The next morning, Olivia found herself in Ezmeralda's office, the opulence of the space an unsettling contrast to the events of the previous night. The dark wood paneling, the polished desk, and the rich leather furniture exuded a timeless authority. It was a place for decisions, for control.
"You're early," Ezmeralda's voice broke the silence as she entered, moving toward her desk without so much as a glance at Olivia. "Sit. We have things to discuss."
Olivia sat obediently, crossing her legs and resting her hands on her knee. "I thought you'd be here already," she murmured.
"Had some work outside," Ezmeralda replied, settling into her chair with an air of command. She didn't even need to look up from the papers in her hands to feel Olivia's discomfort. "Relax. I don't bite."
"I am relaxed," Olivia lied, shifting awkwardly in her seat.
Ezmeralda glanced up, her eyebrow raised in mild amusement. "Sure."
A silence settled over the room as Ezmeralda sorted through papers. Finally, she placed them aside and looked at Olivia with a measured gaze. "We've talked about the theory of marriage. Now, let's discuss practicality."
"What do you mean by that?" Olivia asked, her brow furrowed.
"Expectations. Boundaries. Duties," Ezmeralda said, her tone clipped and matter-of-fact.
"Oh," Olivia mumbled, avoiding her gaze. The weight of their twisted arrangement pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe.
Ezmeralda studied her for a moment before asking, "Did you sleep?"
Olivia shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No. I couldn't."
Ezmeralda sighed, leaning back in her chair as she regarded Olivia's tired face. "Stay in bed today. Try to rest. I'll handle the rest of today's meetings."
"I don't need sleep," Olivia protested weakly, keeping her eyes fixed on the floor.
"Olivia, you look like hell. You need to rest," Ezmeralda said bluntly, her frustration beginning to surface.
"Stop pretending like you care whether I sleep or not," Olivia snapped, her voice raspy from exhaustion and frustration. "Let's just get this over with."
Ezmeralda's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. "I don't care if you sleep. I just need you sharp for what's coming next." She turned her attention back to her papers, clearly done with the conversation.
Olivia felt a knot form in her chest at Ezmeralda's cold response. She swallowed hard, willing herself not to cry. The air between them grew heavier, thick with unspoken tension.
"Let's continue," Ezmeralda said, her voice calm but firm. "At the wedding, there will be one kiss. That's all. You'll smile, look happy for the crowd, my family and friends will be watching you closely."
Olivia nodded mutely, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her shirt.
"There are also certain traditions," Ezmeralda added, "but we'll get to that later."
Olivia glanced up, her eyes meeting Ezmeralda's. "Where did that brave, defiant Olivia go?" Ezmeralda teased, her gaze sharp.
Olivia scowled slightly, a flicker of defiance returning. "She's still here. I just don't want to end up in another ditch."
Ezmeralda smirked, clearly entertained by Olivia's small rebellion. "Smart girl."
Olivia clenched her jaw, holding back the urge to lash out. "Are we done?"
YOU ARE READING
CUBAN HIRE (CARTEL GXG)
Romance"You got it, that's what I like to hear muñeca" she murmurs with a little nod, her plump lips glossing under the light, forcing me to daze at them. "Don't worry, I will be a gentle wife" she assures with a whisper. "If you behave" she finishes. {do...
