Chapter 01

At twenty-four, Isabela Leal had learned the hard way that nothing in life came free. She lived in Marbella, worked hard, and carried a heart far too big for the world she'd been given. With silky brown hair, determined light-brown eyes, and a warm smile that put everyone at ease, she had a quiet, natural beauty that turned heads wherever she went — though she never seemed to notice. She'd been working as a sales associate at a clothing boutique, always kind, always punctual, always the first one there and the last to leave. Her routine was grueling, but she never complained. Every setback she met with courage, every hardship with stubborn hope. Despite financial struggles and obstacles that never seemed to stop coming, Isabela held on to her values. Kindness, loyalty, and relentless work ethic — she believed those mattered more than any fortune. Her greatest strength was her refusal to let the worst of life strip away the best of who she was.

Isabela walked through the door with tears streaming down her face. One look at her — home hours before she should've been — and Lais already knew.

"Come here," Lais said, patting the couch beside her.

"I got fired today." Isabela's voice cracked. "And I got slapped for something I didn't even do."

"Let me guess — that toxic manager of yours."

"She told my boss's wife I was his mistress. Can you believe that? And that coward just sat there and said nothing while I was being accused."

"Please tell me you didn't just take it."

"Of course not. I told his wife to check the security cameras if she wanted to see who the real mistress was." Isabela wiped her cheeks. "At least my severance was decent."

"Girl, you worked there for two years without a single sick day or absence. Of course it was decent."

"I'm going to pay a few months' rent ahead, stock up on groceries, and start handing out resumes."

"Don't worry about it right now. I'm heading to work in a bit — I'll ask around, see if anyone's hiring."

"You switched shifts today?"

"Yeah, my manager asked me to cover the afternoon. His little favorite called in sick."

Isabela managed a small laugh. "Can we eat? I haven't had anything all day."

"I made pasta that'll make you forget your own name. Try it."

"This is why living with a future head chef has its perks."

"Oh, stop. You cook just as well. But your real calling was always nursing."

Isabela's smile faded. "That was my dream. Too bad it didn't work out."

"Everything has its time. Your stepmother stole your diploma and handed it to that snake of a stepsister, but karma doesn't forget."

"Let's not talk about that. I've put that family behind me." She stood up. "Let's eat."

They sat at the kitchen counter together. After a long meal filled with conversation, Lais went to get ready for work while Isabela cleaned the kitchen.

"I'm heading out," Lais called from the hallway. "Call me if you need anything."

"Be safe. I'm going to call the landlord and pay two months up front, then hit the grocery store."

"Don't spend everything on bills. Think about yourself for once — you need new clothes, and go get your hair and nails done."

"Fine, fine. Go." They hugged goodbye.

After Lais left, Isabela called the landlord, explained the situation, and paid two months in advance. She also covered the internet bill and left only the electricity for Lais. Then she went to the grocery store and did a proper shopping run. Back home, she put everything away, organized the apartment, and gave the whole place a deep clean. Once everything was spotless, she took a long shower, got dressed, and — with the money she'd set aside — finally did what Lais had told her to do. She bought new clothes for herself and even a gift for Lais. Then she went to a salon and got her hair and nails done. She barely recognized herself in the mirror; it had been ages since she'd taken care of herself like this. But even while treating herself, she'd taken care of every responsibility first. That was just who she was.

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