“There’s more,” Adriana said, her voice lowering slightly. “He’s desperate to keep this agreement a secret. He begged me to keep it between us, even after the divorce.”
“Good,” Isabelle replied. “Let him think he’s in control. He has no idea what’s coming.”
Adriana stopped pacing and stared at the water, her reflection looking back at her with cold determination. “I’m going to destroy him, Mama. I’ll make him lose everything. The cartel, his family’s trust—everything he values will slip through his fingers by the time I’m done with him.”
“And Yesenia?” Isabelle asked, her voice sharp.
Adriana’s jaw tightened at the mention of her half-sister. “She’ll pay too. I’ll make sure she regrets ever stepping into my life, much less into my relationship.”
Isabelle let out a satisfied sigh. “You’ve done well, Adriana. Your father would be proud of you. The Monero name stands strong because of you.”
Adriana smiled faintly, her mother’s words fueling her resolve. “Thank you, Mama. But this is only the beginning.”
“I trust you know what you’re doing,” Isabelle said. “But remember, don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. Revenge is best served cold, mija.”
Adriana nodded, even though her mother couldn’t see her. “Don’t worry, Mama. I’ll make sure every move is calculated.”
“Good,” Isabelle said. “Now rest. You’ll need your strength for what’s to come.”
“I will. Thank you, Mama,” Adriana said before ending the call.
The following morning, Adriana woke up with a clear head. The sting of betrayal still lingered, but it had transformed into a driving force, fueling her determination. She wouldn’t just endure; she would rise stronger than ever.
After a quick breakfast and a brief exchange with her housekeeper, she decided to begin the next phase of her plan—preparing for the wedding. The first task on her list was selecting the perfect wedding gown. If she was going to play the part of the devoted bride, she intended to do so flawlessly.
Adriana called her assistant, Mariana, and instructed her to arrange a private appointment at one of the city’s most exclusive bridal boutiques. Within an hour, the boutique’s manager had cleared their schedule to accommodate her. Being a Monero came with certain advantages, even if they felt hollow at times.
When Adriana arrived, she was greeted by a flurry of staff eager to assist. The manager, a polished woman named Eliana, stepped forward with a warm smile.
“Señorita Monero, it’s an honor to have you here. We’ve prepared our finest selection for you,” Eliana said, gesturing toward a spacious fitting area lined with racks of pristine white gowns.
“Thank you, Eliana,” Adriana replied smoothly. “Let’s begin.”
After trying on several gowns, she finally stepped into one that made her pause. It was a masterpiece—a fitted bodice adorned with intricate lace, cascading into a dramatic skirt that shimmered with every movement. It was regal, commanding, and breathtaking.
When she stepped out of the fitting room, the staff fell silent, their eyes widening in awe. Even Mariana, who rarely showed emotion, seemed impressed.
“This is the one,” Adriana said, her voice firm. She turned to face the mirror, taking in the full effect. This gown wasn’t just a wedding dress—it was armor. A symbol of the battle she was preparing to fight.
Once the fitting was complete, Eliana assured her the gown would be ready within a week. Adriana thanked her and left the boutique, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
On the drive home, she allowed herself a moment of indulgence, imagining the look on Javier’s face when he realized the full extent of her plans. For now, she would play her part, smiling and nodding, pretending to be the devoted bride-to-be. But beneath the surface, her every move was calculated, her every step leading toward one inevitable conclusion—his downfall.
The days leading up to the wedding passed in a blur of preparations. Adriana kept herself busy with fittings, guest lists, and orchestrating every detail of the grand event. Her determination never wavered, even as she rehearsed the vows she had no intention of honoring beyond a year.
When the wedding day finally arrived, the Monero estate was transformed into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The gardens were adorned with cascading white roses and crystal chandeliers that sparkled in the midday sun. Rows of chairs lined the lawn, filled with high-profile guests from the cartel world and beyond.
Adriana sat in her private suite, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. Her gown, now fully tailored to perfection, hugged her body elegantly. The lace detailing on the bodice shimmered faintly, and the train flowed behind her like liquid silver. Her makeup was flawless, her lips painted a deep crimson that hinted at the fire beneath her poised exterior.
Mariana entered the room, carrying a small tray with a glass of champagne. “It’s time, Señorita Monero. Are you ready?”
Adriana turned her gaze to Mariana and smiled faintly. “More than ready.”
Mariana handed her the champagne, and Adriana took a small sip before standing. She adjusted the veil that framed her face, giving herself one final look in the mirror.
“Let’s do this,” she said, her voice steady.
As she stepped out of the suite, her mother, Isabel, was waiting in the hallway. Dressed in an elegant black gown with subtle gold accents, Isabel looked every bit the matriarch of the Monero family.
“You look stunning,” Isabel said, her eyes glistening with pride. “Your father would have been so proud of you today.”
Adriana nodded, her expression unreadable. “Thank you, Mamá. I’ll make sure this day is unforgettable.”
The music began to play, a hauntingly beautiful melody that echoed through the estate. As Adriana appeared at the top of the aisle, a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes were on her, but her focus was solely on the man waiting at the altar.
Javier stood in a sharp black suit, his expression one of awe as Adriana walked toward him. For a moment, she saw something genuine in his eyes—a flicker of admiration or perhaps even guilt. But Adriana pushed the thought aside. This was not a day for sentiment.
The ceremony proceeded smoothly, and when the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Javier leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that felt more like a transaction than a declaration of love.
The reception was lavish, filled with champagne, decadent food, and music that kept the guests entertained late into the night.
Yesenia, dressed in a pale gold gown, approached Adriana cautiously. “You look... amazing. Truly.”
“Thank you, Yesenia,” Adriana replied, her tone as sweet as honey. “And thank you for being my maid of honor. It means the world to me.”
Yesenia’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. “Of course. Anything for you.”
Adriana leaned in slightly, her voice low. “Enjoy the night. After all, it’s not every day you get to witness such a perfect union.”
Yesenia’s face paled, but before she could respond, Adriana had already turned her attention to another guest.
Javier, meanwhile, was engrossed in a conversation with his parents. He seemed at ease, as though the past had been completely erased. Adriana watched him from across the room, her smile never wavering.
Her mother approached her, holding a glass of champagne. “You handled today beautifully,” Isabel said.
“It’s only the beginning,” Adriana replied, clinking her glass against her mother’s.
As the night wore on, Adriana found herself alone on the balcony, overlooking the sprawling gardens. The cool night air was a relief from the heat of the crowded reception. She closed her eyes, letting the reality of the day settle over her.
The game had begun. And Adriana Monero intended to win.
