- Trust.

"Are you okay?"

The photographer had asked after noticing Lara acting strangely.

"I'm fine, thanks. Let's continue."

"Are you sure you're okay?" said her friend and fellow model.

"Alexander, I'm fine. It was probably something I ate because of my diet. Let's keep going."

Alexander shook his head for a moment, noticing that she hadn't changed.

The photoshoot continued as usual. Afterward, she had to attend a birthday party.

These days had been busy—commercials, events, photoshoots for clothing and makeup—her schedule was packed. At least she was lucky to run into old friends.

Once the session was over, she quickly changed into new clothes. Her assistant had left the birthday gift for her since she had the day off. Lara would arrive alone at the party, accompanied only by her driver and bodyguard.

At the event, she greeted colleagues and important guests before placing her gift on the designated table. She then glanced at the snack table, taking only a few bites.

"Lara."

She turned and greeted the person approaching her.

"How are you, Viridiana?"

"Very happy! It's good to see you—you look gorgeous."

"You too."

Lara and Viridiana had attended the same fashion school. They never became best friends, but they shared many mutual friends.

A waiter approached, offering them drinks. Both declined politely.

"I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but every time I eat or drink something, I start feeling sick."

"You should get checked by a doctor."

"I’ve been thinking about it, but work has kept me too busy to make an appointment."

"Lara, you really should see a doctor. That’s not normal. And well, I can't drink alcohol either."

"Are you on a special diet?"

"Not exactly… I'm trying to get pregnant."

Pregnant.

Lara simply nodded, offering a small smile.

"I hadn't told you yet," Viridiana continued.

"I don't think so. You know I don’t watch TV or spend much time on social media."

"Of course, you’re too busy loving your job."

"Exactly. So… you're married now, and you and your husband are trying for a baby?"

"Yes."

"I really hope you are soon."

"Thanks, Lara."

"Did your husband come with you?"

"No, he had to leave on a personal trip. Mostly because of his father, Lauro."

Lara’s eyes widened slightly at the name.

"You mean Lauro Connery?"

"Yes, my husband is Leonardo."

"Leo is your husband?"

"Yes. And I'm sorry I didn't invite you… everything happened so fast. I know how much Leo cares about you."

"It’s fine, don’t worry. But congratulations."

They didn't talk much after that, as more people approached Viridiana.

Lara watched her walk away, smiling as she silently wished Leo happiness.

She remained at the party, chatting with Federico, the birthday host, when she suddenly began to feel exhausted and strange.

"Lara, are you okay?"

"Yes, I just need a glass of water, please."

A waiter quickly brought her a glass, which she drank.

"Feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you. I think it’s just work exhaustion… I should probably head home."

"Of course, thanks for coming."

Her bodyguard immediately appeared, escorting her to the car for the ride back to her apartment.

"Thank you, Arturo. I’m fine, I just need some sleep."

"Yes, miss."

After saying goodbye, Lara decided to cook something small in her kitchen. Lately, she had been having strange cravings—though she could only eat one or two bites before nausea hit, making certain foods unbearable.

However, she enjoyed waffles with honey or jam, paired with milk or a banana smoothie.

While eating, she contacted her assistant, requesting a doctor’s appointment and rescheduling her photoshoot.

She didn’t stay up too late—she was already asleep in bed, waking up at her usual hour the next morning.

After taking a shower and getting dressed, she greeted her assistant.

"Good morning," Lara said, grabbing her bag before heading out with her assistant for the appointment.

Once at the doctor's office, she explained her symptoms—the delayed period, nausea, and sleeping more than usual.

After an examination, the doctor recommended running tests to confirm any possibilities and prevent any risks. They scheduled a follow-up appointment to determine whether or not she was pregnant.

Lara didn’t say much. The shock of the possibility was enough to make her mind race.

After the appointment, she and her assistant went to a restaurant for lunch.

Her assistant, Diana, had worked for her for a long time. With her short, elegant black hair, Diana knew Lara well enough to notice she seemed anxious and deep in thought.

Lara had a lot to process.

First, being pregnant was impossible—there was no way. Second, she would have to cancel or postpone her upcoming projects in Paris and Madrid.

After finishing their meal, they returned to the car. As they drove home, Lara’s thoughts overflowed.

She considered calling Patricio or Dimitri. She stared at her phone, wondering what to say.

But what if she wasn’t actually pregnant?

She looked at her stomach—still as flat as ever. No visible changes.

She finally stepped out of her room.

"Diana, we need to talk."

"Yes, miss?"

"You've worked for me for a long time, and I appreciate that. I know we’ve never become close friends, but I need to talk to someone I trust."

"You can tell me anything."

"Thank you."

Lara took a deep breath and began explaining her doctor’s appointment.

"You think you might be pregnant?"

"I don't know what to think. Because if I am, I’ll have to decide what to do about my career."

Diana nodded.

"Miss Lara, you need to stay calm. As you said, wait for the results before worrying about what comes next. There’s time. For now, you should take care of yourself, whether you’re pregnant or not."

"I know. But to be honest… I cannot be pregnant. Not under any circumstances."

"Please, try to relax. I’ll make you some tea. Would you like to call your brother?"

"No—no one. Please don’t mention this to anyone."

"Of course not. But may I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know who the father is?"

"I don’t know," she admitted.

Lara’s mind was like a storm—waves crashing back and forth.

She already knew the answer to that question.

The name lingered on her lips.