However, after I returned home under escort, it took less than half a day for Carlos to show up with Calebâs bodyguards, intent on searching our home.
My heart simmered with resentment.
I despised Caleb and Debra, yet my scorn for Carlos ran even deeper.
He was nothing more than Calebâs lapdog, going so far as to bring strangers to rummage through his home.
This act did not sit well with most of the family.
We were unanimous in believing that to restore our familyâs former prestige, we had to depose Carlos from his leadership role.
He was merely Calebâs pawn.
Once Carlos and his team entered, I slipped out the back door with help from the elders.
However, the entire city was aware of my predicament.
Staying in a hotel was out of the question, and venturing far from the Vargas family seemed too risky, given the likelihood of being spotted and denounced.
For my safety, I had no choice but to take shelter in a dilapidated house near the Vargas familyâs back door.
The room was a mess, akin to a slum, and reeked of something foul.
Holding my nose in distaste, I turned to the servant with a frown.
âIs this really the best the elders could arrange for me?â
The young servant who escorted me to this room scratched his head sheepishly and confessed, âThis is actually my place.
Iâm one of Carlosâ most trusted aides.
He wonât search here.
For your safety, youâll need to stay a few days.
â
Observing his slightly flushed face, I felt contempt.
How dare this lowly servant presume to protect me?
Once our faction seized leadership and gained power equal to Calebâs, I vowed to have this servant eliminated.
For now, I had no choice but to endure the indignity of sitting on a plastic chair in his humble dwelling.
As I took a seat reluctantly, the servantâs face Lit up with a smile.
He poured me a glass of water and offered some fruit.
The sight of him fussing over me only deepened my revulsion.
Regardless of his eagerness, I refused to touch anything he offered.
The food of such lowly folks seemed filthy to me.
Struggling to contain my disgust, I dabbed at my eyes, feigning distress.
Predictably, the sight of my tears sent him hurrying over, his voice tinged with alarm.
âMiss, whatâs the matter?â
With tears brimming, I responded in a voice choked with emotion, âTo receive such kindness in my current state, Iâm deeply touched.
â
His face turned even redder as he met my gaze shyly.
I continued, âDo you understand that my lifeâs been upended because of Debra? Sheâs tormented me endlessly.
Now, I feel utterly lost.
But then, I met youâ¦â
As I shared my woes, I couldnât resist adding a flirtatious edge to my words.
Men seem to enjoy that kind of attention.
The man before me was no different.
My facade of sincerity moved him, and he assumed the role of a protector.
He reassured me.
âDonât worry.
I wonât let anyone harm you again.
Just tell me how I can help.
â