Now that Cayetana counted on Polo's support she started plotting her revenge against Lucrecia. She would never forgive the other girl for outing her at the benefit. She was starting to fit in at school and she managed to build perfect image of who she was and now Lucrecia destroyed in just few minutes. Cayetana vowed to herself and Polo that she will bring Lucrecia Montesinos Hendrich down and she will enjoy her downfall. She remembered something Polo told her recently. He said that everyone has a secret they would kill to keep and getting to know the kids at Elite, she had to agree. They did have so many secrets and it was beyond her imagination what they were hiding. She was curious to know what kids at school were hiding and especially what Lucrecia is hiding and what would be the downfall of the girl who orchestrated hers. Her boyfriend was sitting at his desk giving his essay the last look and she watched him with a smile on her face. Polo was her boyfriend. He picked her even after learning who she really is. And she helped him earn his second chance. She could never imagine what Polo's secret was and now she was part of it since she had the murder weapon hidden in her closet.

Her life changed since she started dating Polo and became part of his secret. She and her family lived in a nice house. Her mother was working now for Polo's family and she would often sneak into his room at night and sleep there with him. His mothers were not saying much but it was clear that they didn't approve of the relationship. Falling from Marchese to servant's daughter was a shame for them. They didn't express their opinion, but it was pretty clear that they didn't like the new girl in their son's life. In order to avoid spending time with the new couple and her family, Polo's mother worked longer than usual and spent a lot of time traveling. After some time they started convincing him to try and fix relationships with his former girlfriend and friends, but he couldn't really tell he why it's not possible. They still had no idea he killed Marina and had no idea that Cayetana was helping him cover up the crime.

Since their parents came home, Valerio and Lucrecia pretty much avoided each other. Four of them had dinners together, but out of that they didn't spend too much time together. At school, Lucrecia was mostly with Carla and out of school she was with Omar. For some reason they really managed to develop very close friendship. Valerio continued having classes with Nadia and his grades got better. His father was surprised by the influence that girl had on him. He was not too happy about her being Muslim, but after learning where his son's affections were until recently, any girl was good for him. After one of the lessons he invited Nadia to have dinner with them. When Lucrecia entered the dining room she was surprised to see Nadia sitting beside Valerio and her father very infatuated by her.

''Miss. Shana, I must say I am impressed by the influence you had over my son.''

''Thank you sir.''

''He needs someone like you in his life. He should be rid of all the bad influences and finally be in a normal relationship.''

Lucrecia just rolled her eyes and Valerio kept looking at his food. Lucrecia's mother also had a lot of positive comments about Nadia and she said she would love to see more of her in their home. Nadia was perfectly polite and smiled at both Mr. and Mrs. Montesinos Hendrich. Valerio's dad was looking at her and finally asked what he wanted to know.

''So, are you dating my son Miss. Shana?''

That got him a look from Valerio and laughter from Lucrecia.

''No, daddy, she is dating Guzman.''

Then she looked at Nadia.

'' He cheated on me with her…''

Lucrecia's father was a bit disappointed by the news. He hoped Nadia would help Valerio change and move on from the unhealthy relationship he and Lucrecia have.

''Oh, I believed you and my son were an item.''

''Mr. Montesinos Hendrich, I can assure you that Valerio is an amazing person and someone I love to spend time with, but we are just friends.''

She looked at Lucrecia and continued speaking.

''I am sure that there is someone who will be good for him and love him very much. He deserves it.''

''I am surprised you have such an opinion of my son. Not many people have it.''

''He doesn't let many people see him… He is far from party boy he wants others to see. He is an amazing person. I have deep admiration for him and respect. Some of the best advice in life, I've got from your son.''

Mr. Montesinos Hendrich was very surprised someone saw all that in Valerio.

''I had no idea Miss. Shana.''

Valerio looked at him a bit angry.

''Well, now you know father. Will you please stop bothering Nadia and trying to have jab at me and Lu!''

That got him a very surprised and after that angry look from his father. He didn't want his family's dirty laundry out.

