I have to admit, this chapter was challenging. Piecing three episodes is hard, but it'll be worth it! Enjoy! (I do not own this novela!)
Chapter 12
Oscar was pissed. His brothers weren't sure if he was possessed after Eva informed them that Jimena is engaged to Leandro Santos, the nephew of a wealthy elderly woman named Raquel Uribe. Quintina tried everything she could to calm him, even offering her well cooked meal, which Franco was thoroughly enjoying.
"He's upset he lost his sweetheart." teased Franco. He found this whole engagement hilarious, because he sincerely had no feelings for Jimena. Oscar seemed to be more affected for someone who isn't following his own seduction plan.
Oscar threw a pillow at the back of Franco's head and threw himself on the sofa. Quintina smiled whole heartedly and sat next to Oscar.
"Poor boy.." she lamented. "I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Whoever this girl is clearly doesn't deserve you."
"Oh come off it, Quintina!" yelled Oscar, brushing the consoling hand of the robust maid off his knee. "Why can't you go fetch Juan and leave me alone!"
Quintina didn't seem so hurt but frowned and headed back to the kitchen to serve Juan, who was locked in the bathroom. Oscar was peeved by Franco's indifference and strode over to sit next to him at the table.
"Why did you say that shit about "sweethearts"?" he whispered angrily, his eyes dangerous. "Don't you give a shit?"
Franco shrugged nonchalantly and continued eating his meal.
"Nope." he simply answered, earning a warning look from Oscar. "She's not my sweetheart."
Oscar thumped Franco on the head before storming into his room, muttering more nonsense about his failing plans. Franco smiled to himself and ate without a care in the world. Franco had a feeling that Jimena was up to something, so he didn't have the need to worry about it.
He was right. The next night, Jimena invited him out to a club, where they danced...well mostly her...and talked. She confessed to him that the engagement is just a ruse to get her family off her back so she can have her liberties to do whatever she wants, especially with Franco. She also explained that Leandro was a gay man who simply wanted to get married so he can be free from his own familial obligations. Franco was a little at ease and wanted so badly to inform his brothers of this false engagement. He had some hope of completing Oscar's plan of the ultimate revenge.
At the ranch, Oscar seemed more agitated than usual and Franco finally informed him and Juan what Jimena's motives were. Oscar finally relaxed and encouraged Franco to follow along on seducing Jimena.
The plan would've been almost perfect. Jimena was being all damn difficult throughout their dates while Leandro sat on the other side of wherever they went. Franco would want a kiss or a quick feel, but Jimena would play hard to get. She even promised him that while she was out with Leandro, she would marry Franco. It was frustrating, but Franco knew that this would please Oscar because of the kind of fortune the Elizondos carried. If he marries Jimena, her part of the fortune will be his and his brothers. He will try to make sure of that.
He met with Jimena again, this time he noticed something different about her. She seemed a bit distracted and this worried him.
"You don't look like your brothers that much." she commented, observing him while he ate.
"Juan, no. But Oscar, yes." he told her. At the mention of Oscar's name, she had a certain glow on her cheeks.
"Does Oscar have a girlfriend?" she asked coyly.
What the fuck?
"Oscar has had many girls, but now he's single. Why do you ask?"
She smiled sweetly at him and told him it was nothing.
"Jimena, you're acting very strange." he commented, staring her down. "You're not doubting what you promised me, right?"
Her smile widened and she reached out to stroke his leg.
"Trust me. I swore I'd marry you."
"And you won't change your mind at the last minute, will you?" he asked her. With Jimena, there's no telling what this girl would do. She's too bold and too impulsive.
"Of course I won't." She assured him. "I never go back on my word."
They had a moment of silence until Jimena shifted nervously in her chair.
"And…" she muttered, her eyes lowering until her long lashes tickled her blushing cheeks. "What does Oscar have to say about this?"
Oh, now he sees where this is going.
"Why are you bringing Oscar up?"
Jimena shrugged, guilt written all over her face.
"N-nothing…" she stuttered. "Just wanted to see if Juan or Oscar are aware of this. That's all. Relax."
Franco stared at her for a couple of minutes until realization hit him. Jimena was interested in Oscar.
The next day, Franco, Juan, and Oscar were working back at the Elizondo ranch. Franco so much wanted to tell Oscar what went on with Jimena, but he chose not to kill Oscar's good mood. He looked so happy that things were finally going his way. The two of the brothers dispersed from their conversation when they heard giggles approaching. Jimena and Leandro were staring at Franco, and this made him very uncomfortable. To add more to his discomfort, Leandro is aware and accepts the secret escapades between his fiance and Franco.
