looking at her, leafing through a newspaper. The hacienda was a very secluded place, however, it was evident that it did not need anything, on the contrary, one lived with the same privileges as in a city, only quieter.

Maria brought him a very well served plate. Seeing it, she knew she couldn't finish it in the first place because of the effort involved. And secondly, that good woman knew that the working day was very long and heavy for her. She smiled gratefully at him and, putting all her attention on that, she began to eat.

Twenty minutes later, he had barely made any progress.

—Hurry up, in a few minutes Lorenzo will be there for you and I don't want you to make him wait. Andrea looked up, serious. He felt in a quandary. If he didn't finish, Maria would probably be offended, but if he didn't hurry, which was impossible, Matías, who seemed to have no plans to move, would probably be upset.

I'll put it on for lunch, okay? —Andrea turned to that kind voice, smiling.

—Thank you, Maria, I think it's the best...

Matías raised an eyebrow disapprovingly. The young woman tried to ignore the gesture, she was beginning to think that it was going to be much more difficult than imagined to be in that place. The truth was that anything seemed better than continuing with that woman on top of her. He stood up with great effort and walked to the exit trying to hide the pain in his body.

He watched her for a moment, something strange was happening to