Casino. Valentina never knew that Alexander gambled. He always said he worked until late in the accounting office. In reality, he was losing money in the game. Do you think anyone suspects? Alexander lowered his voice. Richard seems to trust you and Mrs. Patricia adores you. Dylan responded. Valentina’s mom is easy to fool.
She always wanted to see her daughter married. And the father, well, he is smart, but he is so happy to see his daughter fulfilled that he doesn’t suspect anything. Valentina closed her eyes. Her parents really loved Alexander very much. He knew exactly how to behave in front of them. Always kind, always helpful, always interested in the family’s businesses.
And if we go now, Julian suggested nervously. There is still time to cancel all this. Cancel? Are you crazy? I’ve been planning this for 2 years since I discovered Richard Miller is worth more than 5 million. His daughter is my entry to that money. 2 years. He had planned it for 2 years. Valentina remembered when they met at the mall.
Alexander had tripped over her in the food court, spilled her coffee, and offered to buy her another one. He seemed so tender, so genuine. Everything was calculated. “Guys, it’s time. The music already started,” Dylan warned. “Ready? Let’s pretend we are happy, then.” Alexander laughed once more. The footsteps moved away down the hallway.
Valentina stayed alone, listening only to the sound of her own heart beating without control and the wedding march starting to sound in the church. She looked at herself in the sacristy mirror, the white dress that cost $15,000, chosen with such affection during months of preparation.
The great grandmother’s veil passed from generation to generation in the Miller family. The perfect makeup done by the best professional in the city. All for a man who only wanted her money. Valentina breathed deep and dried the tears that were starting to fall. No, she would not collapse. She would not give Alexander Sterling the pleasure.
If he wanted to play dirty, she also knew how to do it. The cell phone vibrated. a message from her younger sister. Val, where are you? Everyone is waiting for you. Valentina responded. I’m coming, Sophia. She kept the phone, adjusted the veil and the bouquet. She smiled at the mirror, rehearsing the expression she would use from now on.