Don't Lose Guard

Carmen cleared her throat, faking a smile. “Oh, it’s nothing serious, Mister Pablo. Just a quick errand for a friend. Really, no need to tag along. It’ll only be a few minutes.”

Pablo’s eyes narrowed with suspicion, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “A friend? That’s fine with me, Missus Monteiro. I’m not the type to let a lady go off alone, especially when she’s my boss’s wife. I don’t mind waiting in the car. It’s no trouble,” he said.

Carmen felt her pulse quicken. She realized there was nothing she could do or say to shake Pablo. She didn’t want to arouse further suspicion by pushing him too hard. Forcing a smile, she reluctantly nodded. “Alright, fine. But please…just wait in the car when we get there.”

Pablo nodded and walked her out to the car. The drive was tense, at least for Carmen. She stared out the window, barely hearing Pablo’s attempts at conversation, her fingers nervously tapping against her thigh.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital. Pablo parked, looking around with a raised brow. “So, why are we here? Is this where you’ll be running an errand? Or are you sick, but you’re hiding it?” Pablo asked, his voice linked with genuine concern.

Carmen shook her head quickly. “No, no. I’m good. Just visiting a friend who’s going through a tough time. You know how it is,” she responded, keeping a light tone.

Pablo nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on her. “Okay. I’ll wait here. Don’t take too long.”

Carmen gave a small nod and stepped out of the car. She scurries off to the entrance, stepping inside. She approached the receptionist, her heart pounded in her chest. “I’m here to pay for Diego Valiente’s kidney transplant surgery. Everything should be in order, please,” she rushed her words.

The receptionist nodded, typing rapidly on the computer. After confirming the details, Carmen handed over the necessary information. Relief flooded her when the transaction was complete.

Carmen left the reception area and rushed to Diego’s room. The moment she entered, she saw Mariana sitting beside Diego’s bed. Both of them turned to look at her, their eyes widening in shock.

“Carmen? Is that you?” Mariana stood up, her gaze sweeping over Carmen’s figure.

Even Diego, weak as he was, couldn’t hide his surprise. His brow furrowed as he struggled to sit up. “What’s going on, Carmen? You look like someone else. Where did you get those clothes and shoes from?” Diego asked, his eyes roaming all over his sister.

“It doesn’t matter right now. What matters is that your surgery is going to happen soon. I’ve paid for everything,” Carmen replied, dodging their questions as she walked closer.

Both Mariana and Diego froze, their expressions turning to amazement.

“You paid for it? How?” Mariana inquired, her voice almost inaudible.

Diego shot Carmen a baffled stare, his tongue stumbled for words.

Carmen avoided their eyes, but before she could explain, Mariana grabbed her arm and pulled her out into the hallway, her eyes blazing with questions.

“Carmi, what the hell is going on? Where did you get that kind of money?” Mariana demanded, her voice low but urgent.

Carmen bit her lip, fiddling with her fingers. “I did it.”

Mariana's forehead creased in confusion. “You did what?”

“The thing you wanted me to do, Mari. I signed the contractual marriage deal with Mister Romero Monteiro,” Carmen announced, her face flushing with nervousness.

Mariana gasped with wide eyes. “You mean…you’re now Missus Monteiro?”

Carmen nodded, her gaze dropping low with embarrassment. Before she could process what was happening, Mariana crushed her with a hug, squealing with excitement.

“Carmi! I can’t believe it! You actually did it!” Mariana exclaimed, her voice was a mixture of shock and joy.

“I didn’t have a choice. It’s not what I wanted, but after I thought about what you told me on phone, I realized it was the only way. Diego needed this surgery. I couldn’t just sit and do nothing,” Carmen murmured, her arms still loosely wrapped around her friend.

Mariana pulled back, gripping Carmen by the shoulders. “I’m so proud of you, my friend. I know Romero Monteiro is not exactly the warmest man around as you’ve described him, but your deal with him is just temporary. It’s just on paper, it’s not like a real marriage that will be for eternity.”

Carmen flinched at the mention of Romero’s name, her mind flashing back to the cold, business-like nature of their marriage contract. “I know. But I’m scared. A million dollars isn’t something people throw around lightly. What if I can’t meet up with what he requires of me at the company? Because on just my first day at the office, my head is about to explode.”

Mariana nodded slowly, concern flickering in her eyes. “I get it, Carmi. I really do. All we care about at the moment is for Diego to get better. We’ll deal with the rest later. But you still have to be careful. Don’t lose guard.”

Before Carmen could respond, a nurse appeared at the end of the hall. “Excuse me, Miss Valiente, we need to prepare Diego for his surgery. Would you like to stay with him before we take him in?” she called out to Carmen.

Mariana gave Carmen a worried look. “Would you be able to stay?”

Carmen felt tears forming in her eyes, the weight of her decision settled on her. She wished to stay behind, but remembering that she was now Romero’s wife, and his PA was outside waiting for her, troubled her heart. She had made her decision, but the consequences were only beginning to unfold.

Carmen swallowed hard, blinking away the tears. “Please, take care of him. I’ll call you to get updates on his surgery.”

