CHIARA POV
The secret that only Xander and I share, despite the assumptions and beliefs that Ximara is Xander's flesh and blood, the reality is quite different. She is the biological child of Luis. This clandestine truth is a well-guarded secret, one that not even my own parents are privy to. Yet, they possess an acute perceptiveness, for they have astutely noticed that Xander does not bear the genetic connection to our beloved Ximara.
The gratitude within me swells as I reflect upon the understanding and unwavering support demonstrated by my parents. Their respect for my decision to keep this information private means the world to me and the fact that they have never pressured us to get married. Rather, they have embraced our unconventional family dynamics with compassion and respect. Their decision to refrain from exerting pressure upon us to forge a matrimonial bond speaks volumes about their unconditional love.

In the deepest recesses of my heart, their acknowledgment of my desire to safeguard this confidential information brings immeasurable solace. It is an affirmation that my parents value my autonomy and understand the intricate complexities that exist within our family's tapestry. Their unwavering respect for my decision to shelter this truth from prying eyes signifies the world to me, a testament to the enduring bond we share.
The profound significance lies not only in their acceptance of our circumstances but also in the absence of judgment. Their unspoken pledge to withhold any disapproving gazes or reproachful words solidifies their role as pillars of support in our lives. For it is their understanding that encourages me to navigate the intricate labyrinth of parenthood with confidence and serenity.
In a world that often criticizes and scrutinizes unconventional choices, my parents have become beacons of acceptance and understanding. Their unwavering devotion to our happiness, unclouded by societal expectations, is a blessing beyond measure. And as we continue to hold onto this secret, tightly cocooned within the deepest corners of our hearts, I am forever grateful for the invaluable gift of their understanding, compassion, and respect.
Lately, I find myself perplexed and unsettled by Rhian's behavior towards me. It seems as though she has undergone a significant change in her demeanor, becoming exceedingly kind and considerate. I can't help but question the genuineness behind her actions, as I contemplate whether they are merely a result of her ongoing pregnancy.
With every thoughtful gesture and considerate word, doubt starts to creep into my mind. Is Rhian truly being sincere, or is this newfound kindness solely a byproduct of her current condition? Having experienced the transformative phase of pregnancy myself, I distinctly remember how it altered my own behavior towards others.
During my own pregnancy with Ximara, I recall going through significant emotional and physical changes, which inevitably affected how I interacted with those around me. It's natural, I suppose, for pregnancy to bring about a shift in one's mindset and approach towards others. Therefore, it's difficult for me not to ponder Rhian's intentions, especially in light of my own personal experiences.

I find myself questioning whether Rhian's benevolence is genuine or if it's simply a temporary facade brought about by her pregnancy. Is she truly being kind out of the goodness of her heart, or is it merely a fleeting state of heightened emotions and hormonal fluctuations?
As I observe Rhian's behavior, I can't help but dissect every action, searching for clues that may reveal her true intentions. The uncertainty swirls in my mind, casting a shadow of doubt over our interactions. It's disconcerting to contemplate whether her kindness is a genuine reflection of her character or merely a temporary phenomenon.
In an attempt to understand the authenticity behind Rhian's actions, I must confront my own biases and insecurities. Perhaps I'm projecting my own experiences onto her, unfairly assuming that her behavior must mirror my own during pregnancy. However, until I am able to gain further insight into her true motives, I will remain perplexed, questioning the sincerity behind her kindness towards me.
As for whether Luis will eventually find out the truth, only time will tell. Right now, I have made the decision to stay silent and keep this secret to myself. I'm unsure if revealing the truth would only create chaos within their family, so I have chosen to withhold it for the time being. Time will be the ultimate judge of whether this decision proves to be right or wrong.

