Carolina stared at her phone screen, the signed contract weighing heavily on her conscience. The hours dragged by, each minute bringing her closer to her date with Leo.
She tried to sleep, but sleep eluded her. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw her mother's face in the hospital bed, mixed with images of an unknown man waiting for her in a hotel room. Fear and anticipation churned in her stomach.
When dawn finally broke, Carolina woke up exhausted. She looked at herself in the mirror, noticing the deep dark circles under her eyes.
"What am I doing?" she asked herself for the umpteenth time. But the image of her mother, vulnerable and in need, spurred her on.
She spent the day in a constant state of anxiety, alternating between the hospital and her home. Every time she looked at her unconscious mother, she felt a mixture of determination and guilt. "This is all for you, Mom," she thought, gently stroking Maria's limp hand.
As the time drew near, Carolina began to prepare mechanically. She went to the apartment she shared with her mother, took a shower, letting the hot water wash away her fears, at least momentarily.
She chose a simple but elegant dress, applied soft makeup to hide her tiredness, and styled her hair carefully.
As she looked at herself in the mirror one last time, she noticed her hands were trembling slightly. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
"I can do this," she told herself, though her voice sounded unconvincing, even to her own ears.
At 7:30 p.m., Carolina left her apartment. The taxi ride to the Hotel Royale was a blur of city lights and agitated thoughts. When the vehicle stopped in front of the imposing building, she felt her heart race.
She entered the luxurious lobby, feeling out of place amidst the gleaming marble and crystal chandeliers. She approached the reception desk with hesitant steps.
"Good evening," she said, her voice trembling. "I have an appointment with... Leo... with Mr. Lisandro."
The name felt strange on her lips.
The receptionist looked at her with a warm smile.
"Of course, miss. Mr. Quintero is waiting for you in the presidential suite on the top floor," said the receptionist, handing her a key card. "The elevator is to the right. Have a wonderful evening."
Carolina gave a weak nod and headed for the elevator. When the doors closed, an awkward silence enveloped her. She stared at her reflection in the polished metal: a lost woman, searching for answers in the echo of her own image.
"There's no going back, Carolina," he murmured, feeling his heart pound in his chest like a war drum.
Finally, the elevator stopped on the designated floor, and its beep sounded like a call. When the doors opened, they revealed an elegantly decorated hallway.
She forced herself out, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. With trembling steps, she approached the only door on the floor. A chill ran down her spine. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and swiped her card through the reader. The green light flashed, and the door opened with a soft click.
Uncertainty overwhelmed her, but there was also a spark of determination. She had done this for her mother, to save her, and that gave her the strength to keep going.
Carolina entered the suite slowly, marveling at the luxury that surrounded her. Enormous windows offered a breathtaking view of the illuminated city. But it was empty; he wasn't there. She stood in the living room, pacing back and forth, trying to calm her racing heart.
"Everything will be alright," she told herself, but her mind was filled with dark thoughts. She felt like running away, fleeing and leaving everything as it was, but she knew that would only make things worse. She had signed a contract, and Lisandro had already fulfilled his part of the bargain.
Finally, the clock struck 8:00 pm, and at that very moment, the door opened. But upon seeing Lisandro in a wheelchair, she felt as if the world had stopped for an instant.
—What…? —her voice broke off and she involuntarily recoiled, her heart in a fist.
Surprise overwhelmed her, not because she discriminated against him, but because of the abrupt revelation that her mind had to process.
Lisandro smiled at her reaction. His face conveyed a confidence that contrasted sharply with his situation. However, there was a spark of amusement in his eyes.
"Are you surprised to see me like this?" he asked, his tone light, as if he could guess the thoughts going through Carolina's head.
She felt the color rise to her face, and discomfort enveloped her like a heavy cloak. "Of course, that's why he doesn't have a girlfriend. Because he's disabled. It probably doesn't work for him… well," she thought, feeling the blush spread across her cheeks.
Carolina felt heat rise from her neck to her cheeks. Shame and confusion mingled inside her as she struggled to find the right words.
"I... I'm sorry," he finally stammered. "I didn't mean to... it's just that..."
"Don't worry," Lisandro interrupted with a reassuring smile. "I understand it might be a surprise. But I assure you I'm perfectly capable in every way. I function very well, and soon, I'm going to prove it to you." He gestured as if he had read her mind, his smile widening.
His green eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint that made Carolina blush even more. She felt foolish for having assumed things about him based solely on his appearance.
"Forgive me," she said softly. "I shouldn't have reacted like that. It was very rude of me."
"Okay, Rina," he replied, using the false name she had chosen. "How about we start over? I'm Lisandro Quintero, nice to meet you."
He extended his hand toward her with an elegant gesture. Carolina hesitated for a moment before approaching and shaking it. The touch of her skin sent a shiver down her arm.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Carolina Laredo," she murmured, suddenly feeling shy.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" Lisandro offered, pointing to a bottle on the table. "I think we could use a little relaxation."
Carolina nodded, grateful for the distraction. As Lisandro moved deftly in his chair to serve the drinks, she watched him with curiosity. His movements were fluid and confident, without a trace of clumsiness or discomfort. It was clear he was completely adapted to his condition.
"Here," he said, offering her a crystal glass filled with a dark ruby liquid. "It's an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. I hope you like it."
Her fingers brushed against each other as she picked up the glass, and Carolina felt a tingle on her skin. She took a small sip, letting the rich, fruity flavor spread across her tongue.
"It's delicious," she commented, genuinely impressed.
"I'm glad you like it," Lisandro smiled. "Why don't we sit down and talk for a bit? I'd like to get to know you better."
Carolina nodded and sat down on the sofa, the wine glass in her trembling hands. Lisandro maneuvered his chair to face her, his green eyes studying her intently.
However, before he could speak to her, his cell phone rang in the room. He glanced at the screen, considered for a moment to deflect the call, but ultimately answered it, frowning with an annoyed expression.
"Lisandro, you need to come in for a medical evaluation. You're several days late, and you know that's not good for your health."
"I understand perfectly. As soon as I can, I'll find some time in my schedule to go see him. Good night." With those words, she hung up with an impatient gesture.
Then he turned his attention back to Carolina, who had remained silent.
"It was just an important call. Let's get back to our conversation. Tell me, Carolina," he said softly. "What really brings you here?"
She lowered her gaze, unsure how to respond. The truth struggled to escape her lips, but she feared that revealing it would cause everything to crumble.
"I... I need the money," she finally murmured, her voice barely audible. Carolina felt tears threatening to spill. She took a sip of wine to buy herself time and composure before answering.
"My mother..." she began, her voice breaking. "She had an accident. And she needed urgent surgery, and I... I didn't have the money to pay for it."
Tears finally streamed down her cheeks. She felt vulnerable and exposed, but also strangely relieved to share her burden with someone.
Lisandro watched her silently for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Listen," he said. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to... I can help you with the money without..."
"No," Carolina interrupted, surprising herself with the firmness of her voice. "I... want to keep my end of the bargain. It's only fair."
Lisandro looked at her with a mixture of admiration. He had to admit that this girl surprised him. A certain aspect of her character intrigued him greatly.
—Well, come here —once she stood in front of him, with a husky voice that sent shivers down every nerve ending in his body, she gave him an order— Get naked! It's time for you to fulfill your part of the deal as you wish.