Page 94 of Stronger Than Fate

“Whaaaat? Why are you making this trip so suddenly, in such a hurry?” Lolo asked, completely surprised.

“Because she had a fight with Woollardy,” Bastián stated, looking at me with certainty.

“How do you know?” Lolo asked again.

“I don’t know for certain, but I can guess.”

“And you’re right. Yesterday I experienced an unpleasant situation and I don’t want anything more to do with him.”

“What did he do to you?” Lolo asked with deadly seriousness.

“I discovered he was cheating on me, but don’t worry…”

“Son of a bitch! I’m going to break his face with my fist…”

“No!” I interrupted him. “This isn’t your business, it’s something I need to face alone and I hope you respect what I’m asking. I don’t want you getting involved. I’m an adult woman and it’s my relationship, it’s a matter between him and me.”

“Don’t ask that of us, little one,” Bastián said. “The guy promised us he wouldn’t hurt you. He played us like complete fools.”

“It’s my fault for not understanding what everyone was telling me, including you two, but I assure you I’ve learned my lesson. Besides, I want you to know that I’m okay. Every disappointment hurts, but I promise you I can handle it.”

“Then why are you leaving?”

“Because I need a change of scenery and I owe Sean a visit. I think this is the best time to do it.”

“The guy understands he shouldn’t show up here, right? Because if I see him, I swear I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“That’s a problem. Henry is probably just finding out that I discovered his cheating. I saw him leaving a bar with his arms around a woman, but he didn’t see me,” I explained, avoiding mentioning the photographs. “He might come here wanting to explain what doesn’t need explaining, and if he does show up,I’m asking you to tell him I’m not here. I’ve already asked Cameron to do the same.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to make it clear to him,” Bastián said.

“I’ll take care of it too,” Lolo said with a murderous look.

“What did I just ask you? I don’t want violence. We Dukarts are civilized and sensible people; we don’t solve things with violence. Please, I’m asking you not to do it. Our lives shouldn’t be defined by cruel people—that’s giving them too much importance.”

“Dali, you’re asking a lot. I’m dying to wipe that smug smile off his face with a good right hook.”

“Lolo, no. If you two get involved in this, I’ll stay in France permanently.”

Lolo snorted with frustration but didn’t say anything.

“Regarding hotel business, I promise to stay connected and continue working on what I’ve been doing from there.”

“That’s the least of our concerns,” Bastián said. “What matters is that you’re okay.”

“I’m not okay, but I will be.”

“Do you have everything you need for the trip? When are you coming back?” Lolo asked.

“I have everything prepared; I even packed my luggage last night. As for returning, I don’t know yet. I’ll probably stay a week or ten days, but it will depend on how I’m feeling.”

“Alright, we understand. We’ll take you to the airport today, but try not to stay away too long. I don’t like knowing you’re having a hard time and are far away,” Bastián affirmed.

“I know, but I won’t be alone. I’ll be with Sean.”

They looked at each other but didn’t say anything. At that moment, my phone rang. When I looked at the screen and sawhis name, I wasn’t surprised—I simply felt anger invading my entire being again. How dare he call me! He was so shameless!

“It’s him, isn’t it?” Bastián asked.