Wrong Impressions [Book I]

Wrong Impressions [Book I]

By

Paulin Zavala

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This is dedicated to:

My parents, because they supported me.

My fans; thanks to your reading and voting, I was able to continue writing.

My beloved friend Karen. Without your support and encouragement, I could not have finished the first part. Thank you very much for being part of my life despite the distance.

My cousin Viridiana; thank you for listening to every chapter I wrote. You're the best fan.

Thanks again to Karen; the beautiful cover and images are a product of your talent.

INTRODUCTION

If there was something her father taught her, it was to keep her word. Ever since she was a child, she remembered her promises to her mother, like the promise of being on time for dinner, which she always kept. Her father was a man of word, and she loved this part of him. Promises were a big deal for her family; you had to keep your promises. There was no way out.

This was the time to keep a promise she made to her father, but she did not want to do it. She just did not want to; that was it. She had lost count of the times he asked her to go to the interview. She had found her way out of her commitment, but last night he literally cornered her and made her accept, if half-heartedly, going to the goddamn interview.

She was not ungrateful; her father wanted the best for her. But it did not seem appropriate to get your daughter a position in your company; she thought it was unfair to other people who were interested on the job. Emma sighed; this was not what she had planned to do after college. She had graduated some weeks ago from a BA on Finance, with a Graduate degree on Good investments. When she started looking for a job, her father intervened and informed that he had an excellent job waiting for her. All she had to do was to have an interview with his great bud and boss.

She was proud of her intelligence; she had always been a bright kid. She had a very unusual thinking; her mind was analytical, and she could see the world from different points of view. She was rather impartial. Though she loved this feature of hers, not everyone else agreed. These features of her personality problems in her personal relationships, as well as with her classmates and teachers. Those who noticed her genius and talent welcomed her and guided her to nurture her mind.

Her family took more time to get used to her personality. Her father refused to accept that she could have a different opinion that could not be changed; thus, he resorted to deceive her. The interview would start in exactly one hour. She went out of her room and in the kitchen for breakfast. She hated to be late.

When she was seating with her breakfast waiting for her—toast, fruit, and tea, her cell phone started ringing. She reached for it and looked at the screen; she pouted and activated the speaker.

Hello? Emma, ​​I know you're there her father's voice boomed. You promised, honey; you must go to the interview he paused. Emma Elizabeth Maldonado, answer the phone!

She smiled. Her father seemed to be violent, but reality was different. She took the phone, vibrating by the booming sound of his voice, and sighed before answering.

Good morning, Mr. Antonio Maldonado she greeted him cheerfully. Her father cackled on the other end. I'm having breakfast right now. I don't want to be late for the blessed interview that you forced me to go to.

That's my girl! I was still laughing. Emma bit her lip, annoyed.

It's not funny, dad she frowned, but the sooner I get there, the faster it will be over.

Emma Antonio sighed, It will be fine. You're great at your stuff; I'm sure you'll get the job.

Because I've put my contacts to work and now they know my daughter is not capable of finding a job on her own.

She shook her head to dismiss the thought.

Right, dad she hissed, I have to go now; I have a long day ahead of me.

Don't be nervous. You'll love the place; it's a very nice office his excitement annoyed her even more. Besides, my dear friend will help you with anything you need.

She massaged her temples with frustration. For years she had listened to her father's stories about his amazing boss, how he became his best friend, and how he admired him so much. He was the CEO of the company, and everyone loved him.

She knew the stories by heart, which bothered her a lot at the moment. She did not want to go, but her pride forced her to keep her word. So it seemed like she would finally get to know the famous bud and boss of her father, Allan Estrada.

I have to go she stared at the cup of tea.

Have an excellent day. You can tell me all about it when you come for dinner.

Emma shook her head, but she had to go.

Silvia called today he said some seconds later, she'll be here at six. I'll go pick her up at the airport. She said she had important news, so get ready.

Sure, I'll be there she assured.

She put the cell phone down on the table with a sigh. She finished her breakfast and ran to the bathroom to brush her teeth. When she was ready, she took her purse and looked at herself in a mirror. She smiled. She was wearing a V necked, knee-long, tight, and gray dress.