''She knows dad… I told her long time ago…''

Lucrecia looked at him. HE was the one who told her, not Samuel she blamed all along. She couldn't believe what she just heard.

''You told her? What did you tell her?''

He just shrugged his shoulders.

''Everything… I needed someone to know… I had to unburden. I was not well Lu… I needed someone to talk to and someone to tell everything.''

''You had to unburden to her? Out of all the people? People got to professionals for something like that…Not to the person who hates their sister more than anything!''

''Yes, and she never told anyone.''

''And tried to blackmail me with it.''

Nadia lowered her gaze. She was ashamed of her actions, but at that moment it was the only way to fight Lucrecia and power she had over her. Valerio looked at Lucrecia with a warning.

''Lulu, you know what you did before that?''

She narrowed her eyes at him and put her fork down.

''As I remember, you had your part in it too brother.''

To everyone at the table Lucrecia saying the word brother sounded almost like insult or some sort of teasing. He raised her voice at her because now she was getting to him. He jumped off his chair and leaned on the table.

''I wanted you to see your beloved boyfriend for who he really was! That was the only reason I sent it! You were pining over that peace of trash and I had to do something.''

''I was not sad because of him that day!''

''I saw you cry!''

''I was watching a movie… I was not crying over Guzman. I was done crying over him long time ago!''

Both Nadia and Valerio didn't expect that comment. If she was over him why was she trying to save that relationship? None of them understood what was Lucrecia's logic in all this.

''And what about your comment about him coming home after traveling to exotic country?!''

She laughed at his face.

''I said that just to bother you!''

''What?''

''I never wanted him back! I was done with him…After the things he told me at Rebeca's party, I was done with him. I admit I was hurt, my ego was bruised, but I was done with him…''

She looked at Valerio and smirked.

''You do remember the party count Lioncourt?''

He had small smile on his lips.

''Yes, I do… I remember it pretty vividly.''

''Good, so you don't have to wonder anymore about me and…him. That story is over…I am done with him for good. Now I just enjoy his misery.''

Their parents and Nadia felt incredibly uncomfortable. Nadia put her napkin on the table and tried to get up and leave. Lucrecia just looked at her and Nadia froze.

''Where are you going? You are part of this! You cased most of this and now you want to get away from this and pretend like you have no part in this chaos?''

''I have nothing to do with your relationships…''

''You don't? First you were always around my boyfriend and now you are around my brother passing judgments like your conscience is squeaky clean? No, no… ''

''And what about you and my brother Lucrecia? You are always together!''

''We are friends… He has some problems with Ander and we bonded over that.''

''Why doesn't he come to me then?''

''I don't know. That is something you have to ask him and think about by yourself.''

She looked at Nadia and Valerio with a giant smirk.

''I know that my brother could always come to me to talk and seek comfort. We don't have many secrets from one another… Well, it had to be like that because we were each other's best kept secret for years now…''

Lucrecia's father couldn't listen to this.

''THAT IS ENOUGH! GO TO YOUR ROOM LUCRECIA!''

She got up from her chair and put the napkin on the table.

''Excuse me, have a pleasant evening.''

Just as she was to leave the dining room one of the girls came with a telephone. She looked pale and a bit sad. Their dad looked at her with a curious eyes.

''What is going on?''

''There is a call for young Mr. Montesinos Hendrich from Santiago.''

That only meant one thing. Valerio's mother. She lived there for years now and he grew up with her in Santiago and then they started sending him back and forth from Chile to Spain and back. Lucrecia didn't move from the door. She had a strange feeling she should stay. Valerio took the phone and was surprised to hear from the person he didn't know. It was some doctor calling him to tell him that his mother had a car crash and her condition was critical. He didn't hear much after those words. Lucrecia saw his face and came to him. He looked at her and she took the phone.

''Excuse me, this is Lucrecia Montesinos Hendrich. Can you please repeat what you just said.''

The doctor told her that Valerio's mother was in a car accident and that she is not well. He also recommended for him to come as soon as he can to say his goodbyes. He was not close to either of his parents, but it was his mother after all.

