TRAPPED BETWEEN TWO CHOICES

Episode 001

Twelve years. Uncle Andres had been absent for that extended period. He had returned at last.

Was I thrilled? No. This assertion is not even close to the truth.

Everyone was excited about the grand ball that Grandpa was hosting to celebrate his return. To be honest, though, my sights were set on something much larger. It was my turn. My future.

Fixing the maroon velvet bow tie around my neck, I stood facing the mirror. I wore a black velvet suit. The shirt is pristine white. I had my hair perfectly styled. I exuded power in every way. Self-assurance. I was prepared to take charge of the evening.

I saw women dripping in diamonds and men in tuxedos as I entered the arena. Like royalty, elegant gowns drifted across the room. Ambition and pricey perfume filled the air. I walked calmly through the crowd.

Wealth had a certain silence. Tonight, it enveloped me completely.

A year ago, this ball would’ve made me anxious. However, things are different now. Grandpa had stated unequivocally that I would inherit 90% of the Reyes-Salazar Corporation if Uncle Andres didn't marry before turning thirty-four.

Months have gone by since that deadline. Nothing new. I don't have a spouse. No involvement, which implied...

The crown was mine.

Grandpa's assistant, Carlo Rivera, took the microphone as I slipped into a seat close to the front.

"We would like to welcome Mr. Ernesto Reyes and Teresa Salazar, his beautiful wife!"

There was a burst of applause.

Like kings and queens entering their court, they entered with grace. Carlo's voice then rose once more.

"And now, welcome home, Mr. Andres Salazar, the man of the night!"

A tall, slender, but angular man stepped in. He had a disarming smile and a face that was a combination of his mother's natural beauty and Grandpa's serious features. The past suddenly came back to life in full color as he waved and sat down next to Grandpa.

The remainder of the night passed smoothly and predictably, like wine.

I will continue until the following day.

I received an urgent email. There was a planned board meeting.

I was already aware of it.

I smiled smugly as I slipped into my fitted gray suit. They will appoint me director today. This was the title I had fought so hard for, the authority I truly deserved.

Members shuffled into the boardroom. While some grinned, others gave courteous nods. My father, predictably, was nowhere in sight. Most likely, he was drinking champagne that someone else had purchased, flirting with influencers, and lounging on a yacht somewhere.

He had a trust fund and was a leech. He didn't have many other assets. He didn't possess many other assets.

The door then opened.

Grandpa, Carlo, and... Andres entered.

With confidence, I leaned back. My champagne had already chilled in my office.

It's this.

Grandpa started, "I have something important to say."

I smiled and c****d my head.

"It's time for me to step aside after years of creating this legacy," he declared. "And give the torch to someone who is ready, devoted, and capable."

I am that. My cue is that.

"I'm pleased to present Andrés Salazar as your new director."

What?

Like gunfire, the words reverberated inside my skull. The applause, Lall glass, and the grins are all aimed directly at him.

The rest I didn't hear. All I can think of is static. My heart raced. I tightened my jaw. Such an outcome isn't possible.

We looked at each other across the room. His smug little smile sealed the moment.

He prevailed.

No. He was unfaithful.

With my chest burning, I got to my feet. "This is incorrect, Grandpa!" I spoke louder than I meant to, and my voice cracked.

The board went cold. People's eyes shifted.

"You said you would!" I let out a bark. Uncle Andres failed to meet the deadline. You stated

"Miguel," Grandpa said abruptly. "Now is not the moment."

He appeared worn out. I'm disappointed.

We'll discuss it later at home.

Then he got up and walked away. Andres, still grinning like a saint, followed him out. Behind them, the boardroom doors shut.

I was the only one standing there. The future I saw is no longer there. The past has engulfed it.

I was restless that night. I walked around my room. My knuckles hurt from how tightly my fists curled. My nerves ached with each tick of the clock.

Wine didn't help. The silence didn't either.

By dinnertime, I was ready to confront him.

The polished wood and golden chandeliers illuminated the dining room. Grandpa sat at the head of the table. Teresa was by his side. What a joke! Even my father showed up. Most likely, this is another handout.

I took a look around. No, Andres.

Excellent.

I had to talk openly.

I leaned forward after dessert. You stated that Andres had until last year to get married or forfeit his claim, Grandpa. That cutoff time has passed. I have experience working. I'm bleeding. I've put everything into it. In the meantime, he appears and takes everything.

Grandpa didn't respond. So I exerted more effort.

"Is it because I am your maid's son and I made a mistake?" I looked at his face intently as I spoke.

He took a slow, deep breath. "You see too little and talk too much."

His eyes were serene. Too quiet.

As usual, my father got up and left. Coward.

Grandpa's voice was loaded and low as he spoke again.

"Your uncle has a spouse."

The words hit me like a slap.

What did you say?"

He said, "They'll be joining us shortly." "They should have arrived earlier."

I blinked. Are you married?

When? How? Who?

The footsteps then appeared.

As if nothing had happened, Andres entered and greeted everyone.

"Good night, Dad. He said, "Mom," before turning to face me. "Miguel."

His tone was too informal.

He sat down next to Teresa.

"Where is your wife?" Grandpa inquired with pride.

She had a call going on. She will arrive shortly.

Then there was the sound of heels.

I pivoted.

There she was.

Cruz Althea.

The girl who broke my heart years ago is no longer in my life. She was the girl who vanished from my life.

As my uncle's wife, I am now entering my family dinner.

My mouth fell open.

Under the lights, her dress glistened. Her expression was serene. Chilly. Known.

I muttered to myself, "What the hell?"

She gave Grandpa a courteous smile. "Good night, sir. It is a privilege to be here.

Grandpa became bright. "Please come in. You are now family.

Andres reached for her hand as she sat next to him.

She didn't back off.

My entire being screamed. The fury. The betrayal and the miscommunication left a deep mark. Everything exploded all at once.

This was no accident. It was a prelude. A trap. And I walked straight into it.

My heart was racing as I gazed at her.

Was this retaliation?

Was she aware of what she was doing?

Andres gave me a sly smile. It was only a small smile. It was enough to make me angry.

I require clarification. I needed to know how long this affair had been simmering behind my back.

And Althea why her?

Why now?

The room was filled with fake smiles and laughter, but my focus was on my battle. One that was only getting started.

Because if they believed they had triumphed, if they believed I would collapse and vanish...

They were completely mistaken.

We found no new proper noun.