Emma's height was average. She had blond, long, and straight hair, gray eyes, a thin chin, and a nice figure. She was pretty and she knew it. She took her keys and cell phone and went out of her apartment. When she was in the elevator, she winced at the memory of her sister. It had been four years since she last saw her. She missed her badly, but she was worried about the important news she wanted to share.

Silvia worked at a travel agency abroad. She traveled the globe and changed boyfriends constantly. At least that's what she did when she was in the city. She remembered the last crazy thing she tried to do before leaving. She wanted to marry a guy she met on a trip to Miami. The poor German guy could barely speak English, and yet he had managed to propose to Silvia.

She could not imagine what the story would have been like if her father would not have stopped them. It was a very bitter moment full of yelling and arguing, but in the end he dissolved their crazy plans, and they never heard from the guy again.

She looked at her watch once in her car; she was on time. She drove carefully and patiently. She was still reluctant to go to the interview, but somehow she admired her father's personal hero. He was not just a good colleague, but they became best friends in a weird way she did not understand yet. Allan was young, about her sister's age, and though her father explained that friendship knew no age, she still could not understand their strong bond.

She remembered dark times. Her mother had died some months ago from cancer, and her father started drinking. In a few weeks he became an alcoholic, and it was a serious problem for her. Silvia was in college, so she had to take care of the issue: late night arrivals from her father, midnight calls from unknown bars informing her about Antonio's state. She was not sure what would've happened without his boss's support. He dragged him out of those places and took him home when she could not make it; besides, he let him keep his job.

Thanks to that man, her father did not end up as a wino who did not even know his name. Thanks to that man, her father was as healthy as before. He did not drink except for a fancy glass of wine; his depression had vanished. She was grateful for that. Allan was a true friend for her father, and she would always owe him.

She smiled to dismiss the bitterness of the memory. She knew that man was decent, from a good family, famous for his business brains. He was her father's best friend; he was a good man.

She was still calm when she reached the building. She parked the car and got out of it. She buttoned the last button on her coat and walked to the entrance. She got in the elevator and sighed. She brought her resume; her father told her she would not need it, but her perfectionist mind made her bring it with her. She would just talk to him for ten, maybe fifteen minutes, and then she would leave. That would be the end of her promise.

The elevator doors opened and she walked into the reception. It was surprisingly empty. There were no employees walking down the corridors and looking at her with a who's-that-chick expression. She frowned in confusion. Where was everybody?

She looked at her wristwatch; she was twenty minutes early. Why was the office empty? She started to walk slowly but resolutely, trying to find someone. She went from office to office without luck. Monitors were on; the smell of warm coffee flooded the rooms. Suddenly, she shivered. Some doors later, she saw a black double door; that had to be the CEO's door. She nodded to herself and knocked a couple of times. Then she decided to go in.

The place was as huge as an apartment, and it was equipped with everything a business man could dream of. There was a mini bar supplied with a generous and expensive bottle collection, a pool table, an enormous screen and matching soft armchairs, a vast desk, and state-of-the-art technology. It was also empty.

Hello? Is there anyone here? She dared to ask.

She wandered through the luxurious office until she noticed a door behind the desk. She did not knock and just opened the door. She did not interrupt a meeting, but she would have loved to do it.

There were two people in there; a woman was standing in front of the biggest bathtub she had ever seen. A man was standing inside the tub, shirtless and wet. They were arguing about something; she turned around and cleared her throat. She heard them stop arguing for some seconds, and then the brunette yelled.

Who are you? The woman asked. How dare you interrupt us?

Emma forced herself to look at her. The woman, her brown hair ear-long, was staring at her. Emma realized she was in the tub, half-naked and almost over the man. She seemed to be more concerned about the interruption than her position and situation.

I didn't mean to interrupt she said loudly, I came to a job interview, but I can't find anyone around.

The woman was still staring at her; she had not moved an inch except for her forehead, which was deeply furrowed.

But I clearly went into the wrong office she said and turned around again. Excuse me.

She went out of the bathroom. She did not apologize for the interruption, but she did not have to anyway. That was not something you were supposed to do in an office. She was walking calmly to the door when she felt someone grabbing her arm. She turned around and saw it was the man in the tub, trying to stop her. She actually had to crane her neck to see him; he was around 6 feet tall. His black hair was dripping wet. She looked at him and waited.

He was looking at her as if he wanted to say something. Emma was getting tired; she did not want to be near him. He was wet, there was some foam on his body, and a towel was wrapped around his waist.

