Chapter 1 - The Masquerade of Monsters
🔴 TRENDING: "My Husband Believes My Lies, But I Don't Know He Just Saw My True Face..."The door clicked.
The brass handle turned with an agonizing, slow creak that sounded like a death knell in the quiet bedroom. Diego’s heart hammered against his ribs like a trapped beast. He had only a fraction of a second to act.
With a swift, silent movement, he took the tablet from Renata’s trembling hands and slipped it into the waistband of his trousers, pulling his suit jacket over it. He stood up, smoothing his tie, and gently stepped in front of his daughter, shielding her small, shivering frame from the doorway.
Karla stepped into the room.
She was stunning. Her emerald green silk dress draped perfectly over her slender frame, her blonde hair coiffed into flawless, elegant waves. She wore a diamond necklace that Diego had bought her for their tenth anniversary. Her lips were painted a striking crimson, curved into a warm, maternal smile that made Diego’s blood run cold.
"Is everything okay in here?" Karla asked, her voice dripping with sweet, melodic concern. "Diego, darling, your father’s car just pulled into the driveway. We really must go. Renata, why aren't you dressed yet?"
Diego looked at his wife. For ten years, he had loved this woman. He had built a life with her, kissed her every morning, comforted her when she cried, and shared his deepest dreams with her. Now, looking at her, he didn't see his wife. He saw a stranger. A monster wearing the skin of the woman he loved.
“Yes. But today you can be rougher. Just make sure nothing shows during the recital.”
The words from the video replayed in his mind, echoing like a screaming siren. He wanted to wrap his hands around her neck. He wanted to scream until his lungs bled. But he couldn't. Not yet. If he snapped now, his father—the powerful, untouchable Armando Arriaga—would use his immense wealth and legal influence to crush him, take Renata away, and bury the truth forever.
He had to play the game. He had to wear a mask of his own.
"She's just a little nervous, Karla," Diego said, his voice surprisingly steady, though his fists clenched so hard inside his pockets that his knuckles turned white. "Stage fright. I was just giving her a pep talk."
Karla sighed, stepping closer. The scent of her expensive French perfume filled the air, suddenly smelling to Diego like decay. She reached out to touch Renata’s cheek, but Diego subtly shifted his weight, blocking her path.
"Oh, sweetie," Karla cooed, her eyes narrowing just a fraction as she noticed Diego’s defensive posture. "There's nothing to be afraid of. Your grandfather is so excited to see you play. You wouldn't want to disappoint Grandpa, would you?"
The psychological weight of those words hung in the air. Renata shrank back slightly, her tiny fingers clutching the fabric of Diego's trousers.
"Of course not," Diego intervened, offering a tight, simulated smile. "Why don't you head downstairs and greet my father, Karla? I’ll help Renata put on her dress and we’ll be right down. Give us five minutes."
Karla stared at Diego. For a terrifying, breathless moment, her smile faltered. Her eyes, cold and calculating, scanned his face, searching for any sign of betrayal. Diego kept his expression neutral, forcing his muscles to relax.
"Alright," Karla said slowly, her voice losing a bit of its warmth. "Don't be long. Armando doesn't like to be kept waiting."
She turned and walked out, her high heels clicking sharply against the hardwood floor.
The moment she was gone, Diego spun around and knelt in front of Renata. He took her small, cold hands in his.
"Renata, listen to me very carefully," he whispered, his voice thick with unshed tears. "We are going to get through this. I am going to protect you. No one is ever going to hurt you again. Do you trust me?"
Renata nodded, a single tear spilling over her eyelashes. "I trust you, Daddy."
"I need you to put on your dress. We are going to go to that recital, and we are going to pretend everything is normal. Just for a little while. Can you do that for me?"
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"Will Grandpa be there?" she whispered, fear trembling in her voice.
"Yes. But he won't get near you. I won't let him. I will be right by your side the entire time." Diego kissed her forehead, tasting the salt of her tears. "Put the dress on, sweetheart. Our war starts today."
