It had been a week since the wedding. The fastest and most gloomy wedding she had witnessed. Seven full days since Isabella Deville became the bride of El Diablo.
In the courtyard near the servant's quarters, Selena stood with two other maids, hands deep in soap and linen. They were washing bedsheets in the large stone basin, steam rising as they worked in silence. Laughter was forbidden in that part of the house and so was gossip.
The sound of boots on stone made them all freeze. A guard approached, black uniform, hand resting near the gun at his hip.
He stopped in front of Selena. "El Diablo wants to see you."
She glanced up sharply, eyes wide for a second then dropped them again, murmuring, "Yes."
She dried her hands quickly on her apron, heart racing. The other maids stepped back as she followed the guard up the stone steps and through the dark corridor toward Rafael's office. "What had she done?, Didn't she make sure Isabella was on time in the room the last time he saw her?, what could she had possibly done wrong?" All these questions ran through her mind but the answers would only come from El Diablo himself.
When they reached the tall double doors, the guard stepped aside. Selena paused at the entrance, eyes on the floor.
"Enter," came the cold command from inside.
She stepped in slowly, head still bowed.
Rafael sat behind a long mahogany desk, papers stacked to one side, a cigar burning in a small glass tray. He didn't look up.
"I want Isabella dressed and ready by 8 p.m.," he said. "Bring her to the garden. On time."
Selena nodded quickly. "Yes, Señor."
"That's all."
She turned and left without another word, careful not to let her fear show in her steps.
...
Selena knocked once before entering. Isabella looked up from the bed where she sat, still in her pale blue robe. "Señora" She called immediately she entered the room.
"I've told you to stop calling me that...we are almost the same age" Isabella smiled weakly.
Selena nodded."He wants you ready by eight," She said softly, going straight to the wardrobe.
"Tonight?" Isabella asked, startled.
Selena nodded. "He'll meet you in the garden."
She pulled out a red flowing dress and began laying it carefully on the bed.
"It's part of the Navarro tradition," she added as she moved. "One week after marriage, the bride is granted one wish. Whatever you ask... no matter what it is ...must be granted."
Isabella looked uncertain. "A wish?"
Selena nodded, brushing out a set of silver earrings. "Think carefully before you make it. El Diablo doesn't take disappointment lightly "
Isabella stared at the dress. At her reflection. And then at the bruises still fading on her arms.
"A wish? In this place?" She thought as she sat down in front of her vanity.
Selena brushed Isabella's hair gently, adding subtle curls, a touch of gloss to her lips, and a tiny silver necklace.
"You look beautiful," Selena said genuinely after Isabella was ready. "Be careful what you choose" Selena added.
---
By 8 p.m., the garden shimmered under moonlight. Marble statues loomed like ghosts among the hedges, and lanterns flickered on iron posts. A long black dining table was set under a vine tree. Crystal glasses. Silver plates.
But no Rafael.
Isabella sat at the edge of her chair, her hands in her lap, spine stiff. Her eyes wandered to the stars above, whispering a silent prayer she didn't believe would be heard.
Then he came.
He didn't announce himself. His presence simply filled the air.
She turned. He stood in black shirt sleeves rolled up, collar open, a few buttons undone. His dark hair slicked back, jaw shadowed, eyes sharper than the moonlight.
He stared at her for a long, unreadable moment before finally walking over and taking the seat opposite her.
Isabella couldn't help it. She studied his face....the beauty of it. Handsome,flawless yet cold and deadly.
How could someone who looked like that... be so monstrous?
A moment passed. Then, the food was served by silent staff who dared not to look at El Diablo,he moved with so much precision so as not to anger him. It was grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri, roasted poblanos, buttered corn, and small tortillas on the side. Mexican cuisine fit for royalty.
Rafael didn't speak. He picked up his knife and fork and began to eat without looking at her.
Isabella didn't touch her food. Her stomach was in knots.
"Eat," he said, not lifting his eyes.
She startled slightly. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the cutlery and obeyed.
Halfway through the meal, his voice cut through the silence. "You know why you're here."
She nodded once. "Selena told me."
"Then don't waste my time." His fork clicked against his plate. "Make your wish."
Isabella hesitated, heart hammering.
"I don't have all day" He said when he didn't hear her speak.
"I... I want to see my father."
He looked at her. Not in surprise but with a flicker of something else. It was gone too quickly to name.
He didn't answer.
He returned to his food, slicing calmly, chewing slowly. She watched, anxiety building in her chest.
He won't allow it, she thought. He's going to say no. Of course he is. This is El Diablo....of course he wouldn't allow his payment leave.
Her appetite vanished. She pushed the food around her plate, pretending to eat.
But when he was done, he leaned back in his chair, took a sip of wine, and said without emotion, "The guards will be outside your door at 9 a.m. sharp. They'll take you to him. They'll bring you back. Don't be late."
Her eyes widened. She didn't expect it....not at all but she just got her wish.
She blinked twice. "Thank you," she said softly, barely above a whisper. "Truly."
He didn't reply.
He stood, buttoned his shirt and walked away leaving her at the long, luxurious table alone beneath the stars.