The house was quiet that night the kind of silence that made every sound louder. Rina moved in her usual black silk nightgown the fabric soft against her skin. She had just finished eating a strawberry in the kitchen, the sweet juice still on her lips.
Luis came in, distracted by his phone at first, but when he saw her, something in him shifted. He stepped closer, thinking she was the same woman who used to melt at his touch. Before she could react fully, his lips found hers in a deep tempting kiss, pulling her in as if she belonged to him.
Rina's eyes flicked instantly to Alex's face in her mind, the one who had always truly cared for her, the one she had ignored before. And then she remembered everything Luis had done in her past life the betrayal, the lies, the poison, the nights she spent crying alone while he smiled with Bianca. Her chest tightened and instinctively she pulled back, leaving Luis stunned, the kiss broken.
Bianca, standing across the hallway, had been watching. Her eyes widened with fury as she screamed You two! I knew it! How dare you Rina! She started throwing a tantrum, stomping her feet, grabbing at Luis as if she could claw back what she thought was hers.
Luis, caught between confusion and anger, shouted at her sharply Enough! He grabbed her by the shoulders forcing her to step back and his voice shook with a mix of frustration and fear Don't you dare touch her. I said enough!
Bianca froze, wide-eyed, shocked that he had actually raised his voice at her. Rina, meanwhile, leaned against the counter, her breathing steady, her eyes cold yet calm. She didn't say a word. She didn't have to. Luis knew now, in some corner of his mind, that she was untouchable. Not the woman he once controlled, not the same naive Rina.
She picked up her glass, sipped slowly, and glanced at him just enough to remind him who truly ruled the house now. Bianca's fury simmered, but no one dared to challenge Rina—not Luis, not the staff, not even the boldest whispers in the mansion. That night, Rina's silence spoke louder than any scream could.
After the tension in the kitchen, Rina walked past Luis and Bianca toward the living room, her nightgown flowing softly with every step. Luis watched her, his chest tight, trying to understand the calm power she radiated. He wanted to say something, to apologize or explain, but the words stuck in his throat. She had changed too much for him to reach her now.
Bianca, still fuming, huffed and stomped toward her own room, muttering under her breath. Luis tried to follow, but Rina's glance stopped him cold. That quiet look of hers—the one that said no one could touch her without permission—made him hesitate. He swallowed hard and turned back to watch her sit on the couch, legs crossed elegantly, picking up her wine glass as if nothing had happened.
Rina's mind wandered briefly to Alex, the man who had always truly cared, who had invested in her empire, who had never betrayed her. The memory of him was soft and warm, in stark contrast to the cold chaos Luis and Bianca brought. She smiled faintly to herself, taking a slow sip of her drink, letting the taste remind her that she was finally in control.
Luis tried again, his voice softer this time Rina I just— She didn't answer. Her silence was deliberate, a lesson in patience and power. Bianca's tantrum had ended for now, but the tension remained like a storm cloud in the mansion.
Rina leaned back, her hair cascading from the ponytail she had packed earlier, and stretched her arms slightly. Every movement was controlled, elegant, and deliberate. Luis couldn't stop staring, trapped by the realization that the woman he had underestimated for so long was now untouchable, her strength quiet but undeniable.
That night, the mansion was calm. Bianca sulked in her room, Luis in his study, and Rina alone on the couch, sipping her wine. She had eaten her strawberry, endured the kiss, handled the tantrum, and yet she felt nothing but the thrill of freedom. Her empire, her life, her rules—everything was hers. And for the first time, no one could take that away.
The next morning Rina decided to clear her head she stepped out of the house before anyone could speak to her the air felt fresh and quiet she needed that peace. As she reached the driveway Alex's car pulled up sleek black and shining under the sun. The moment she saw him she couldn't help herself she smiled genuinely for the first time in days and walked straight into his arms.
He held her tightly his scent familiar and calming she rested her head on his chest for a moment breathing him in she whispered softly it's been a while he smiled against her hair and said you look tired come with me let's get breakfast.
He took her to a quiet restaurant overlooking the water where the air smelled like coffee and vanilla. She sat across from him in her simple sundress hair tied loosely he watched her eat her pancakes with small bites her calmness making him smile more. She didn't have to say much Alex just loved seeing her like this peaceful far from the noise she lived with.
After breakfast he drove her to his mansion without telling her where they were going she didn't argue she just leaned her head on the window watching the trees pass by when they arrived the guards opened the gate and she looked up surprised at the size of it. Alex helped her out of the car and said softly you need rest come on.
Inside the mansion everything smelled like cedar and new leather calm music played in the background he guided her to a large guest room with silk sheets and a balcony facing the lake. She didn't argue she just nodded and laid down her body sinking into the softness within minutes she fell asleep.
She slept for four long hours straight Alex checked on her twice each time smiling at how peaceful she looked. When she finally stirred he quietly called a massage therapist and stylist who came immediately at his request.
When she woke up they were already waiting the masseuse smiled politely and Alex said gently relax let them take care of you you deserve it.
The massage was soft and warm oil gliding down her back easing every tight muscle she hadn't realized how tired she was until her body started to loosen completely. Afterward the stylist helped her shower and redid her makeup soft and elegant with a touch of boldness. They dressed her in an expensive gown a deep emerald silk that hugged her body perfectly and sparkling heels that caught the light as she moved.
When she walked out Alex was waiting in the living room holding a cup of coffee his eyes widened for a second before a soft smile spread on his lips you look perfect Rina she smiled lightly brushing a strand of hair from her face thanks for today Alex I didn't know I needed this he said quietly you've always needed peace you just never had the space to take it.
For the first time in a long time she felt safe she wasn't pretending she wasn't planning she was just breathing and in that moment Rina knew her new life was finally hers to live however she wanted.