What Fate Stole From Me

Chapter 3: The Mistress

POV: Gabriela

The sun was merciless over La Hacienda Almonte, but I did not sweat. My sheriff's polished boots crunched over the gravel as he rounded the car to open my door.

I stepped out slowly, letting my black silk dress slide over my legs in a whisper. A wide-brimmed hat shielded my face, though the gold hoops in my ears caught the light. A matching necklace-black crystal and gold-rested above the dip of my collarbone. My diamond ring flashed with every small movement.

Sebastian appeared from nowhere, his work shirt rolled to the elbows, a sheen of sweat across his brow. Even dressed like a laborer, there was something about him-steady, loyal. He hurried toward me.

"Tell me," I said, my voice smooth but edged. "Has Benjamin passed away?"

"No, not yet, madam," he replied. "The doctor says... it could be any moment."

I let a slow smile curve my lips. "Then I made it just in time." I started toward the door.

"The boss can't see you right now," he said quickly.

I stopped, turning my head just enough to let him see the look in my eyes. "Benjamin has never refused to see me."

"It's not that," Sebastian said, holding his ground. "Pastor Cullen is giving him the last rites."

I rolled my eyes, brushing past him. "Pastor Cullen can wait."

Inside, the air was thick-money and dust and something faintly sour, like old paper left in a damp place. I settled into a seat in the lounge, fanning myself lazily.

The maid, Mika, entered with a tall glass of iced tea. "Here you are, Madam. Can I get you anything else?"

"Yes," I said. "You can leave."

Before she could retort, the sound of firm knocking carried from the front door. She moved to answer it, revealing the notary standing there, briefcase in hand.

"Good morning," he said, stepping inside. His eyes slid past Mika and landed on me. "Madam."

I ignored him.

Mika went scurrying for Pastor Cullen, and moments later, the pastor himself emerged, greeting Benjamin's room.

I rose, my patience gone. "Excuse me," I said, my voice slicing through their conversation. "I was here first." And what I have to say to Benjamin is just as important.

They hesitated, but I didn't wait for their permission. My heels carried me down the hall toward his bedroom. Whatever the notary wanted could wait.

What Benjamin and I needed to discuss would be far more... personal.

Walking into the room, Benjamin looked smaller than I remembered. The man who once filled every room with his voice and his will now lay propped against a mound of pillows, the skin pulled tight over his cheekbones.

I crossed to the bed, letting my heels sound softly against the floor-each step deliberate. "You don't know how it pains me to see you like this," I said, placing a hand delicately on the blanket near his arm. "I can't bear the thought of losing you."

His eyes opened, sharp and unyielding despite the labored rise and fall of his chest. "Don't be a hypocrite, Gabriela. A woman like you has no feelings."

I let the insult pass, smoothing my skirt as I sat. "I heard the notary had arrived. Changing your will?"

"That's right," he rasped.

A flicker of satisfaction warmed my voice. "Good. Thank you, Benjamin."

"Don't thank me yet." His tone was a blade.

I tilted my head, the shadow of my hat casting my smile into mystery. "After everything between us, all I ask is for you to be generous. You've had years of my life-my youth, my devotion."

"I told you before," he said, each word a ragged exhalation, "Don't expect a single cent from me."

My smile thinned. "After all that's happened?"

"I own you nothing. You've had the gifts. Consider yourself well paid."

I rose, silk whispering against my legs. "So who gets it, then? You have no one but me."

"That's none of your concern," he said, a faint spark of satisfaction lighting his eyes. "I'd rather give it to the dogs than let you sink your claws into it."

I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a low, sharp hiss. "You'll die with your money, Benjamin, but without anyone to love you. No children. No family. No one to mourn you."

He didn't blink.

I turned toward the door. My heels clicked once, twice, before I paused on the threshold. Looking back, I gave him my parting gift:

"I hope you don't rest in peace."

The door shut behind me with a sound like finality.

Later that evening, I was in my room getting ready for dinner tonight. I was so excited about the announcement Samuel was going to give.

On my way out, the Pastor stepped into my path.

"I know exactly who you are, and where you come from," he said gravely. "And I also know how much you're risking by tangling yourself with a man like Benjamin."

I narrowed my eyes. "And what is that supposed to mean? Is that a threat?"

He shook his head. "No, my child. But you should be concerned that one day... the truth will come out."

I let out a short, bitter laugh. "Benjamin is dying, Pastor. Whatever my story is-no matter how disgusting it might seem to you-it will be buried and forgotten. Just let him."

Without waiting for his reply, I turned on my heels and walked away.

Three hours later, I was home getting ready for tonight's dinner.

"How did it go in your prayer retreat?" Henry asked.

"Good," I said softly, meeting his eyes in the mirror as I brushed my hair. "I've been praying so much for our finances to improve. It worries me how much you stress... your health isn't what it used to be."

"Relax, my love," Henry said, buttoning his shirt. "I'm working on a way forward. You'll see-soon everything will sort itself out."

"I'm sure it will. And above all, our daughter is finally going to marry Samuel." I turned toward him with a bright smile.

His expression hardened. "Don't say it like that, Gabriela. It sounds as if we're marring her off for the money."

"For God's sake, don't exaggerate," I said, waving a hand. "But I do beg you to look into getting a loan for the wedding. You know, the bride's family covers those expenses, and I refuse to let Samuel's family suspect we're on the edge of bankruptcy."

Before Henry could reply, the telephone rang. I crossed the room and lifted the receiver.

"Hello? ... Violet, darling, how lovely to hear from you! I just heard your son is back in Agua Azul." My smile brightened-then faded instantly. "I... beg your pardon? That's... unacceptable."

I kept the telephone pressed into my ear for a moment longer, listening in tight silence. My fingers curled around the cord.

"Yes... I understand," I said finally, my voice cool. "We'll speak soon." I replaced the telephone with deliberate care.

Henry was watching me in the mirror. "What was that about?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," I replied, smoothing my skirt.

"Gabriela," he said sharply, "I asked you a question."

I turned toward him, forcing my tone to stay light. "Just Violet running her mouth, as usual. "Apparently, Sebastian has returned-and he's already... making acquaintances." I lied.

Henry's brow furrowed. "Acquaintances?"

"That's all I'm going to say." I stepped past him toward the door. "You know, some things are better left unspoken until the right moment."

And before he could press me further, I left the room, closing the door just firmly enough to end the conversation.

I headed towards Maya's room... She will hear from me!

I didn't bother knocking. I pushed the door open, letting it slam against the wall as I strode inside.