Page 40 of Of Vows and Betrayal

“Not like this! She’s a good person. This can only end badly. I won’t let history repeat itself.”

I sometimes forget how deeply Tiago shares my trauma.Shaking my head, I know this isn’t the time or place for this fight, especially when everything he says is painfully true.

“I better get back to Ophelia.”

Tiago sighs, his shoulders slumping. “Yes, you do that.”

When I walk out and back to the makeup tent, I see Derek working on the little boy from before with the model photo in his hand.

“Where’s Ophelia?” I ask, maybe a little too harshly, as the little boy flinches on his seat. I force a smile.

Derek looks up, still ridiculous with his Spiderman painting. “She had to leave and went to find you. I thought she told you. Something about an emergency. She got into an Uber like two minutes ago.”

My heart stops; I hate that, and I can’t help but wonder if she heard anything. I didn’t incriminate myself, but what I said wasn’t kind.

Me: Where are you?

Ophelia: On my way home. I couldn’t find you.

I’m not sure I buy that.

Me: Couldn’t it wait?

Ophelia: No, Romero is at my house and I need to to talk to him about our date before he leaves. Oh I won’t need you the next few days. You can rest and relax. You did look a little pasty. I think you’re still sick.

I grit my teeth, grabbing my phone so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t crack.

Me: Don’t do this.

And I wait, but no reply comes. I’m angry, no, I’m not angry, I’m furious. I feel betrayed, and most of all, I’m jealous to the point where I can see myself breaking everybone of that boy’s body.

My fists clench, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The fury is overwhelming, a red haze clouding my vision. I need to get a grip—need to find a way to calm down before I do something I’ll regret.

“Javier, you okay?” Derek’s voice cuts through the fog, and I look up to see him watching me, concern etched on his face. It’s almost laughable, Derek worrying about me.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I lie, my voice tight.

He nods, but the look in his eyes tells me he doesn’t believe me. “You sure? You look like you’re about to tear someone apart.”

I look at my watch. “I have no reason to stay here. Don’t worry, I’ll write Father Hernandez a fat check as usual.”

As I walk away, I try to shake off the jealousy, the rage. But as I head back to my car, all I can think about is her. Her smile, her laugh, the way she looked at Derek and worst of all, a date with Romero. It’s tearing me apart, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep it together.

Chapter 10

Ophelia

She’s barely more than a kid. We just share a common interest, nothing more. I’d never cross that line. Look at her!The words hit me like a slap, confirming what I already knew deep down.

My immediate instinct was to flee home, to hide and wait for Romero and his father to finish their business with mine.

The sound of brisk steps on the marble entry sends my heart leaping into my throat. I step out of the kitchen but nearly retreat when I see my father’s grim face.

“Ophelia.” His greeting is a bark that makes me wince under the weight of his stern gaze. “What are you doing here?” The demand makes me feel like a child caught in the act.

“I… just… Romero…”

Romero’s smile is immediate at the mention of his name. He steps in front of me, taking my hand and kissing the back of it. “What can I do for you, bella Ophelia?”

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