Ignacio's pov
As soon as Maliya stepped out, I could not help but feel multiple emotions, as I made my way to my seat, jealousy, annoyance, and anger swirled inside me like a storm.
Was I jealous that another man had claimed her as his own? Or was I angry that she, like my wife Marisol, had cheated on her husband?
The thought of Maliya's infidelity made my blood boil. I remembered the way she'd smiled at me, the way she felt in my arms, the way she'd seemed so innocent and pure. It was all a lie.
I didn't care to know her anymore, she was just like Marisol - unfaithful and deceitful. And I had no patience for such women. They were all the same, playing games with men's hearts and emotions.
It was time to teach women such as Maliya and Marisol a lesson. I would make them both pay for her infidelity and unfaithfulness, for daring to think they could even deceive me.
I picked up my phone and dialed my lawyer's number. "What's the update on the divorce?" I asked, my voice firm and detached.
Carlos's voice came through the line, "Ignacio, we're making good progress. The papers are being finalized, and we should be able to serve Marisol soon."
"Good," I said. "I want this done as soon as possible. I'm not interested in playing games."
Carlos hesitated for a moment before responding, "Ignacio, I understand your frustration, but we need to be careful. We can't rush this process."
I cut him off and was interested in another pathetic lecture on patience. "Just get it done, Carlos. I don't pay you to question my decisions.
"And I want full custody of Aria," I declared
I could sense a hint of surprise behind Carlos's voice. "Are you sure that's the best decision, Ignacio?" he asked, a bit shocked.
"Yes, I'm positive. Marisol has been a pathetic mother to Aria anyway. She's always been more concerned with her interests and affairs than with our daughter's well-being."
"Why not share custody Ignacio, I think it's what is best for little Aria, don't you think" Carlos explained.
But I couldn't care less I don't want Marisol near Aria ever again, at least for now. "Carlos!! " I yelled. "You know quite well, I don't like repeating myself. "
"Very well, Ignacio. I'll file the necessary paperwork and prepare for the custody battle. Cause you know quite well. Marisol will likely fight for custody, and the court may not grant you full custody."
"I don't care about the challenges. I want Aria to be with me, where I can provide for her and give her the stability and love she deserves. Marisol doesn't deserve to be her mother."
"I'll do everything in my power to ensure you get full custody of Aria, Ignacio." He said as I cut the phone.
............
Soon I found myself sitting across Afredo at the trendy new steak house in town, I couldn't help but vent about my latest discovery.
As we began to eat, I launched into my story. "Can you believe it, Alfredo? I found out that my one-night stand, now an employee, is married. And when I confronted her about it, she just shrugged it off and said she didn't think it was important."
Alfredo raised his eyebrows in disgust, pausing as he was about to take a bite. "She didn't think it was important? Well, that's just great. Married women, single women, they're all the same."
I nodded in agreement, taking a sip of my wine. "I know, right? They're all cheats. And they always think they can get away with it."
Alfredo snorted. "Please, they're not even worth the trouble. I mean, why settle for one woman when you can have them all?... Hmmm, this steak is damn good" he said as he took another bite.
Then continued. "I am living proof, my friend. You know have never been a sucker for love and could never fall in love, let alone get married....."Life is too sweet to stay loyal to one woman, Ignacio. I have ladies that would make your head spin"
"You're a dog, Alfredo." I couldn't help but mutter.
He grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep the ladies entertained. And speaking of which, check out that waitress. She's got that whole 'ice queen' thing going on."
I followed his gaze to the waitress, who was indeed looking at us with a frosty expression. Alfredo leaned in, "I'm telling you, Ignacio, I've got a system. Women are easy, you just have to look good, and sometimes you don't get to pay. It's all about the art of seduction."
I couldn't help but be amused by Alfredo's boasts. "You never stop being a Casanova, Will you?"
Alfredo chuckled. "Hey, someone's got to keep the tradition alive" he paused as he took a sip of his wine.
"But I'm telling you, Ignacio, I've been trying to get her attention for days now... I've been flirting, leaving tips, the whole works. And still, she doesn't give me a break."
His eyes drifted towards her. "I have to admit, it's kind of refreshing. Most women would be eating out of my hand by now. But not her. She's got spunk."
"And that's what you like about her?" I asked.
"The feistier they are, the better I like them. It's like a challenge, you know? And I love a good challenge." He raised his glass as he finally finished his meal.
"I just can't help but think about her, Ignacio. She's got this spark, this energy... and I want to be the one to tap into it. But I think I know why she acting this way, we once had this tiny little bad first impression, and she seems not to be getting over it." He admitted.
I shook my head, laughing. "What on earth did you do?" I asked calculating.
Alfredo just grinned.."it doesn't matter. I always get what I want." He stared at her with complete lust.
"Maybe not every fish is meant to be caught," I said amusingly.
Alfredo's grin faltered, he looked at me like I'd just spoken blasphemy. "What are you talking about, Ignacio? Of course, I can catch her." He boasted
"You've been at it for days, Alfredo. Maybe she's just not that into you." I proclaim, signaling the waiter for the bills.
"Not that into me? Me? M the whole package, the package" He repeated.
"Well, maybe she's just not buying what you're selling." I couldn't help but keep bursting Alfredo's little bubble.
"Fine. Maybe she's not worth my time, then." He uttered but I could feel his ego bruised.
"And you, what are you going to do with that one-night stand of yours now that you know she's married?" He leaned in, as he whispered "You know married women are still women... you may still get to repeat the action."
He smirked, clearly entertained by his joke. "What comes around goes around, you know?"
I rolled my eyes at his words. " I think I'll pass on the repeat performance. I'm more interested in breaking her with work for now."
Alfredo's smirk faded for a moment before he burst out laughing. "Oh, Igancio, you're a cold one. I love it. Wait!!" He exclaimed, "Isn't that Rodrigo?"
My eyes drifted to the door where he was." Why is he here? I asked angrily.