Hello, my beautiful readers! I hope you all are doing okay! This chapter covered at least five episodes! All crammed into one chapter! My head is pounding but it'll be worth it! Happy reading!
(I do not own this Novela!)
Chapter 29
True to his word, Franco and Oscar made their way to Dinora Rosales' dinner party, only to discover that it had all been a scandalous scheme to force their older brother Juan into marrying Dinora. The two younger brothers were even hassled by the rest of Dinora's brutish and intolerable relatives. Dinora was so embarrassed by the scandal and Juan's absence that she left her house before Franco and Oscar could.
Much to their surprise, they find Dinora's silver van parked in their driveway. They also see Manolo and Miguel outside with distraught expressions written on their faces.
"Looks like she's here to bother Juancho, isn't she?" commented Oscar once they hopped out of Franco's red jeep.
"What is Dinora doing here?" asked Franco, observing her car.
They see Dinora appearing behind Manolo and Miguel. She strikes Miguel across the face and proceeds to the same to Manolo, who stops her and holds her down with both arms.
"Why the hell did you hit me?" shouted Miguel, holding a hand to the side of his stricken face.
"You idiots!" screeches Dinora as she disentangles her way out of Manolo's restraining hold. "I hate you all! Bastards!"
Franco and Oscar hurry over to aid Manolo and his brother, only to infuriate Dinora. She strikes both Oscar and Franco.
"You wretch!" she spats.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" shouted a shocked Oscar. "Have you gone crazy or what?"
"You're all a bunch of bastards!" she spat, holding an accusing finger at Franco and Oscar. "You all agreed to attack me because I'm a weak woman!"
Franco shot Oscar a confused look and then glared at the raging woman in front of them. She may be other things, but weak...nope. That's an understatement.
"This will not stay like this, you'll see!" she warned. "You will be sorry!"
She aggressively pushed through Franco and Oscar who continued to stare at her as if she'd completely lost her mind. The two then turned to face Manolo and Miguel and demanded to know what had happened. Manolo explained that Dinora had mistaken him for Juan and had tried to seduce him back in the storage rooms when he was searching for his wallet. This would've been exceedingly comical but Dinora's outrage wasn't something Franco would laugh at. That woman seemed to be capable of doing anything. Both Franco and Oscar made their way inside the house to see how Juan was holding up after Dinora's chaotic visit. They were surprised to see that he wasn't alone. Norma was sitting with Juan, Eva, and Quintina. All four of them rattled with the night's boisterous events.
Franco and Oscar informed Juan that Dinora's dinner party was just a ruse, much to Norma's relief. However, Norma was still bothered by Dinora but understood that Juan had been honorable and trustworthy all along. When she excused herself, Franco encouraged Juan to chase her before she left for her home. Juan obliged much to Franco and Oscar's pleasure. Juan returned in happier spirits.
Juan couldn't contain his joy when speaking with his brothers. Both Franco and Oscar were incredibly happy for him to have solved his issues with the woman he cared for and loved. Franco hoped to never see his older brother suffer anymore. Juan had always been strong for everyone, and seeing him this joyful gave Franco hope that everything would finally be peaceful. Until the next day, Juan met with his beloved Norma by the fences, informing him that her grandfather, Mr. Martin, had a heart attack and could possibly die.
The brothers were saddened by the horrific news, especially Eva, who loved that old man with all her heart. He had been her friend for so many years of serving the Elizondos. She tried to beg the brothers to see him, but they had to reason with her that it may not be the best idea to do so. Eva may have been Mr. Martin's friend but she is still an enemy to his daughter, Gabriela.
The brothers wished she could visit, but all they can do is console Eva as she lamented over her sickly old friend. All the while they consoled the woman who had behaved as a mother to them, Franco couldn't help but think of Sarita. He couldn't imagine the pain she must be in. He knew the three Elizondo sisters loved their grandfather dearly. He even remembered how Sarita wouldn't stray from her grandfather's side whenever he needed help moving his wheelchair. He smiled at that memory. He remembered how he couldn't stand Sara at that time, but now he yearned for her. Scowls, attitude, and all. He adored her.
When his brothers were nowhere near him, he would try to call up the Elizondos' house, hoping to hear Sarita's voice. Instead, he would get the stern voice of her grieving mother. He'd simply apologize to that woman and quickly hang up. Even though Gabriela is grieving, he couldn't jeopardize Sara's problems and even his own. Gabriela detested him and his brothers. However, Franco persisted in hopes of talking to Sara...even for a second.
Later in the afternoon, the brothers heard a commotion in their kitchen. They walk in to see Quintina and the rest of the maids clamoring over to where Miguel and Manolo fought with the rest of the male employees. Juan wasted no time and swiftly stopped an angry Miguel from attacking another employee.
"What the fuck is going on?" bellowed Juan. "When Juan Reyes gives you an order, you follow it!"
"Who made all this mess?" yelled Oscar.
Franco turned to Quintina, who wouldn't stop fidgeting.
"They were all joking at first!" she explained, running her rattled hands through her hair. "Then they all started fighting out of nowhere! Manolo threw the first punch!"
Franco, Oscar, and Juan glared at Manolo, who appeared to be sporting a busted lip and a bruised jaw.
"I'm sorry!" he rasped through his nerves and pointed at two of his fellow colleagues. "I couldn't help it! These two were calling me a rapist because of Ms. Rosales!"
