Marriage by Revenge: The Deceived Heiress

First betrayal

FLASHBACK

Nine years ago, Rafael's office was simply a worn-out desk in the small apartment he shared with Tobías, his college buddy and partner in a business venture that was still just a dream. The walls were adorned with papers filled with codes and diagrams, testaments to entire nights dedicated to shaping their ambitious idea. Those walls surrounding them were Tobías's attempt to gain independence from his parents after finishing college, which worked out well for him, as he didn't know how long it would take to set up a fixed path in his life as an independent adult.

"My father is willing to sell the family home to give us part of the capital," Tobías said, with gratitude and concern. "He surprised me with that this morning. I guess I convinced him. I'm happy he believes in us, but it's also risky."

Tobias swung his head in excitement. "Something tells me I've already done it. Maybe soon, he'll give me the money. It's not much, but it's a start," he said, full of pride in the way his father trusted him.

Rafael nodded, admiring Tobías's dedication and how much his family supported him.

"That's a big sacrifice. It will help us get started, but we'll need more to get this off the ground."

The few thousand dollars they could get from Tobías's family home couldn't do much, however, especially with the project they had in mind. Besides, looking for investors was almost a waste of time because they were just two recent graduates in their early twenties that an investor would barely risk their money on without a concrete certainty. Neither came from wealthy families, so everything was based on effort.

The two looked at each other, aware of the magnitude of the challenge ahead. The idea they had conceived, a company that would integrate artificial intelligence into practical applications, was innovative. Nevertheless, they needed considerable capital to make it a reality. They still hadn't passed the dream phase; they needed it to be real, and for that, they needed money.

"And you, Rafael? What plans do you have to get financing?" Tobías asked curiously. Getting money was up to both of them, and they both had to put up equal shares.

Rafael ran a hand through his hair thoughtfully. He was in the same situation as Tobías, but his parents couldn't risk their house for a project with an unsure future.

"Well, there is one possibility," he said amid uncertainty. "Mariel, my wife, comes from a financially buoyant upper-middle-class family. I've been thinking about talking to her about our idea. Maybe I can convince her to support us financially. But the truth is that it's hard for me to talk to her about money. I don't want her to see me as a failure."

Tobías raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Do you think she'd be willing to invest in our project? That would be incredible, but I don't want you to feel pressured to involve her."

Rafael shrugged.

"I don't know for sure, but I think it's worth a try. Mariel has always been understanding of my ambitions."

There was a pause during which both contemplated the possibility of such financial support. Rafael knew that involving Mariel was quite a task, but he also felt it was the opportunity they needed to bring their dream to life.

"I'm going to talk to her this weekend," Rafael concluded. He had no other choice. "If all goes well, we could have the capital we need to get started."

Tobías nodded, impressed by Rafael's willingness to take that step.

"That sounds promising, my friend. With your technical skills and our vision, I think we can do something big."

***

Dinner at Rafael and Mariel's house was an occasion that Tobías had looked forward to with some curiosity. Despite being Rafael's partner and close friend, he had never been part of his inner circle. The house was impressive, a testament to the status and wealth of Mariel's family; something Tobías could barely imagine in his own life.

Upon entering the opulent residence, he was struck by the contrast to his modest apartment.

"Wow, Rafael, I didn't know you lived like this," he commented, admiring the elegant interior.

Rafael smiled with some discomfort.

"Yeah, well, Mariel's family gifted us this apartment," he said, leading him to the dining room.

When Mariel appeared, Tobías was instantly captivated. She was young, beautiful, and possessed a natural elegance.

"Pleased to meet you, Mariel. Rafael has told me a lot about you," Tobías said, extending his hand.

Dinner passed in a pleasant atmosphere, though Rafael seemed nervous. Tobías noticed that his friend was remarkably protective of Mariel, something he attributed to her youth and beauty. With such a young and beautiful wife, it was normal to be so careful.

After dinner, they went to the living room for coffee. Soon, their initial chitchats progressed into talks about their business idea and how they'd been working hard at it with few results.

As the conversation grew intense, with Mariel listening keenly, Rafael turned to Tobías. "Tobías, could you explain our project to Mariel a little? I think she could help us."

Tobías nodded, though he felt a little uncomfortable. He began to describe the project in a simplified way, trying to make it accessible to someone who, according to Rafael, was not familiar with the technological field.

Mariel listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with interest. Contrary to what Rafael had implied, she seemed to grasp the concepts and importance of the project quickly.

When Tobías finished, Rafael turned to Mariel.

"Honey, do you think you could talk to your father to see if he could help us with some funding?"

Mariel thought for a moment before answering. "Yes, I could talk to him. I think he'll be interested in the project. It's innovative and promising."

Rafael seemed relieved, but Tobías couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and surprise at how Mariel had understood and appreciated his idea. Despite Rafael and Tobias's initial impressions of her ability, Mariel had proven to be much more understanding than they had expected.

Tobías left that night with a new perspective on Mariel and her relationship with Rafael. As Rafael closed the door behind him, Tobías couldn't help but wonder how much Rafael had underestimated his wife and how much more there was to Mariel than met the eye.

***

Mariel visited her father's house. She felt nervous but excited to share the idea of Rafael's project with him. Her father had always been her pillar, offering support and wise advice.

Sitting in his study, Mariel explained the concept behind Rafael and his partner, Tobías's technology project. Her father listened attentively, nodding occasionally, clearly impressed by the ambition and innovation behind the idea.

When she finished, her father took her hands and looked into her eyes.

"Mariel, I've always been proud of you. And now that you're married and building your own family, I think it's the right time to give you your share of the inheritance."

Mariel was speechless, surprised by her father's generosity. "Dad, I don't know what to say... Are you sure?"

"Completely," her father affirmed with a smile. "You can invest that money however you deem fit. I trust your judgment and your decisions."

With a heart full of gratitude, Mariel returned home. She found Rafael in the living room and, unable to contain her enthusiasm, revealed the news.

"Rafael, my father will give me my share of the inheritance. I want to give it to you for your business project. I believe we can use it to start something that will grow just like our marriage."

Rafael looked at her, first in disbelief and then with overwhelming joy. He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.

"You're amazing, Mariel. This... this will change everything."

The night that followed was one of deep passion. However, in the early morning, while Mariel slept, Rafael silently got out of bed and called Tobías.

Tobías, surprised by the call at that hour, answered in a sleepy voice.

"Rafael? Is everything okay?"

"Tobías, I've been thinking..." he said seriously, "about the project. Mariel can't give us the money. I think we should forget about all this. It's an absurd idea."

On the other end of the line, Tobías was taken aback.

"What? But I thought... My parents have sold the house."

"I'm sorry, Tobías," Rafael interrupted, lying with calculated coldness. "It'll be better if we go our separate ways."

He hung up the phone, leaving Tobías confused and worried. Rafael, now with the money promised by Mariel, had decided to go ahead with the company on his own, cutting Tobías out of the project and any future profits. It was an unexpected and calculating turn, a step that would change not only the course of their company but also that of his marriage and friendships.