MAXIMO POV
I dialed Rhian's number to ask her where is she. When she finally picked up, I wasted no time in asking her, "Where are you?"
She responded, her tone accusatory, "Why did you bring me to the CMA fashion boutique if it belongs to Chiara?" Confusion swirled in my mind as I tried to understand her question. Why was she upset about the boutique's ownership?
With a smile on my face, I tried to explain my rationale. "Why not? You enjoyed your time at Mia's boutique, didn't you? You've already bought quite a lot from there." I hoped that reminding her of our pleasant experience at Mia's boutique would alleviate any concerns she had about the CMA boutique.
Rhian's voice softened, tinged with amusement. "So...I guess you're contradicting yourself then," she teased. I could almost picture her smiling as she spoke.
Trying to steer the conversation away from any potential disagreement, I quickly changed the subject. "Where are you?" I inquired, hoping to redirect our focus.
"I'm at the CMA boutique, why?" she responded, her words causing a faint sense of frustration to bubble within me. She had just gone shopping last week. Why was she back at the boutique so soon?
I replied with a smile, attempting to brush off any worry. "Oh, nothing. I was just checking up on you," I assured her, though silently perplexed by her sudden urge to shop again.
Reassuring me, she explained, "Don't worry, I'm with my driver. He's waiting in the car outside the boutique." Just as I was about to respond, the ringing of the telephone on my desk interrupted us.
Interrupting our conversation, Rhian hastily concluded, "Well, it seems like you still have work to attend to. Goodbye." Without waiting for my response, she abruptly ended the call, leaving me slightly frustrated with her impulsive actions.
"Yes?" I replied, picking up the phone and preparing myself for the conversation on the other end.
"Sir, Sir Alexander wants to talk to you," Mark, my secretary, informed me.
"Let him in," I instructed Mark to allow him entry into my office, ending the call.
My mind immediately became consumed with curiosity, pondering the reason behind Alex's sudden desire to meet with me. Our relationship, once a strong bond of friendship and collaboration, had gradually deteriorated over time, ultimately leading to a painful dissolution of our personal and business ties. His unexpected appearance in my office left me both perplexed and intrigued.
With a subtle nod, I gave Alex permission to enter, the door creaking open with a whisper. As he walked in, his presence seemed to emanate a mixture of apprehension and determination. I motioned for him to take a seat, silently studying his countenance, searching for clues as to his intentions.
Without wasting any time, I decided to address the elephant in the room, mustering the courage to inquire directly about the purpose of his visit.
"What brings you here?" I asked, my tone sharp and straightforward, my suspicion making it clear that I didn't anticipate a mere friendly visit. Deep down, I knew there had to be a deeper motive behind his unexpected presence in my office.
"Do you still love her?" Alexander's voice cut through the air, completely devoid of any discernible emotion. I couldn't help but feel a rush of bewilderment as his question hung in the air, swirling around me like an enigmatic mist.
My brows furrowed, my mind grappling with the meaning behind his words. "What do you mean?" I stammered, my voice betraying the confusion that swirled within me. It was as if I had been plunged into a murky abyss of uncertainty, unable to see the path ahead clearly.
His eyes bore into mine, a penetrating gaze that revealed nothing but an impenetrable fortress of stoicism. There was an unspoken intensity emanating from him, as if he held me captive within his unwavering stare. The question lingered, suspended between us, while his glance betrayed not even a hint of his own emotions.
Summoning my courage, I masked my inner turmoil with a controlled facade, managing to muster a smile that felt foreign on my lips. "Sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about, Alexander," I responded, my voice steady despite the trepidation coursing through my veins. Inside, uncertainty churned, a tempest threatening to consume me, but outwardly, I maintained composure, refusing to let my unease seep through the carefully crafted mask.
"Don't lie to me, Maximo, I know that she still holds a place in your heart." Alexander shot back, his voice dripping with frustration. Anger flickered across his face, leaving me bewildered as to what could have caused such intense emotions. The intensity in his eyes made it clear that he was onto something.
"What about Rhian? You already have your own family, so why-" he added, his words leaving me even more perplexed.
"What about Rhian?" I interrupted, my mind racing to understand what he meant. Confusion washed over me as his insinuations left me completely lost.
"Listen, Maximo, you and Rhian are expecting a child, so maybe you-" he tried to explain, but my smile quickly faded into a perplexed expression. How could Rhian be carrying my child?
"Rhian is not carrying my child," I interjected, determined to clear up this misunderstanding. I watched as his confusion grew, mirroring my own. How had this rumor come about? What was he thinking? I needed to unravel this mystery before it caused any further confusion or misunderstanding.