Chapter 1
The Mendoza family living room was buzzing with anticipation, but the atmosphere froze the moment Alejandro stepped in, hand in hand with Isabella Lopez, his secretary.
“This is her?” Camila Mendoza’s voice cut like a knife. Her eyes narrowed, lips curling into a mocking smile. “The woman you want to marry?”
Isabella held her head high, refusing to let the sister’s venom touch her, but the tension was suffocating. Alejandro’s father, Don Rafael, shook his head, frowning. “Alejandro… this is sudden. Are you sure this is wise?”
Alejandro’s mother, Doña Mercedes, smiled warmly at Isabella. “She seems lovely. You have my blessing, Alejandro.”
Camila scoffed, stepping closer, her words dripping with contempt. “Lovely? You call this… this woman fit for our family?” Her laughter echoed around the room. “Honestly, Alejandro, you could do better. Anyone could.”
Isabella’s face flushed with a mix of humiliation and anger. She clenched her fists, the urge to storm out clawing at her. Alejandro noticed, taking a step forward, but she shook her head subtly, refusing to be defended.
“I… I think I should go,” Isabella said, her voice steady despite the tremor inside. She turned gracefully toward the door, leaving the room like a queen refusing to play a pawn.
Alejandro moved after her, calling softly, “Isabella, wait…”
Her back stiffened, but her pace didn’t falter. Outside the Mendoza mansion, the cool air hit her, a brief relief from the suffocating judgment inside. Alejandro caught up to her, placing a hand gently on her arm.
“You shouldn’t take them seriously,” he murmured, concern softening his usual confidence.
“I know who I am,” Isabella replied, her voice calm but burning with defiance. “And if they don’t like it… that’s their problem, not mine.”
Alejandro’s gaze softened, but the tension lingered. They both knew the storm inside the Mendoza family had only just begun.
