Episode 5

Sebastian Arismendi

Camila's bitch had taken off.

Just like that. As if she were the most dignified, as if she hadn't lived in my shadow for years. She left with her head held high, thinking she was superior, when everyone knew that without me she was nothing. Women like her always think they can leave and the world will wait for them with open arms.

Ridiculous.

Marina, on the other hand, was different. Much more beautiful. Younger. And, above all, more useful. She had fresh knowledge, straight from the academy, new ideas that I could mold to my convenience. It wasn't hard to convince her. It never is when they know you have power... or when they think you're going to have it.

"You always deserved more than Camila," I told her one night, as she straightened her dress in front of the mirror. "She was stagnant."

Marina smiled. She liked feeling chosen. Special.

My secretary, Lina, also fulfilled her function. Ambitious, discreet when it suited her, and with access to key information. She could get internal evidence, confidential reports, anything I needed to strengthen my candidacy. I had to keep them happy, motivated. And that was easy.

It always has been.

I am a man with a future. I have proven it. I have risen quickly in the company, faster than many who have been waiting for opportunities that will never come. I earn well, I have a beautiful house in an exclusive area, a car that attracts attention and a life that many envy. I am an only child, the pride of my parents, the example of success at family gatherings.

I don't lose.

That's why Camila's departure didn't worry me too much at first. On the contrary, I thought she had done me a favor. I no longer had to put up with her analytical looks or her uncomfortable silences. She always thought she was smarter than me, but if she really were, she wouldn't have ended up packing her bags like a defeated woman.

Today, however, the atmosphere in the company was strange.

Rumors were spreading from desk to desk like wildfire. Whispers, hushed phone calls, impromptu meetings. Something big was moving, and I always find out about everything.

"They say the company was sold," one of my colleagues commented in the cafeteria.

"Sold?" I asked, feigning surprise.

"To a German firm. Apparently, huge. The new boss will arrive in the next few days to review staff, strategies, everything."

I remained calm on the outside, but inside I analyzed every possibility. A new boss meant changes, yes, but also opportunities. And I was more than prepared.

My resume was impeccable. Successful projects, measurable results, proven leadership. No one could deny that I was one of the best New York had. Besides, I had already lost a position before because of a boss who was too conservative, one who couldn't see my potential. This time it wouldn't happen again.

"You have nothing to worry about," Lina told me later, walking into my office without knocking. "Your profile is exactly what they're looking for."

"I know," I replied, settling into my chair. "But I want to be one step ahead. I need to know who that German is."

"I'm on it."

I smiled. Everything was under control.

Marina came to see me at the end of the day. She sat across from me, crossing her legs confidently.

"I've been reviewing the latest reports," she said. "There are points we could improve to impress the new boss."

"I like that," I replied. "Initiative."

She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice.

"Camila didn't apply for the position, did she?"

I shook my head, suppressing a smile.

"No. She went on a trip. I guess she couldn't handle the pressure."

Marina smiled, satisfied.

Of course Camila wouldn't apply. She was always too sentimental. Too correct. In the real world, that doesn't work.

As I closed the office that night, I thought about the future. About the position that was about to be mine. About the bigger office, the salary increase, the respect that everyone would finally have to give me.

A German boss didn't intimidate me. On the contrary. Men like me know how to adapt, say the right thing, show only what is convenient. I have dealt with more difficult people.

Camila had been just a temporary obstacle. An uncomfortable memory.

Sebastian Arismendi, 30 years old

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