Siren Restaurant, noon. Fernando and Liz meet for lunch and to have a calm conversation, as married couples often do. After speaking with Elaine, Liz was feeling down and wasn’t eating the shrimp salad appetizer. “Is the shrimp still dirty or bland, dear?” Fernando asked, concerned. Liz shook her head. “How do you manage it?” “Manage what?” “To make love to me while thinking I’m Patricia?” “SHHH!” Fernando gestured furiously, horrified. Liz smiled disdainfully. “Are you scared because I revealed your dark and disgusting secret?” “Dark and disgusting is your mind, your imagination!” Fernando replied through clenched teeth. “Huh? I can’t hear you.” Liz mocked. “You’re going to get yourself into serious trouble, Liz.” Fernando began to eat hurriedly. “Who’s going to get the whole family into trouble is you, nurturing forbidden desires for your son’s fiancée.” Liz commented casually, not caring if other patrons might be listening. “How do you expect me not to hate Patricia for

Elaine sat at her desk, phone pressed to her ear as she discussed the progress of Vanda Borges’ latest novel. Her tone was confident, and her words carried the authority of someone who had nurtured countless literary successes.“Yes, we’re pleased with the sales,” she said, her gaze drifting toward the door. “And we’re looking forward to her next one. She said she’s committed to writing it.”Elaine noticed Liz hovering nearby, clearly eager to speak. She gestured for Liz to wait a moment, and then turned her attention back to the call.“Have you tried calling her yet?” she added, just as the office door creaked open.Liz waited patiently, but her focus shifted as the door opened wider. Karl stood in the doorway, his expression a mix of surprise and determination.Elaine leaned back in her chair, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. Liz turned, startled to see Karl as well.His sudden appearance wasn’t part of anyone’s plan.“I need to speak with Elaine urgently,” Karl said, add

Sheila sat at her desk in her office at Sterling Empire Headquarters, her fingers moving efficiently over the keyboard as she worked on details for the Sterling Cultural Hall. Her serene smile hinted at the satisfaction she felt with her life.The door opened, and Karl stepped in. His expression was serious, his movements hesitant. He stopped mid-step, as though debating whether it was worth disrupting Sheila’s tranquility.She looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of him. Rising from her chair, she greeted him warmly.“Darling, hi! What a pleasure to see you here...”Karl opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Sheila wrapped her arms around him in an affectionate embrace.His tension eased, and he chuckled softly. Whatever intrigue he carried could wait.Returning her affection, he kissed her deeply, his tone softening. “We need a new date,” he murmured. “And Matt will have to respect it this time.”Sheila leaned back slightly, still holding onto him, and smiled knowi

The confrontation between Cindy and Elaine escalated as Elaine struggled to stand after falling into the rhododendron flowerbed. Leaves and petals clung to her expensive suit, and Cindy couldn’t contain her laughter.“Ha, ha, ha!” Cindy mocked, her voice ringing with delight.Elaine glared, furious. “This isn’t funny!”“Of course it is!” Cindy retorted. “That’s what you get for being rude.”Elaine finally managed to stand, brushing off the debris angrily. “Argh! This pantsuit was expensive,” she complained.Cindy smirked. “Matt doesn’t buy anything cheap, does he?”Elaine seized the moment, a glint of defiance in her eyes. “Is that what this is about? You want to ruin my image in front of Matt so he’ll divorce me? Well, my dear, forget it — that won’t happen.”Cindy’s demeanor turned serious. “If Matt divorces you, it’ll be his decision. I don’t love him, and I don’t want him back. I’ve had the privilege of being with him twice.”Elaine sneered. “And you ruined it both times, having l

The morning sun shone heavily in the Alvarez family living room as Tuesday began. Gustavo shuffled in wearing sweatpants, scratching absentmindedly as he entered the room. Paulina was already seated, eyes fixed on the morning news playing softly on the television.“Good morning, Mom,” Gustavo greeted, his voice still thick with sleep. “Have you had breakfast yet?”Paulina turned her head slightly, offering a warm smile. “Yes, son. Everything’s ready in the kitchen.”He lingered by the doorway. “And is there any news out there?”Paulina’s gaze returned to the TV. “Not yet...” she murmured, engrossed in the broadcast.A moment later, Bella appeared, her outfit crisp and professional. The quality of the clothes spoke of someone stretching their paycheck, but it suited her perfectly.“Mom,” Bella began with a hint of irritation, “have you had breakfast? I don’t want to eat anyone else’s leftovers, okay?”Paulina’s lips curved in a faint smile. “Next time, I’ll leave a note on the table,”