Love, Hate, and You

"If you came to me for your own gain..."

"Then use me for the rest of your life."

Catalina Álvarez smiled softly.

Lucía Benítez had never believed she would be loved.

She grew up in an orphanage where birthdays were forgotten and promises rarely lasted. Her youth disappeared in endless shifts, sleepless nights, and the exhausting art of surviving.

Until she met Catalina Álvarez.

A woman eight years older.

The first person who ever gave her a home.

A light left on every night.

A warm dinner waiting on the table.

Arms gentle enough to soften a heart that had long learned to remain cold.

But just as love began to take root—

The truth surfaced.

The Álvarez family had ties to the tragedy that took Lucía's parents years ago.

From that moment on, love became a blade.

Every heartbeat hurt.

Every attempt to leave ended in failure.

"I hate you."

"I know."