Juan eyed him dangerously and began to take a few steps to Manolo.
"I thought that matter was under wraps." he growled. "Apart from you and your brother, there were no more employees at the farm."
Franco stepped in, knowing that this entire situation could go better without Juan's aggression.
"Who started the rumor?" Franco asked, glaring at his workers.
"It was me." confessed Miguel, causing the Reyes brothers to look over at him. "It was an accident."
"Why the hell did you do it, Miguel?" Franco reprimanded him. "This is a sensitive issue. You can't be telling the whole world about this!"
Miguel ducked his head in shame until Juan spoke.
"If someone else comes out with this again.." cautioned Juan through gritted teeth. "I will kick their asses out of this ranch. Understood?"
The employees nodded, knowing damn well Juan Reyes was not the man to be messed with.
"What had happened with Manolo and Dinora Rosales was an accident." Juan informed them all, glaring at each and everyone in the kitchen. "A simple misunderstanding. We won't allow you to ruin a good reputation with malicious comments."
To end the tension, Oscar added that every employee must give respect to gain respect and dismissed them all, except for Manolo and Miguel. Franco could tell Manolo was deeply bothered by what had happened with Dinora. Juan had to reassure him that it wasn't his fault but should take heed on not saying anything that could get him in more trouble. Once that matter was settled, the Reyes brothers decided that Dinora Rosales had proved to be more trouble than she was worth.
The following day, the Reyes had a visit from Norma and the baby. She appeared to look more at ease and she had a good reason. It turns out, her grandfather had miraculously healed from his attack and proved to be stronger than ever. This amazing news relieved Juan and his brothers and even Eva, who was at a point in locking herself in her room. Norma even joked that Mr. Martin was even more himself when he demanded his shotgun, to which Jimena obeyed. She even added how Sarita and Jimena laughed when he pointed the weapon at the priest and Gabriela's gossipy friends, who scampered out of Mr. Martin's bedroom like headless chickens.
They've always liked that old man. Mr. Martin had been nothing but terribly kind to the brothers. They're glad he remained in their granddaughters' lives. Good news kept piling on when Juan and Norma agreed to finally get married. Franco, Oscar, Quintina, and Eva rejoiced until they watched Juan leave with Norma and the baby to see Norma's family to set a date for their wedding.
Juan arrived back at the house with an eternal grin. Franco and Oscar asked how the meeting with the Elizondos went, especially Franco who desperately wanted to know how Sarita could have reacted. Since his talk with her about helping him out with Juan, he strongly believed she and Jimena had something to do with Norma's calmer and understanding behavior towards Juan. He owed Sarita so much. He couldn't wait to see her.
Juan explained that Gabriela was still stern but granted them their peace on tying the knot and even had dinner set up for them. Mr. Martin ordered his maid, Dominga, to bring in his bottles of whiskey to celebrate the joyous occasion.
"Jimena…" Juan added, almost laughing when Oscar raised an eyebrow at the mention of his wife, "And even Sarita were very happy."
Franco wanted to smile, picturing Sarita's radiant and precious smile, but didn't want to deter Juan's good mood with suspicion.
On that night, the brothers set out to the Elizondo ranch with a band they've hired to serenade the bride-to-be. At first, Juan wasn't enthused with the idea, but according to Oscar, it was way better than showing up with a box of chocolates and flowers.
"Which one is her window?" asked Oscar once they pulled into their destination.
"It's that one." responded Juan, pointing at a window covered by delicate wildflowers on the second floor of the mansion.
Franco signaled the band to play the desired song and the three waited for Juan's fiance.
Franco could feel Juan's love and devotion radiate from him once they saw Norma pull her curtain aside and smile down at them.
Juan waved at her and began to sing along with the band.
"Isn't it amazing that we're here without caring they'd shoot us?" Oscar asked, elbowing Franco playfully in the rib.
"It wouldn't be a surprise if your mother-in-law starts shooting at us left and right." joked Franco.
"Shit, don't get cold feet!" laughed Oscar. "This feels like I'm serenading my Jimenita too!"
Franco laughed at his brother and then began to sing along with them, his mind clouded with Sarita. If only he'd see her too, but he can't be selfish. It was Juan's night and he deserved this.
Just then Norma wasn't alone anymore. Her sisters stood by her, watching the brothers with great fascination. Franco's heart strummed softly when he saw her. His Sarita, in her nightly wear, so modest and pure as her. Her sultry brown eyes lingered on him and he smiled boyishly up at her, respectfully tipping his hat before placing it back on his head.
He noticed her glance nervously at her sisters, who were too preoccupied by their loves, before glancing down at him. That precious pink hue tinted her porcelain cheeks and her perfect pouty lips curved into the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. He almost forgot to breathe. Sarita was everything he'd hoped for. He was a fool for never noticing just how utterly beautiful she truly was. His smile widened as he and his brothers continued to serenade the Elizondo sisters. Franco's eyes never left Sara's, and he felt his heart racing and warming at her radiant smile and how her eyes twinkled adoringly at him.
It was in that sweet and tender moment, Franco knew that his heart belonged to only Sarita. And her heart belonged to him. Only to him.
Awww, how sweet. It was all in that smile that these two realize they are destined to be together. Makes my heart sing! And now... for the good bits! Let's go, Chapter 30! The big 3-0h!