Now, I am divorced.

Crossroads

Ana's POV

To get married? I must have heard wrong. It was illogical for a stranger to ask me to marry me; we weren't even acquainted.

He must be up to something; if there was one thing my divorce had made clear, it was not to trust anyone else.

"You must be joking; you don't even know who I am."

"No, but I don't need to know much to see that you are going through a deep loneliness. It's the same look I see every day in my mirror."

It was unbelievable. I didn't know him, but he had already described how I felt just by looking at me.

"Listen, sir, I truly regret your condition. I'll pray for you, but I can't accept your proposal; I don't even know who you are. I just got divorced, and getting married is the last thing I want to do."

"I know you have mistrust; it's normal, but I can prove what I'm saying is true."

"How?"

"The doctor who just treated you is my friend."

Coincidentally, at that moment, the doctor came out of the office. He seemed to be heading somewhere else, but when he saw us, he approached.

"Rogelio!" he said, taking his hand to greet him. "I see you've met."

"I just did," replied the man who had just proposed to me with a smile.

"I see, and tell me... are you undergoing treatment?"

"Please, let's not go into those details. You know it's pointless at this stage."

"Rogelio..."

"Doctor, your patient has arrived," interrupted a nurse.

"Oh... yes, fine. Have her come into my office," the doctor thanked the nurse, but he turned to Rogelio before leaving. "You're my friend; I don't want..."

"Your patient is waiting for you. Go," he stepped aside, turning his back.

I saw the doctor's gaze lower with pity, but in the end, he nodded and left.

"If he's your friend, why don't you listen to him?"

"It's pointless. Let's change the subject and accept my proposal. I swear you won't lack anything. You've just witnessed that the doctor is my friend, and if you still have doubts, you can call this number." He handed me his cell phone. It's my employee; he can give you information about me."

"No, there's no need," I refused. "I don't believe it's a good idea to marry someone I barely know."

"Listen... Can you tell me your name?"

"I'm Ana."

"Alright, Ana. I don't have much time, and from what I heard, you're pregnant with an illness that can be cured, but you're alone."

"That's not something you should have heard..."

"Be that as it may, but don't you want to give the best to that baby? To get better and fulfill your dreams?"

"I can work; I have hands that God gave me."

"And I have them too, but Ana, opportunities like this only come once in a lifetime. I want someone who genuinely needs it to manage my money, not some greedy. Think about your child's future; they won't lack anything."

So, I considered Rogelio's proposal partly because he was right. It wasn't right, but an opportunity like this wouldn't come around again.

"Just as a question. If I were to accept, when would the wedding be?"

"Today," he affirmed.

"What!? B-but I just got divorced, that's..."

"When there's money, anything is possible. Well, almost anything... Do you accept being my wife?"

Indecisively, I bit my lips, looked at my finger, which was now without a ring, and then touched my belly. I didn't know if I would regret it, but it was worth taking the risk.

"Alright, I will marry you."

...

This was genuinely insane. The divorce sentence took time, at least thirty to sixty days. Still, as they always say, money makes the world go round. Without realizing it, that same afternoon, I was signing my marriage certificate with my new husband's employee as the only witness.

The ring on my finger gleamed with elegance, and my husband's peaceful look told me that he was finally at peace.

I arrived at my husband's immense residence. It was bigger than the Bercellis and, of course, more luxurious.

"Wow... And do you live alone?" I asked, looking around in astonishment.

"No, I have the company of Will," he pointed to his butler, a young man with a smile who seemed to be my age. He was very loyal, so you could trust him, and you would get along very well."

"I will prepare something for dinner, sir, and then I will go upstairs to arrange the lady's room."

"Oh no, don't call me 'lady'. I'm not used to being called that; not even the employees in the house I thought was mine called me that respectfully. Just call me Ana."

"Ana... All right, is there anything specific you want? Just say it."

"I'll be fine with whatever is available. I don't have a particular preference."

He approached and carefully analyzed my face.

"I know, I'll make something very special for the newlyweds. I know you'll like it, Ana." Will left applauding, which left me puzzled by his joy. I was not used to feeling such a divine atmosphere.

"He's like that; Will loves warmth and color."

"I can tell; I imagine his girlfriend must have much fun with him."

"Um, I don't think Will has those tastes. He prefers women as friends."

"Oh, I see."

Rogelio had given me a huge room, access to his entire house, and instructions not to hesitate to ask if I needed anything.