Mariana nodded in understanding. “Don’t worry, the surgery will be successful. I’ll keep you informed.” She placed a comforting hand on Carmen’s shoulder, before rushing back into the room.

Carmen stood in the hallway for a moment, tears spilling uncontrollably. She sobbed silently as she stared at Diego’s door, yearning to be by his side during his difficult times. But her new role has stolen the moment she would have spent with her brother.

With blurry eyes filled with tears, she pulled out her phone and glanced at the time. She needed to hurry before Pablo grew suspicious. Carmen wiped her tears away hastily. Taking one last look at Diego’s door, she steeled herself and walked back toward the exit.

As she stepped outside, she found Pablo leaning against the car, his arms crossed as he stared at her.

“You were in there longer than I expected,” Pablo stated, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

Carmen forced a smile, trying to keep her cool. “My friend needed a bit more support than I thought. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Pablo nodded, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment longer than she was comfortable with. “No problem. Let’s get you home. Your husband must be waiting.”

Carmen rolled her eyes mentally as she settled into the passenger’s seat.

Back in the hospital, Diego’s eyes keep shifting to the door, expecting Carmen to walk in as he’s being prepared for the surgery. His curiosity piqued, and he returned his gaze to Mariana. “Where is Carmen?” he asked.

Mariana rubbed her neck, glancing back at the door as if she was also expecting her. “She…something urgent at work came up, so she can’t be here,” she answered, avoiding his gaze.

“Urgent work? When she knew I’m undergoing surgery soon?” Diego probed, a frown caressed his face. “Where did she even get the money for my surgery? Why was she dressed like that? What is going on behind closed doors that both of you are not telling me? I need answers. If not…I’m not proceeding with this surgery,” he continued.

Mariana’s head tilted, and her eyes grew large in bewilderment. “What?”

“I mean it, Mariana,” Diego said, his tone filled with seriousness.

Mariana’s mind raced. Diego was sharp, and getting around his suspicions wasn’t going to be easy. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts to come up with a good lie that would seem believable.

“I’m waiting,” Diego reminded her, pulling her out of thoughts.

Mariana’s eyes suddenly sparked mischievously as an idea struck her mind. She leaned closer to Diego as if she were about to share a secret. “Okay, Diego. I didn’t want to tell you this, but since you’re being stubborn and putting your surgery on the line, I guess you deserve to know,” she began. “Carmen didn’t just magically come up with the money. She got a huge advance from her new job. That’s why she’s been working so hard lately,” Mariana continued.

Diego’s eyes narrowed, clearly skeptical. “A job gave her sixty-five thousand dollars as an advance? What kind of job gives that kind of money, Mariana?” his voice dripped with disbelief.

“It’s not just any job, Diego. Her boss is such a kind man, she explained her situation to him, and he was understanding enough to help out. He didn’t just give her the exact amount for your surgery, but added more so she could pay for your surgery and carry out other medical bills. Carmen didn’t want to tell you because she didn’t want you to worry. That’s why she’s been so stressed out lately. She’s carrying a huge burden to make sure you get better,” Mariana quickly went on, trying to keep her tone convincing.

Diego shook his head, still unconvinced. “But why didn’t she tell me? Why all the secrecy? And those clothes, Mariana… my sister looked like she stepped out of some high-society event.”

Mariana leaned in, her eyes locking with Diego’s. “Look, she didn’t tell you because she knows how much you hate the idea of her working so hard for you. And the clothes? It’s part of the job. She has to look the part now, Diego. This isn’t just a regular office gig; it’s a big-time corporate position. That’s why she’s not here right now. She’s working double shifts to make sure she can keep paying off that loan,” she said.

Diego sat back, staring at the ceiling as he processed what Mariana had said. His brow furrowed in confusion and doubt. “It just…it doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t make sense for her to keep this from me. I’m her brother.”

“You did the same thing to her not quite long ago, Diego. You hid your sickness from her until it got this complicated,” Mariana said, though her tone was soft.

Diego glanced away in guilt. “I didn’t want to worry her.”

“Same way she doesn’t want you to be worried. I know you don’t like that she’s keeping things from you, but Carmen is doing all of this because she loves you. She would never forgive herself if something happened to you, because she couldn’t get the money on time. She’s sacrificing everything to make sure you get better, even if it means missing your surgery today. Can’t you just trust her on this?” Mariana appealed.

Diego remained silent for a moment, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. Mariana held her breath, waiting for his response.

Diego finally exhaled and gave a small nod, though doubt still lingered in his eyes. “I guess I’ll just have to believe all you say. But I’m still going to talk to her about this. Something still feels off, Mariana,” he replied.

Mariana gave a small, relieved smile. “Of course. She’ll explain everything when she can. Right now, you just need to focus on getting through this surgery. It’s all Carmen wants.”

Diego hesitated for a beat longer before nodding. “Fine. I’ll do the surgery. But I’m talking to her as soon as I’m out.”

Mariana gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “That’s all I’m asking, Diego,” she mumbled.