"These people are crazy, Oscar!" shouted Franco once the brothers returned to their house. "I don't know what kind of shit you're throwing me in!"
"Relax, Franco!" assured Oscar. "It's only for appearances. That man is allowing Jimena to do whatever she wants. It'll work out. She explained it to you."
Oscar is right. Jimena did explain it to him, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy. This isn't right.
It was announced that Jimena's engagement party was to be set at the mansion. Franco and his brothers were invited again to keep Mr. Martin company. Little did they know the surprise they were about to receive.
In the middle of card game and a few drinks, Mr. Martin ordered his most trusted maid, Dominga, to have him be brought downstairs to the party when Raquel Uribe and her nephews arrive.
Franco's stomach became upset at the thought of having to see Leandro's face. As promised, Dominga reported back to Mr. Martin and the brothers began to follow the older man's command. Just as they descended the stairs, Juan almost dropped the older man. Oscar and Franco were glued on the spot.
Libia?
The three brothers are immobile because at the foot of the stairs, amongst the many guests, stood a very young girl who was the spitting image of their late little sister.
Only this wasn't Libia, but another girl by the name of Ruth Uribe, the mysterious daughter of the elderly Raquel Uribe.
Before having the chance to meet with the mysterious young doppelganger, Gabriela ordered the Reyes to return her father back to his room because he was starting a tantrum in front of all the guests. They complied without any complaints.
Mr. Martin was pissed. The brothers were too in tuned with their own thoughts about who they saw and the older man kept on with his fussing. He stopped when the door opened. Juan, Franco, and Oscar were pale seeing the young Ruth being allowed in by Gabriela, who claimed that Ruth wanted to pay her respects to Mr. Martin.
It was hard to watch and it was even harder being in the same room with someone who resembled a loved one. Juan and Franco stayed muted when Ruth asked who they were. Oscar, as nervous and emotional as he was, spoke for them. She smiled graciously at them and bid her goodbyes to a happy Mr. Martin before leaving with a stern Gabriela back to the party.
Franco and Oscar left without Juan that very night. Both were too overwhelmed by who they saw at the party. Juan appeared later on with a whimsical expression. He confessed to having spent the last few hours of the night with Norma. This confession didn't sit right with either Franco or Oscar. Oscars plans were going the wrong way.
The brothers were sitting at the Elizondo kitchen, all three thinking of Ruth Uribe and their seduction plan. It all seems odd to them now. Why does this girl resemble their dead sister? Could there be a possible explanation? Or a connection? Franco always had a bad feeling as to why they were let in so easily, especially Eva. She knew Libia and even knew of Ruth Uribe. It was all reeling in.
Eva walked in the kitchen to check on the brothers, who all eyed her suspiciously. Juan stood up from his chair and began to walk to her.
"Tell us, Eva." he growled.
Eva looked shamefully up at Juan.
"Who is Ruth Uribe?"
Eva had a pained expression but answered the best way possible. She told them that Ruth was the adoptive daughter of an older couple who never were able to conceive. She also added that Ruth had nothing to do with any of the members of the Elizondos when she noticed Juan's eyebrows raise menacingly.
"Although she may resemble your sister." she warned. "Don't try to go anywhere near her. Respect her."
All the brothers could do was stay quiet and watch the older woman leave out the door.
The brothers were starting to feel uneasy but the worst was yet to come. While they were working on the cottage, Franco noticed Sarita glaring in their direction. This wasn't any of the glares she usually gives, but this was a very unforgiving one. He swore he could feel her hatred radiating out of her tiny body with just that one look in her eyes. He shuddered.
Things were getting more out of hand when a deranged Fernando stalked over to them. Franco sensed Juan's anger when Fernando insulted them about the cottage's slow process and even threatened the brothers. Oscar and Franco had to stop their older brother from beating the life of Fernando, so instead they stopped their construction and began to head back to the truck.
Gabriela seemed confused and begged the brothers not to listen to Fernando and keep on going with the construction. They assured her all will be well after Juan calmed down until tomorrow morning. Franco noticed Sarita at her mother's side. She was stiff as a board, and he grew rather worried at whatever played in her mind.
The drive back home was unsettling. Oscar kept throwing snide remarks at Juan, who equally bit back.
"I told him not to get involved with a married woman!" shouted Oscar. "Surely Fernando Escandon figured out what was happening between you and that shameless wifey of his!"
"Shut your mouth, Oscar!" reprimanded Franco.
But Oscar wouldn't stop. He kept on insulting Juan, who couldn't take it anymore and had to stop the truck to calm himself. He stepped out for some fresh air. Oscar still wasn't done and insisted on attacking Juan. Franco also stepped out of the car in case the two killed themselves.