Are you Antonio's daughter? He asked after some seconds.

Emma tried not to snort. Why was he still holding her? She needed to leave that office. The last thing she wanted was to be involved in some dark office gossip.

Yes, I am she replied.

You're early he smiled at her, twenty minutes early.

Emma frowned and pulled her arm free. What was he talking about?

Who are you? She asked angrily.

The man scanned her from head to toes and stopped on her gray eyes.

Nice to meet you he offered his hand, I'm Allan Estrada.

Emma stared at him in disbelief. Was he the big boss? This had to be a joke.

Allan!

They both turned to the brunette's shrilly voice. She was striding towards them looking fierce, even though she was soaked and there was a patch of foam on her face. Emma was really losing her patience. Allan smiled at her before turning to the brunette.

Go back to the bathroom he ordered.

The woman snorted with anger and turned around. She walked back to the bathroom, leaving a trail of water. Allan went back to Emma; he offered his hand again, but she did not take it. He realized she would not do it, so he folded his arms.

I'm sorry you had to see that he said with amusement. Since our appointment starts in twenty minutes, I'll ask you to wait outside.

Emma grunted quietly. She had no option; she had to keep her word. She did not reply and just went out of the room.

I'll see you in a few minutes, Ms. Maldonado she heard him say, Unless you'd like to join us.

She closed the door and grunted loudly. Why did she arrive at such a bad moment? She hated drama; she thought it was useless and absurd. Now she was part of an office romance that had nothing to do with her. She really wanted to leave, but she had to keep her promise, so she decided to swallow her disgust and stay.

She had finally met her father's friend, a respectable man from a good family, known for his financial intelligence. The one that had rescued him in dark times, a good man: Allan Estrada.

Chapter 1

She walked down the corridor and turned in a corner, where she found a line of chairs. She sat there against her desire and waited. She was not against romance, but come on, being the boss did not give you the right to do anything you wanted to. What a jerk.

That was his father's friend. It was unbelievable. All the virtues she knew about him disappeared from her brain so fast she thought she was meeting a completely different person. She crossed her legs, took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and started feeling better.

She thought of calling her father just to let him know she was at the office, but she did not. She had to be interviewed to consider her promise fulfilled. She looked around the place wondering where everybody was. Were they in some kind of emergency? Did the boss ask them to leave so he could have his secret rendezvous? She snorted again at this thought. Now she would wonder for a long time whether he would keep it secret or not.

Some minutes later, she was about to leave. She actually was on her feet, but she imagined how mad her father would be. She folded her arms, getting ready to wait some more. Ten minutes later she heard a bang nearby, like the shutting of a door, followed by the clack of high heels, and someone cursing loudly. She stood up again and tried to look at the corridor to find whoever made such noise.

The sound of approaching steps made her alert; she cleared her throat and was ready to face whoever was walking to her.

I thought you were gone.

His voice made her wince. She looked at her father's best friend, the man who gave her the worst first impression ever, as he walked towards her. Allan looked surprised. Why would not he? He did not expect Antonio's daughter to stay after witnessing such scene. But there she was, and he felt relieved. He sighed and smiled at her.

Despite your expectations, I'm a woman of her word she said firmly.

That's what I expected he replied.

He looked at her from head to toe. Emma made a big effort to keep her mouth shut. He was wearing blue jeans and nothing more.

I apologize again for the scene he said some seconds later, it was an accident.

You don't need to explain she said carelessly. It's not my business, and I don't wish to know about it.

Allan blinked in surprise.

I didn't expect that he confessed. Still, that doesn't justify the terrible moment I put you through.

Emma was losing her patience. She wanted to finish with this as soon as possible.

Let's get this started, all right? She pointed at the office.

Allan was surprised again, but he just nodded.

After you he said with a big smile.

Emma walked slowly to the office; the door was open, and she noticed the floor was dry now.

Take a seat Allan went in after her.

Emma sat on a chair in front of the desk and saw Allan press an area on the wall next to the door. A sort of pipe slid out of the wall, clothes hanging from it; he took a shirt and put it on. He looked sideways at Emma; she was watching him, and he liked that.  He buttoned up the shirt and walked to the desk. He did not sit on a chair, but leaned on the desk facing Emma. He put on a big smile.

