Chapter 7

Alejandro showed his surprise that they had stayed away so long. For a marriage of convenience he had expected them to return earlier, staying only a few days for as long as the business with the lawyer required.

Apparently, Victoria had warmed up to Diego after her former unhappiness and was now agreeable to the marriage. But he still couldn't believe that she had given up her love with Zorro so easily.

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Alejandro had taken a late night stroll in the garden, because he hadn't been able to sleep. He thought about the fight he had with Diego after dinner. Alejandro had been reserved with Victoria, and Diego accused him of not having accepted her as his wife. Diego was right, he hadn't returned to the close friendship they had shared before he heard of her intimate relationship with Zorro. He had to admit that in the recent five weeks they seemed to be quite happy with each other and he reconsidered his attitude towards Victoria. As Diego had said he knew her since she had been a child and he should trust her, but there still remained the fact that Zorro had visited her in the night.

Alejandro was about to return into the hacienda when he saw a movement in the shadows. A man and a woman were talking softly and he identified the voice as Victoria's. Not wanting to stumble into an embarrassing situation, he slowly retreated to the house. But when he turned around he froze in his tracks. The shadows separated and in the moonlight he saw the dark figure with the unmistakable hat. Zorro! What was he doing here? His question was soon answered when he saw the couple melt into each other again, probably sharing a kiss, before Zorro vanished into the shadows and Victoria slipped into the house unaware of his presence.

Shocked, he tried to grasp the situation. Diego had been fooled when Victoria had denied any closer relationship with Zorro. She was betraying him with Zorro while pretending to be the faithful wife. His first thoughts were correct then. Diego never should have married her.

After a sleepless night he asked Diego to step outside with him for a moment where they wouldn't be overheard.

"Diego, I need to talk to you about Victoria."

Diego's face became blank. "Father, what is it now? I thought you had made your peace with her?"

"Yes, I had done that and I really regret it. I had my doubts about her and Zorro, but I believed her when she assured me that nothing had happened between them. But now, but now .." Alejandro waved his hands furiously.

"What about now?" Diego demanded to know.

"I have seen her, her and Zorro!"

"What do you mean you have seen her?" He had an idea what his father was talking about and hoped he was wrong.

"I saw her and Zorro here in the garden last night!" Alejandro pointed to a shadowy spot in the garden and Diego saw his suspicions confirmed.

"So what about that? What do you want to tell me, Father?"

"I'm telling you that your wife is having an affair with Zorro. She never gave him up after your marriage!" Alejandro waited for his son's reaction, but Diego pulled a blank face. He could see that Diego was considering something, before he answered.

"I can assure you there is no reason for you to believe that from Victoria. Though it's not your business, I can tell you that Victoria doesn't betray me and never would. And now I want you to stop talking about her like this. Don't spread any lies, Father. It's my wife you're talking about."

"If you believe that, Diego, you're a fool. I know what I have seen! You should never have married her!"

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Later in the morning Alejandro confronted Victoria when he caught her alone. "Victoria, I need to talk to you for a moment."

"Yes, what is it?" Victoria was surprised by his rather cold manner as he had been quite friendly to her recently and couldn't think of anything she had done wrong.

"I want to know what is going on between you and Zorro!" Alejandro demanded to know harshly.

"Don Alejandro, I told you before that the rumors about me and Zorro were wrong. We never went beyond what was proper. And now I'm married to Diego and I'm faithful to him!"

"It's that faithfulness I have my doubts about, Victoria! I saw you and Zorro last night here in the garden. And what I saw wasn't the behavior of a faithful wife. You can't fool me as you can Diego!"

"You can believe what you want, but I keep my vows, because I love Diego. Why can't you trust me anymore?" Crying she ran away.

Alejandro shook his head. He knew what he had seen and no denying would change that. Diego was a fool if he believed Victoria so easily. But he couldn't let this happen. If Diego was unwilling to do something about it, then he would act. The next de la Vega had to be from Diego's flesh and not the bastard of an outlaw.

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As soon as Diego returned, Victoria told him about his father's accusations. "I know, Victoria. My father talked with me too." Diego took her into his arms. "I told him that I believe in you and that we're happy together. I'm not sure if I could convince him. He's full of distrust. Why did he have to see us?"

Diego thought about last night when he had been about to ride out as Zorro. He had seen her standing in the shadows in the garden, knowing she wouldn't sleep until he had returned safely. Victoria had looked so lovely that he hadn't been able to resist. What had been planned as another short kiss of goodbye had turned into a passionate encounter that had tempted him to abandon his ride.

"Maybe you should tell him, Diego."

"I thought about it, but I'm not sure he'd even believe my words. He is so convinced of the role I played as Diego that I would need Zorro to unmask in front of him. And he's so impulsive that I don't think it's wise. He would act the next time Zorro is in danger. We should have been more careful, Victoria, but how can I resist you when you look so beautiful?" Diego smiled at her, kissing her.

"I didn't want you to go out riding yesterday." Victoria admitted. "I'm always anxiously waiting for your return, because I don't know if you'll return at all. I'm so afraid, now that I know it's you."

"I needed to look for these bandits that have been terrorizing the farmers in the south valley."

"I know that the farmers need your help, but it doesn't mean that I must like it when you're in danger. I love you so much, Diego. I can't lose you." Victoria held on tight.

"I love you too, Querida. I'm careful, I promise!" Diego tried to appease her. "When you kiss me like this, I'm unable to leave your arms."

Victoria grinned and intensified her kiss, knowing where it would lead. "Then don't leave me!"

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