And he was right. Juan threw a solid punch directly into Oscar's face.
"Juan, stop!" shouted Franco, throwing himself in between his two older brothers.
"If my relationship with Norma bothers you.." seethed Juan, his eyes set on Oscar. "Let's go tell the Elizondos the truth, starting with Jimena and Franco."
"Your plans with a married woman were not a part of mine!" yelled Oscar, the vein on his neck popping.
"Your fucking plans can go to hell." growled Juan, his fists ready to take another hit.
Juan starts taking off his shirt and amped up his arms.
"Let's settle this right now, asshole. I'm sick of your fucking sermons!"
Oscar follows suit. With his red plaid shirt and his hat off, Oscar faces his older brother. Before his two older brothers could start their physical quarrel, Franco hears a car approaching them on the road at full speed.
Juan had Oscar by the front of his tank by the time a black jeep stopped a few meters away from them. The three brothers diverted their eyes on the black jeep.
It was Sarita.
She followed them. Franco knew she was up to something. By the rough look in her eyes and strict demeanor, Sarita wanted to draw blood. There's no denying that this little woman was a pistol.
"Juan Reyes!" she yelled. "I demand to speak with you!"
Her eyes were flashing dangerously. Franco and Oscar walked beside their older brother, who eyed the furious young woman with great suspicion.
"I imagine that you must be satisfied with what's going on." she tells him nastily. "Because this is your fault, sir. Do you want me to applaud you on your success?"
"You followed us just to say that?" Juan calmly asked her.
She scoffed at him. Franco began to grit his teeth. This woman is a complete bitch.
"I respect my house." she affirmed. "And in my house, I don't hang out with rats like my sisters do. You're all a plague."
"So you consider us a plague?" challenged Juan, taking a step forward.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, that's what you are! Three adventurers who came to drive my sisters crazy by pretending to be handsome machos!
She shot Franco a hateful look. Franco returned it with every fiber of his being. He had the urge to really choke her up.
"The first one who did that was you to Jimena!"
"What are you saying?" piped up Oscar. "Franco is a very respectable guy who stayed away from her. If he hadn't, Jimena wouldn't be engaged to Leandro Santos."
Sarita rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips.
"I'm not sure what's going on because I don't trust Jimena."
She tore her eyes from Oscar and brought them back to Juan.
"The worst one of all is you, Juan."
Juan clenched his fists, but he wouldn't dare hit a woman. Franco would gladly put her out of her misery. She was pissing him off.
"How could you get involved with a woman like Norma and ruin her life? You're ruining her marriage!"
"If you think those are my intentions, you're wrong." reasoned Juan. "I respect your sister."
He takes a menacing step forward, but Sarita isn't intimidated. She stays perfectly still and gives him the deepest look of loathing.
"What I do with her is because I feel it and she responds back."
Sarita begins to turn pale and holds up her hand so he could stop spilling his intimate adventures with her older sister.
"Enough!" she ordered, incredibly repulsed. Juan just kept going.
"If not, I wouldn't have gotten near her."
"I said enough!" she screeched, her patience running thin. "Just tell the truth! What do you want from us? What are you planning on doing?"
"Miss, there are no damn plans!" shouted Franco, his patience and tolerance for this little annoying woman wasting away. "It's not our fault Juan is in love with Norma!"
Sarita's nostril flares up angrily as she eyes Franco down.
"Ms Sara", Juan said, "if you think you have the right to complain, go run and tell your mother and the rest of the family. You're not gaining anything by arguing with us."
She shakes her head slowly.
"You challenge me because you know I won't do that, Juan. I'm not going to anguish my mother or the rest of my family with all this. But I demand you never return to my ranch."
The three brothers smirked at her boldness.
"Then lose all your hopes because we're not intimidated by your little threats."
The three men take a single menacing step toward. Again, Sarita is not moved.
"You think we're going to stop because you say so?"
"You're not going to get your way." she sneered. "Because I don't get easily impressed by a couple of handsome men. I maintain my stance and don't fall for men of your class."
The three men tensed angrily. Franco definitely hated her.
"My sisters may not respect themselves, but I do. I will be watching your every move. I won't take my eyes off you for a second, gentlemen."
She scoffed at them, lowering their worth with her menacing dark eyes before jumping into her jeep.
Franco watched the worst of the Elizondo sisters skillfully reverse and speed away in the opposite direction. He turned to look at his two brothers and the three agreed that Sarita is no longer to be seduced. That bitch is undesirable.
Sara, Sara, Sara... smh. The next chapters are on their way!