Let's start he said happily, I'm also a man of my word.

Emma tried to figure out if he was being sarcastic or honest. It was counterproductive, stupid, and irresponsible, but she remained silent.

What would you like to know? She asked rather loudly.

Let's see... Allan caressed his cheek, feeling the hair pushing its way to the surface even though he shaved that morning. What could I not know about you?

Emma tensed and silently cursed at her Father.

Don't hesitate to ask about anything related to my professional abilities she avoided Allan's question.

He was surprised for a third time. He heard from Antonio how special his younger daughter was, but he did not expect her to be just like that. She looked really calm, no signs of stress; she almost looked bored.

Can I see your documents? He requested, smiling.

Emma thanked herself for being so perfectionist and took a yellow folder out of her briefcase. She offered it to Allan, who was some feet away from her, and waited for him to read it.

Very impressive he said some seconds later, but there's nothing new for me here.

Emma just stared at him and said nothing.

Tell me about yourself he put the folder on the desk, something exciting.

Emma frowned slightly.

I'm not in the mood for jokes, Mr. Estrada she gave him a scornful stare. If you're not taking seriously this interview, I better leave.

He thought that the girl had a strong personality and felt a strange but refreshing pleasure. She was hard and inscrutable; Antonio had told nothing but the truth about her. He had never doubted of him, but parents tend to exaggerate when they talk about their children. Now he could see that his friend was not like other parents.

You're right he said gravely. Please forgive me.

Emma nodded carelessly.

What would you consider your best trait? He was really interested on the answer.

My ability to do everything perfectly she did not even take some seconds to consider it. I am highly efficient.

And I have to point out your amazing self-confidence Allan folded his arms. He was really impressed by her attitude.

Confidence is only real when you know you are capable she said in a professional tone. A person lacking confidence will fail to achieve any goal, no matter how hard they want it.

Good point he admitted. You're definitely amazing.

Emma nodded at the compliment.

Antonio wasn't lying when he told me how smart you are he remembered. He'd told me a lot about you for a long time.

Lots of years full of wonderful stories.

My father doesn't know the concept of discretion she said calmly. Antonio tended to over-speak.

You're right he admitted, but he never exaggerates his stories. He might be really talkative and have a hard time keeping a secret he said with amusement, but he was honest when he talked about you.

Emma frowned frankly. What kind of interview was this? It felt more like a friendly chat. She did not know this man and did not wish to know him. If there was nothing more to say regarding her professional skills, she was ready to leave.

I came here to talk about professional matters she cleared, not to listen about what my father told you about me.

Allan ignored this remark and continued talking.

I enjoyed when Antonio told me about the stuff you did and how much you worried about him he smiled. There were a lot of stories; some of them are interesting, I must say.

Emma frowned; she was getting uncomfortable.

He made ​​me want to know this girl so bad.

What's going on? She wondered. He was diverting from the original interview.

Do you have any other question about my skills? She asked after clearing her throat, because that's what we're talking about, right?

Allan was surprised by her changing of the subject and her firm voice. She was not nervous at all. She was completely different from the women he had met before. He did not want her to leave so soon.

Are you always that straightforward? He asked with amusement.

Emma remained silent.

Allan felt his body shudder with laughter and made an effort to remain serious.

I don't doubt your skills and abilities he cleared, Antonio did a great job informing me how wonderful you are and how much he admires your intelligence.

She was still quiet.

You know something? he smiled at some memory, I couldn't believe that you were real Emma snorted, but here you are.

His eyes suddenly changed; he was looking at her the way you look at something beautiful and precious. Emma felt nervous for the first time and stood up.

Is that all you need to know, Mr. Estrada? Her voice was high but still firm. If that's the case, I'm off."

Wait he stood up too, I still don't know everything about you.

You haven't asked about anything related to the job, so I don't see why I have to stay she clarified. You must be a busy man.

Right now I'm the most available man in the world he spread out his hands in the air, so I have time to get to know you.

Unfortunately I don't have such free time she refused to stay longer. I have stuff to do and the clock is ticking.

Allan panicked. He did not want her to leave. He cleared his throat and got serious again.

The position we offer is in the Finance department he informed. You would be in charge of investments, for example he looked at her in the eye.

Emma stared at him for some seconds before sitting down slowly.

