Alex shrugged, his eyes cold. "You were just a convenience, Rachael. You were never the one I wanted."
Rachael's eyes went dry, her pain replaced by anger. "You're not worth my tears," she spat, turning and running away from him. She cried all the way, wondering how and why the world was so cruel to her.
Rachael was heartbroken, her tears blurring her vision as she crossed the road without thinking. She didn't see a car coming, didn't hear the screeching tires until it was almost too late. The car skidded to a stop just inches from Rachael's face, the wind from the tires blowing her hair back.
Valeria leapt out of the car, her eyes blazing with anger. "What the hell are you doing? You almost got yourself killed!"
But as she took in Rachael's tear-stained face, her anger faltered. She saw the depth of Rachael's pain, the despair in her eyes. And for the first time in her long life, Valeria felt a pang of sympathy.
"Hey, are you okay?" Valeria asked, her voice softer than she intended.
Rachael hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But there was something in Valeria's eyes that made her open up. "I just had a fight with my boyfriend," she said, her voice cracking. "He cheated on me."
Valeria's expression turned cold again, but she nodded. "Get in the car," she said. "I'll take you somewhere safe."
Rachael hesitated, but Valeria's firm tone put her at ease. She got in the car, and Valeria drove her to her mansion on the outskirts of the city.
Over the next few weeks, Rachael became a fixture in the Salvadore household, hired as Valeria's assistant after a thorough background check. And as they spent more time together, they became unlikely friends, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.
Despite their differences - Valeria's wealth and privilege, Rachael's humble background - they found common ground in their shared pain and struggles. And for the first time in her life, Valeria felt like she had found a true friend…
Rachael's eyes misted as she thought about her family, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. She had missed them so much over the years, wondering if she would ever see them again.
They had left A city without her, moving away to start a new life. She had been hurt and felt abandoned, but they had explained their decision in their last conversation, promising to stay in touch.
But life had gotten in the way, and they had lost contact. Rachael had been busy working for the Salvadores, serving as Valeria's assistant, and hadn't heard from her family in years. She had often wondered where they were, if they were happy, and if they ever thought of her.
Now, the news that they would visit her on Visiting Day filled her with joy and excitement. Visiting Day was surely going to be memorable, a day to cherish and treasure.
Rachael's nostalgia was replaced by anticipation and excitement as she prepared to reunite with her loved ones.
…