''Thank you doctor.''

She hung up and all eyes were on her.

''It was a doctor from Santiago. Sofia had an accident and she is not doing well. He thinks Valerio should go and say his goodbyes.''

Lucrecia's mother covered her mouth and was really shaken by the news. There was no love lost between her and Valerio's mother, but she never wanted anyone's death. And she was not sure how would that reflect on Valerio. His eyes were wet and he turned to Lucrecia that stood close to him. Their eyes met and he jumped from his chair.

''I need to go…''

She took his hand and rubbed it to calm. Nadia gave him a very sad look.

''I am sorry for your mom. I will leave you now. Call me if there is something I can do to help.''

He just nodded and the girl walked Nadia out of the house. Lucrecia was still holding his hand trying to figure out how to help him and let him know she is there for him. Suddenly he looked again like that scared boy she first met all these years ago when she went with her dad to meet her brother…half-brother. He was looking at her with eyes full of pain, fear and helplessness. She understood he was in pain and felt all sorts of things. He was not close to his parents, but now he was close to never fixing his relationship with his mom. She knew him too well. She knew what was on his mind.

''I know… Let's go and book a flight… I am going with you. I will not let you go through this alone. Never!''

She saw her father was about to say something about it but she just shook her head. Now was not the time. Even her mother gave him a look. She was not happy about what was going on between her daughter and Valerio, but now was not the time to keep him from her. She was worried he might hurt himself and that if something happened to him, she would face loss of her daughter too. They left the dining room and went to her room. He just sat on her bed and she took her laptop to search for the flight. First flight was for tomorrow evening and she bought them tickets. After she did that, she called Valerio's aunt who lived with his mom to tell her two of them would be leaving tomorrow evening and arriving there the following day. They had about thirteen hours of flying and Lucrecia really hated flying. She put her phone on the nightstand and took a seat beside him. She took his hand and laced their fingers together.

''No matter what happens, I am here… I am not going anywhere.''

''What if she dies?''

''I don't know. We will deal with it if it happens. For now, she is alive and fighting for her life…''

''If she dies, we will never have a chance to fix things.''

''I know.''

''I don't want her to die. I know we have our differences…but she is my mother.''

''I know…''

He looked at her and then at their hands.

''Thank you for being here for me.''

''There is nowhere else I'd rather be. I will always be there… No matter how annoying and pain in the ass you are.''

He managed to smile.

''You hate flying.''

''But I love you.''

''I love you too Lu.''

He kissed her hand and she gave him a smile.

''Now, let's pack.''

She let go of his hand and went to her closet. She packed things she needed, including two black dresses and shoes that match. He gave her a look and she lowered her gaze.

''We have to be prepared for everything…including the death.''

''I guess you are right.''

When her bags were ready she offered her hand to him and smiled.

''Let's pack your bags too.''

They went to his room and she did all the packing. He was just sitting on his bed waiting for some information about his mom. Aunt Sara promised that she will keep him in the loop, but there was nothing from her. After she finished with his bags, she moved all the books from the bed to his desk and took a seat beside him.

''Do you want to go to sleep?''

''Yes…No…. I don't know. I just don't want to think about it.''

''I know.''

''Go and take a shower…and then try to sleep.''

She started getting of the bed when he took her hand.

''Can you please stay?''

She knew he needed her. She knew that he really didn't want to be alone and she knew their parents would go crazy if she did. But at that moment she picked what he needed.

''I will stay…''

He gave her his pajama top and he kept the bottoms. She gave him a small smile. It has been some time since they shared his pajama. Lucrecia went to the bathroom first and changed there. Yes, he has seen her naked and she could have changed in front of him, but it was not the time for something like that. He was hurting and she needed to be his rock, his support not fuel some sexual innuendos and feelings. When she got back, he was already in bed. His bare chest, messy hair and red sating pajama bottoms never looked more sexy. She got into bed and took a seat leaning to the headboard. He put his pillow in her lap and got comfortable. She was playing with his hair and they were silent. Soon there was someone at the door. Her mother came to see how he was and to ask him if he needed something. He thanked her and she squeezed his hand.