Very good she raised her chin up.

Honestly, I didn't think it was necessary to have this interview he confessed. I want you in that position, but Antonio insisted on meeting you first.

It's the first time I agree with my father she nodded.

I'm glad you do he smiled.

Do I need to know anything else?

He told me you like numbers he remembered, so you're place will be here, with me.

Emma nodded and stared at him. She wondered what the real job was about.

What do you mean? She asked.

The position requires someone to take care of my finances he explained. This will be your office; well, our office he smiled. Tomorrow I'll have the pool table taken out and replaced by your desk.

Emma stood up when she understood what was going on. What had her father told him?

Why are you talking as if I was hired already? She asked slowly and in a low voice.

How come? He looked at her with confusion. Antonio told me you'd come today to see the place so you can start working tomorrow."

What? She looked at him in disbelief.

I have your contract right here he pointed at a folder at his left side. He could not help but smiling. Emma's face was slowly transforming, as if a lot of different emotions were going on in her; it was fascinating.

Emma took a big breath; she felt out of control. She could not believe her father had done that; she would choke him, hell yes, she would!

Is there any problem? He asked.

Yes. I'm sorry to say this, but my father fooled us she said angrily.

What? He looked at her without understanding.

He made me promise that I'd come to this interview today she explained. It was supposed to be just an interview to know more about the position, but it seems that he told you a different story.

Allan cackled and rubbed his temples.

That old man... He whispered with amusement. It was typical from Antonio.

Emma shook her head.

I'm sorry Mr. Estrada she continued, but I feel like I've been deceived, and if you actually know my father as I do, you'll know what I'm talking about.

I understand he agreed, but does it really matter? This is a great job that you’ll definitely enjoy, and you'll do it greatly. Does it matter to you if Antonio lied?

Yes, it does she clarified. Especially when the deal was to come to an interview, and then I would go and would've kept my promise, but nothing more.

Did I give you such a bad impression? He tightened his lips.

Don't say anything. I can't stay here; this is not what I want she took a step back. I didn't even want to come, in the first place... She whispered with anger.

This is a good job he insisted, the payment is good, the workplace is great...

I don't mean to be rude, Mr. Estrada she looked at him, but the impression you gave me is not quite positive. You can't expect me to stay after all of that.

Allan broke into laughter. Emma was fuming; he was amazed, and overall he felt a strong desire to make her even angrier.

I apologized at the moment, but if it was not enough I'll do it again he said. I am so sorry.

I don't need you apologies. I don't want to work here. Can you understand that?

I see he was smiling. Antonio assured that you will take charge of my finance, and I really expected...

Now you know that my father fooled me, just as he did with you she said furiously. Now if you excuse me, I'm leaving.

Allan saw her walk to the door and something fired up in him. A warm sensation made him move unconsciously to stop her. She looked at him with confusion. Her eyes were on fire; he felt desire wash over him and put his arms around her to keep her from leaving.

Let me go she demanded with a frown. Nothing you do can make me change my mind.

I'm up for the challenge, gorgeous he whispered while he moved his face and put his lips on hers.

Emma froze. Why the hell was he kissing her? She tried to push him away, but he was strong. She could feel his cold lips; she stepped back. Allan pressed her against him; Emma tensed up and felt her insides burn with rage. She did not care anymore about consequences; she had to break free from his grasp. She bit her lower lip and pulled away strongly.

Allan yelled and put a hand on his mouth; he was shocked. Emma was breathing with difficulty; her lips were stained with blood from the pervert friend of her father. She saw the man lick the blood off his lips and decided to leave before something else could happen. Allan covered his wound; he was still smiling. His lip hurt, but he did not care. She triggered a sensation that flooded his body. He had never felt that electrical shock when kissing a woman. If she thought she could get rid of him, she was wrong.

He was Allan Estrada, and no woman ran from his arms.

Chapter 2

She strode to the elevator while rubbing her mouth. She cursed at her father many times. It was his complete fault; she had had the worst interview in her life, and it was because of her father's ruse, his lies, and his stupid stubbornness.

The elevator doors closed, encaging her in a steel cube; she could still taste Allan the idiot's blood on her tongue. She took a hanky out of her purse and spit out the red fluid. Her brow furrowed she was so scared the guard at the main entrance when he held the door open for her.

