Shine your light upon me

Chapter XI: I don't trust her

Esther sat with grace and elegance, greeting each member of the Pardillo family with a charming smile. The tension that had prevailed in the air seemed to dissipate momentarily in Esther's radiant presence.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all" Esther said in a melodic voice that echoed through the room, "My grandmother has told me so much about you."

Horace couldn't take his eyes off Esther, as if an invisible magnet was drawing him to her. Nieves noticed the expression on her husband's face and felt a mixture of emotions, somewhere between confusion and discomfort.

Aunt Elizabeth, noticing the connection between Horace and Esther, smiled knowingly. She went on to recount her granddaughter's accomplishments and talents, highlighting her prowess on the piano and her skills in the arts. Meanwhile, the gaze between Horace and Esther continued to exchange silent secrets.

After the presentation, Aunt Isabel suggested that Esther might delight the guests with a short piece on the piano. Everyone nodded enthusiastically, and Esther rose gracefully to head for the music room.

The Pardillo family followed, and they settled into the music room as Esther took a seat at the piano. She began to play a captivating melody, her fingers dancing over the keys with dexterity and passion. The music filled the room, enveloping those present in an enchanting atmosphere.

Horace, mesmerized by the music and Esther's presence, found himself unable to look away from her. Nieves, watching the scene, felt a pang in her chest, which she kept silent as she did not know the reason for it.

When the musical piece was over, everyone applauded enthusiastically. Esther stood up and thanked them with a graceful bow. The Pardillo family, though impressed, noticed that the connection between Horace and Esther went beyond the music.

"I hope you enjoyed Esther's performance," said Aunt Isabel with a sly smile, "Now, if you will excuse me, I must attend to some business at the mansion. You may enjoy the rest of the evening as you wish."

Aunt Isabel retired, leaving the Pardillo family in the music room. The conversation remained pleasant between the visitors and Esther, who answered questions with grace.

"So, young lady, did you grow up in this mansion?" said Gregoria with notable interest.

Esther nodded. She averted her gaze to Horace and then turned to Nieves, who stood beside him. She smiled.

"I have lived here forever, if you wish I can show you around the city."

Esther led the Pardillo family through the charming streets of the old town. As they walked, she shared lively stories about the city's history, pointing out the most prominent buildings and revealing interesting anecdotes. Horace walked beside her, listening intently, his eyes reflecting palpable admiration.

Nieves, however, felt divided. Although she enjoyed the charm of the city and appreciated Esther's kindness, she could not help the pang of confusion that took hold in her chest. She watched the connection between Horace and Esther, wondering what it really meant.

Gregoria, with mischief in her eyes, approached Nieves and took her arm discreetly. Taking advantage of a moment when Esther and Horace were immersed in conversation, Gregoria whispered in a confidential tone.

"Nieves, I don't like the way that girl is acting. There's something in her look that I don't like. I don't trust her."

Nieves, though initially surprised by her mother-in-law's frankness, began to feel a seed of doubt growing inside her. She watched Horace and Esther, who were laughing animatedly as they shared stories. The turmoil in Nieves' heart intensified, feeling caught between loyalty to her family and the disconcerting emotions that arose from witnessing the connection between her husband and Esther.

The afternoon was spent amidst picturesque walks, pleasant conversations and the constant presence of Esther, whose charm did not go unnoticed. Nieves silently reflected on the unexpected turn the trip had taken and the complications that were now unfolding before her.

As night fell, they returned to Aunt Isabel's mansion, carrying with them a mix of complex emotions that echoed in the air. While everyone retired to their rooms to rest, Nieves was left alone in her thoughts, facing the uncertainty that loomed over her marriage and her family.

A few days later, the Pardillo family was preparing to leave Aunt Isabel's mansion. They had enjoyed the hospitality of their hostess and the delightful experiences in the city, but it was time to return to their daily routine. As they packed, Aunt Isabel asked to speak privately with Nieves and Horace.

In an elegant room of the mansion, Aunt Isabel expressed her wish for the couple to extend their stay. She mentioned how pleasant the company had been for Esther and how glad she was to have met them. Though surprised by the request, Nieves and Horace considered the proposal, feeling a quiet pressure in the air.

Before they could respond, Aunt Isabel continued, mentioning how special Esther was and how she had grown fond of them. Aunt Isabel's request left Nieves in an awkward position, as she really wanted to go home. Horace, on the other hand, agreed without hesitation, leaving Nieves with no choice but to stay with him.

As the rest of the family prepared to leave, Gregoria approached Nieves again with a serious expression. In a cautious tone, she warned her daughter-in-law about Esther and Aunt Isabel.

"Nieves, I want you to be careful with that girl and her grandmother. I don't trust them. There's something amiss, and I don't like the influence they seem to have over Horace."

Nieves, between confusion and concern, was grateful for her mother-in-law's warning, but she could not help but feel caught in a web of intrigue and mystery that enveloped Aunt Isabel's mansion.

Horace accompanied the family to the train station, where the farewells were emotional but brief. Meanwhile, Nieves stayed at Aunt Isabel's mansion. Esther, for her part, expressed her desire to spend more time with the young woman.

With the Pardillo family leaving, Esther and Nieves met in the living room of the mansion. Esther, with curiosity evident in her eyes, decided to broach a subject that had been on her mind since the arrival of the visitors.

"Nieves, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Esther, what do you wish to know?"

"I notice that you are not sharing a room with Horace, even though you are married, is there a reason for that?"

Nieves, surprised by Esther's frankness, took a moment before answering. She was not used to talking openly about her marriage.

"Our marriage was more of an arrangement between our families. There is no love involved."

Esther, intrigued, tilted her head and asked in more detail.

"So, you have no feelings for Horace?"

Nieves sighed, pondering the nature of her relationship with Horace.

"No, Esther. I have no feelings for him. We are husbands on paper, but there is no emotional connection between us."

Esther, with a mischievous smile, continued to probe.

"What about him, does he have any feelings for you?"

Nieves answered quickly and confidently.

"No, I'm sure he doesn't. Our marriage was practical, and we are both aware of that."

Esther nodded, as if she had solved a mystery in her mind.

"Interesting. Sometimes appearances can be deceiving, don't you think?"

Nieves looked at her blankly.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh! It's nothing, don't worry," she smiled.