''I hope your mother will be fine soon enough. ''

''Thank you Marta.''

''Try to get some rest.''

Just as she was about to leave, their father entered the room. He was not happy about the sight in front of him. Two of them were siblings and whatever that was , was very wrong… But he knew better than to start anything.

''I spoke to some of my friends there and they said they will be there for you if you need something. I will email Lucrecia their information. If two of you need something, don't hesitate to call them. I am sorry I can't go. I have so much work to do. Give my and Marta's best to her when she wakes up.''

Valerio just nodded. His dad always had some work to do. It's not like he needed his dad in this situation, but he believed it would mean to him at least if he offered to go with them. Their parents were leaving the room when Mr. Montesinos Hendrich looked at the door.

''This stays opened. Now every time you are in each other's room door stays opened.''

Lucrecia just rolled her eyes at her father. NOW he was thinking about the doors closed or opened?! Wow! Her mind was far from the gutter and she was sure Valerio's was too.

''I don't want to go to school tomorrow.''

Lucrecia shared his sentiment. She was not into it either.

''I know.''

There was small smile on his face. She knew him too well.

''But I have to. I have presentation with Ander.''

''I am sure principal could postpone it. Mom could call and tell her what is going on. No one would force you to do the presentation at this moment.''

''I can't do that to him. He really made an effort.''

''Ok, if you think it's a good idea, we are going to school tomorrow.''

''Thank you Lu.''

She smiled at him and continued playing with his hair. This would be long night and following day for two of them. He somehow fell asleep, but she couldn't. Since she couldn't move, she picked up first thing under her hand to occupy her mind. It was Valerio's presentation about the WWI he had in history class with Ander. She was proud how well it was written and how many references to pictures he made in text. That meant that he really made an effort to make this presentation and write all the data. She smiled at the sleeping form of her brother and continued playing with his hair.

''You are going to kick ass tomorrow Val… I know you will.''

Morning came too soon for Valerio and Lucrecia. She fell asleep sitting in bed with his head on her lap. He back was killing her, but she was glad that at least he managed to get some sleep. She took her phone and checked the time. They had about twenty minutes until her alarm. She tried to move him and he woke up.

''Are you ok?''

''Yes, I just have to get up. I slept sitting up and now my back hurts.''

''I'm sorry Lu.''

''Don't be. It will be ok.''

She went to her room to take a shower and change and he did the same in his. They both got ready for school but had no desire to go. Lucrecia could barely walk how her back hurt and he had no will to live let alone go to school. Lucrecia gave instructions to the maid that their bags were packed and ready and that they both had to add some more things into their hand language when they came home. Breakfast was a bit quiet affair that morning. You could hear every time someone used their cup or any of the cutlery. After they were done eating, they went outside and the car was already there. This time they didn't use any of their cars, but the driver took them to school. Marta was afraid that none of the kids was in shape to drive and her husband agreed. Valerio got in first and Lucrecia followed. They both had their sunglasses on and looked very tired. Ride to school was too short for them and when they got out of car she just squeezed his elbow.

''It will be ok.''

He nodded and followed her toward the school building. He didn't really remember much of his first three classes. He disappeared during the lunch hour and Lucrecia spent a lot of time looking for him. She found him sitting by the window at the pool. She took a seat beside him on the floor and smiled at him.

''How are you holding up?''

''Barely.''

''In few hours we are going home and then to the airport… Did you get any news from your aunt?''

''No, she says mom is the same.''

''Well, that is something. At least it's not getting worse… Sometimes stagnation is good.''

She took his hand and put her head on his shoulder. They sat like that for few moments and then their eyes met. She was not sure how it happened, but it did. They shared a kiss. It was not really a peck on the lips, but it was not a full French kiss either.

''Thank you for being here Lu.''

''Always…''

They spent few moments more there by the pool and then it was time to leave and go back to class. Little did they know that there was someone watching them and who had their kiss recorded on their phone.