She went out into the parking lot and got in her car. She did not start it, she just remained still. She closed her eyes so she could calm down and stayed like that until rage dissipated. She was fine; it was not the first time some jerk took liberties with her. The only thing that stopped her from kicking him in the crotch was that her father was his employee.

When she was calm, she started the car and drove back to her apartment. She felt disgusted and in need of a shower. The man had gone too far with her, and she needed to wash away that feeling.

Right after getting into her apartment, she went in the shower. She rinsed her mouth anxiously and cursed at her father again, but only in her mind. She would have to explain him what a big a jerk his friend was. She would not allow him to believe that he was a great man, because he was just a pig, like most men.

Half an hour later she had regained control. Rage had vanished when she went out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her head. She dried her hair and sat on the bed. She would talk to her father at dinner. She was still upset, but she would not make a big scene and yell. She never did that. She had few memories of throwing a tantrum when Antonio started drinking. Specifically the first time he got home completely drunk, and she lost her mind. Or the first time she got a call from a bar on the other side of the city so she could go get him. Those times she yelled at him at the top of her lungs, and he definitely deserved it.

She was never late, ever. But she fell asleep after the disinfecting shower. When she woke up, it was past eight. It took her fifteen minutes to get dressed and leave the apartment. She was wearing a dark blue, long-sleeved, mid-thigh dress, black tights, and high heels. She buttoned up her black jacket and hurriedly got on her car. She was never late; she hated to be late.

The memory of the unpleasant meeting was sent to some corner of her subconscious. The only thing on her mind right now was that she would finally see her sister after four long years. She smiled, feeling true happiness. Silvia was her only sister, and even thought they could not figure each other out, they loved each other unconditionally.

During the short drive to her chatty lying father's house she thought about the conversation she would have with him. She would definitely talk to him, but she would not be so harsh. He loved her madly, and she could forgive his recklessness. At least she had kept her promise, so it would all be fine. She saw the brick house she grew up in and smiled. She had a normal childhood full of love from her parents. There were mostly good memories.

She got out of the car and walked over the stone path her father had laid a couple of years ago; it gave the house a Texan look. She opened the door with her own key; the place smelled of food, and she could not help but salivating. If there was something her father was great at, it was cooking.

Welcome! She heard Antonio say as he approached her. He was waiting for her.

Emma smiled at him; his hands were on his hips, and his face was serious. He was trying to look angry, but the pink apron he was wearing made him look harmless.

I'm sorry I'm late she said embarrassedly and angrily, I overslept.

That's weird on you he kissed her cheek; his face was worried now.

I'm ok, I just took a nap and woke up half an hour ago she frowned and looked her father.

Don't worry about it he put his arm around her. The important thing is that you're here.

Where's Silvia? She Asked, How is she?

Antonio tightened his lips and looked towards the kitchen.

What's going on? She asked. Has something happened to her?

No, she's fine he rubbed his temples.

So what's wrong then?

Nothing, sweetheart he smiled. You look gorgeous.

Dad she did not believe him.

Your sister is upstairs getting dressed. Why don't you go say hi? She's been asking about you all day.

I'll talk to you after dinner is over she said and decided to believe him.

She walked away and started climbing the stairs. She wished to see her sister and know what had happened to her in all that time. She opened the bedroom door and saw her; she was standing with her back to her, putting on a pair of earrings.

Hello stranger she said as she approached her.

Silvia smiled; there was a huge smile on her face. She screamed like a little girl and ran to Emma's arms.

Emma! I can't believe it's you! She put her arms around her, which caused Emma to tense up.

I missed you so much she said happily. Please, don't push me; I know you don't like to be touched, but this is special she asked.

Emma puffed and remained quiet. Silvia crushed her in her arms and Emma started laughing. She had missed her so much. When they came apart, Silvia looked at her from head to toe.

You look so different! She said with surprise. The last time I saw you, you refused to wear make-up, and look at you. You're gorgeous!

Emma just smiled. She never knew how to reply to a compliment, so she just nodded and thanked. Silvia looked down.

I love your shoes her eyes were sparkling. I'm so proud of you.

You're overreacting she said. I have to dress nicely. I'm a graduate woman, not a child.

Silvia rubbed her eyes and nodded at her words. She was really surprised; seeing her sister so mature and beautiful made her want to cry. She soon was weeping; after all, she still had not told her the truth.