So, I will go to the university tomorrow to do the necessary procedures for this final semester.

Rogelio offered to accompany me, and of course, I didn't refuse. I could see his loneliness, and silently, I promised to always keep him company. My gratitude would be eternal.

…

The next day, Rogelio was already waiting for me in the car. Will would drive and take care of all the household chores except cleaning, as it was a huge mansion. Some employees exclusively took care of that.

"And may I know what Ana is studying?" Will asked while driving.

"Fashion design, I'll graduate soon."

"Design! Wow, I wanted to be a model, but my mother objected. Fashion has always caught my attention."

"Well, who knows? Maybe I'll consider you to be my model. You're very handsome."

We both exchanged smiles, and Rogelio burst into laughter.

"I would like to see that; seeing Will as a model would be very entertaining."

"I do it very well, sir. My charms are hidden; I can even model swimwear, lingerie, etc."

"I'll refrain from seeing that; I prefer to watch an elegant fashion show."

"Am I making you nervous, sir?"

"Haha, enough, Will."

"Well, laughter is an excellent way to relax," he commented, and I completely agreed.

It seemed unbelievable, but months had passed since I last laughed wholeheartedly.

After a few minutes of joking, we arrived at my university.

"I'll wait for you here, then we'll go to a shopping mall. You need clothes and some other things."

"Rogelio..."

"No, I won't accept a no. Go quickly so you can come back soon."

I felt incredibly comfortable with them. How could it be possible that people I had just met were better than my own family? I don't know, but it felt good.

With the papers in my hands, I searched for the faculty building, reached the elevators, and took the appropriate one. Soon, I was welcomed by the secretary, who made it easier for me to submit the documents, so I left feeling more at ease.

However, that feeling didn't last long because I came face to face with the people I least wanted to see as I got off the elevator.

Yes, Belial's other half. She was a student from another faculty. I had never had to encounter her, but today was the day.

I pretended not to know them and walked past without saying a word.

"Is that your education?" Belial asked aloud. "Or has left the Bercelli mansion made you forget your manners?"

I knew I shouldn't respond, so I continued walking, but as I was crossing the courtyard, my arm was forcefully grabbed to make me turn around abruptly.

"I saw you," Belial said with a deep and serious voice. "I saw you with a man. I know you got married; congratulations," he added sarcastically.

I looked at him in astonishment; how had this happened?

"And why should I care? I'm not interested in your congratulations. Mind your own business; I'll take care of mine," I replied, shaking my arm to free myself from his grip.

"Belial?" Ratja approached, hugging Belial from behind. "Ana, I know you're angry, but this happened without us seeking it. I hope one day we can be friends."

I had met stupid and hypocritical people in my life, and then there was Ratja.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that. I won't waste my time on people who aren't worth a penny." I tried to leave, but Belial stopped me again by standing before me.

"Am I worth less? But of course, your little husband is worth more! How much did he give you?"

"Belial, let's go. She's getting angry; she might harm our baby," Ratja intervened, placing her hands on her completely flat belly.

"Listen to the mother of your child, your wife. Go with her. Just in case I telepathically make her fall and blame me."

"Are you calling me stupid?" she asked offended.

"I believe you know that when you look in the mirror."

"Belial, he's insulting me," she complained. She just called me stupid, she insulted me, and... Ouch!" she flinched, touching her belly. "I'm feeling unwell; please take me home."

"Does it hurt? Let's go to the hospital."

"No!" she shouted in alarm, getting nervous. "I just want to rest at home. I don't want anything to happen to our baby; take me away from her," she pleaded, clinging to his shoulder.

"Alright, I'll take you home so you can rest."

He lifted her up in his arms, carrying her in front of everyone who knew he was my husband.I closed my eyes and sighed with a smile on my lips.

"Focus on yourself, Ana."

I went out to meet Rogelio, who quickly came out to open the door for me.

"Don't make too much effort," I asked him.

"As long as I still have strength, I will use it."

His chivalry so touched me.

"Did something happen? Your brow is furrowed."

"Oh, no... It's nothing. Let's just go."

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

"It's not important; it's just an argument with people that is not worth mentioning."

"Alright," he didn't insist, "So, do you already have in mind what you want to buy for yourself?"

"Um, no, but I suppose a few changes of clothes will be fine."

"Changes? No, darling, we'll build your new wardrobe, and if you like anything else, just ask for it."