Come on, don't cry Emma frowned. You should be happy, shouldn’t you?

I am she said and put her hands on her face.

Emma pressed her lips together; she spotted a hanky by the dressing table and offered it to Silvia.

Don't cry. You'll ruin your make-up she said with a smile.

Silvia laughed ironically and took the hanky. She dried her eyes with it carefully and looked at Emma; she was calm as usual. That was a thing that had not changed about her. Even though she felt happy for her, she could not help asking.

So what's new, dear? She said; she did not look like she cried at all. Is there a man in your life?

Emma's head bent sideways, as if she could not understand the question. She was frowning.

No she said immediately.

So you're telling me that no man has asked you out?

That's not what I said she clarified.

Silvia gave her a naughty smile.

You got a boyfriend! She said excitedly.

Emma huffed.

How can you possibly turn a negative answer into a whole relationship? She raised an eyebrow. You definitely have not changed.

You're mean she whispered, I thought you'd finally get a decent boyfriend.

I'm not interested on that; I have a career that I want to pursue she said with a bored voice. I'm not like... most of women.

Silvia folded her arms.

You mean you're not like me she smiled and shook her head.

Emma did not reply, but smiled at her.

Dad made ​​me worry when I got here she said after taking a deep breath. His worried face made ​​me think something bad happened to you, but you're quite alright.

Silvia's smile dropped and her lips tightened.

Is something wrong? She was worried again.

It's nothing bad... She whispered nervously. I don't know what you'll think of it.

What? She asked and took a step forward.

Silvia was scared; she looked at her eyes. Emma stared at her and raised her eyebrows.

Tell me you didn't marry the German guy she asked rubbing her temples.

I didn't.

Emma sighed, but Silvia was still scared.

Tell me, please she asked. You know you can count on me for anything.

Really? She smiled with relief.

Emma nodded. Silvia approached her and lifted her arms up.

Can I? She asked.

Emma nodded before she hugged her, but she sighed again.

So what's going on then? She asked Silvia when she let her go.

Come with me she took her hand.

They went out of the room and headed to the stairs. Silvia still had not said a thing; Emma had learned to wait patiently when her sister behaved that way. The dining room was empty. Emma heard her sister sigh.

I guess he's still in the kitchen she said quietly.

I'll get him Emma said.

Silvia squeezed her hand and looked into her eyes before letting her go.

Go, I'll set the table.

Emma gave her a quick glance before walking into the kitchen. She felt like something was wrong, but ignored that feeling. She opened the door and heard her father talking to someone. She walked slowly to him; Antonio had his back was to her and was telling a children story.

I don't like that, said the little bear he said in a funny voice.

Dad, who are you talking to?

Antonio turned around and saw his daughter; his smile disappeared, and his face was suddenly serious.

What is it?

Didn't Silvia tell you? He asked some seconds later.

No she folded her arms. Is everything ok?

You tell me he whispered and moved sideways.

Emma could not understand his behavior until she spotted a little blonde kid looking at her with gray, bright eyes. He was sitting on a high white chair she had never seen before. He was around four years old.

Hello she greeted the toddler. Who are you?

The kid wriggled his hands and looked down.

Come on, tell her your name her father caressed his head.

Who is it, dad? She was confused. Her father ignored the question; he was engrossed with the mysterious child.

Antonio.

What?

My name is Antonio

That's my dad's name she cleared, what's yours?

His name is Antonio her father replied.

He looked at her and went pale. He seemed like he would faint at any moment.

Well, what a coincidence she walked to Antonio and took his arm. What's going on, dad? What is that child doing here?

I came with mommy little Antonio interrupted her.

Only when her father nodded slowly she understood. This was the news that her sister did not dare sharing minutes ago in the bedroom. She had a son!

She looked at the child as if she was looking at a vision, a product of her imagination. He looked her in the eyes, scared. Emma took two steps towards him and, to her father's surprise, hugged the kid. Now everything made sense; Silvia called her so seldom that it seemed like she never had enough time for it. When they got to chat for a while, she always ended up the conversation in a weird way, abruptly, and over weird background noises. Silvia had a son; she could not believe it.

Hi she said when she let him go.

She looked at him, taking in every detail of him. He was a handsome kid; his eyes were as gray