—"Darling, I'm at the literary festival," said Benjamín with a smile.
—"And how's it going? Do you like it?" asked Alexandra.
—"Yes, I love it," he replied.
While they talked, Liana thought silently:
Talk to him while you can, because when he's mine, the sweet words he says to you today, he'll say to you tomorrow with bitterness. I will be the only affection he knows.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Benjamín's voice:
—"Sorry, that was my girlfriend... but I really enjoyed talking to you."
—"Me too," Liana replied. "I hope you enjoy the rest of the festival. I'll be here until tomorrow, but I have to go for now."
—"I'd like us to see each other again. Maybe have a coffee or tea," Benjamín suggested.
—"Sure, whenever you want. Text me, I'd be happy to," said Liana with an innocent smile.
—"But... you haven't given me your number," he replied, charmed.
—"You're right, sorry," she said, pretending to be embarrassed. "My number is 3*****0."
—"Okay, I saved it," he smiled.
Perfect, thought Liana. This is delightful. Everything is going according to plan.
After saying goodbye, Liana returned home. Once there, she looked around and murmured:
—"So tidy... It's obvious no one else lives here. It would be annoying if someone else did. Anyway, I'm going to undress and order food. I don't want to go out, even if the dishes there were amazing. It's already late, past four... I'll shower before the food arrives."
After showering, she looked in the mirror. Her wet hair fell down her back while a bathrobe outlined her figure. Then an image entered her mind: a woman seen from behind, dressed in white, elegant, with long black hair, writing calmly. The steam didn't hide her; instead, it seemed to summon her.
—"You'll be called Liana," said the figure. "You'll be arrogant, cruel, selfish. Repulsive to others' lips, yet admired by many. You'll shine without dimming others' light, but they will dim yours. You'll be loved… but there's a price: solitude."
—"Teacher, why Liana? Isn't it a plant?" the young woman asked.
The woman smiled:
—"Because your personality will be like ivy. You cling. You entwine. And if you're torn out, you bleed. Remember this well: you and I are the same person, but not the same. There's an imbalance. Our meeting will not happen again."
Liana came back to herself.
—"What nonsense runs through my mind... but she's my teacher."
The doorbell rang. It was the food. Opening the box, she said:
—"Charming. I almost fainted from hunger. Chicken is something I crave… it changes my mood."
After eating, she lay down and fell deeply asleep. Her phone buzzed. An unregistered number was messaging her.
Meanwhile, at Alexandra's house, Benjamín was telling her about his day:
—"Darling, my day was great. I met an amazing writer. I even brought two books: one for you and one for me. She signed mine, but I bought yours after she left."
—"That's fine, darling. I'll read it today. Oh, by the way, I'm going to the university tomorrow. We'll meet in the afternoon."
—"And your mom? I didn't see her," he asked.
—"She's not home," she replied with a soft smile.
—"Okay. Send her my regards. I have to go."
Alexandra smiled sadly after he left:
—"Mom isn't here today either... but I know she loves me."
The next day, Liana woke up and checked her phone. She saw the message: Hi. She instantly knew who it was and celebrated with disdain:
—"How about today, for dessert? Even though I don't like sweets… this situation calls for it."
She replied with perfect handwriting: "Hi, who is this?" She left the phone and went to shower. Shortly after, he replied:
—"It's me, Benjamín. Sorry for the hour… good morning."
—"Good morning. Don't worry," she replied with a smile.
—"Would you like to have coffee with me today?" Benjamín asked.
—"How about this afternoon at six?
A good time for tea, coffee… or a cold drink,"* Liana replied.
—"Perfect, I'll pick you up at six. Can you send me your address?"
—"Okay," she said, and sent it.
Liana smiled in satisfaction, showered again, applied sandalwood oil to her skin, a face mask, creams, sunscreen, and a natural makeup that highlighted her features. She wore a white skirt below the knee, striking earrings, and a beautiful necklace. She went to university. Everyone looked at her with admiration. Alexandra, with disgust, thought:
Look at her. She thinks she owns the world. But she's just a fraud here. She pretends to be from high society, but she's never even touched it. I'll bring her down from that ridiculous pedestal.
Liana entered the classroom smiling. Alexandra intercepted her:
—"Don't pretend to be at this level, or in this society. Only the powerful win."
—"You always try to hurt me… but I don't do the same to you. Tell me, why do you hate me?" Liana replied with an innocent expression.
Everyone looked at Alexandra with judgment in their eyes. She said:
—"Don't be fooled by this poisonous ivy. She doesn't belong here."
But no one changed their expression. Liana smiled to herself, invisible to all.
I will win. For that, I need your boyfriend first… better said, he's already mine.
Later, Manuel approached her with a bouquet of lilies:
—"Will you be my girlfriend today?" he said, also offering chocolates.
—"Sorry, not today," she replied politely. "It's already late, I have to go."
—"One day, you'll say yes," Manuel insisted.
That night, Liana chose a long light blue dress, a soft lipstick, and went to meet Benjamín. Upon arriving, she thought:
I have two options: throw myself dramatically like in novels… or just be natural. I even brought the books.
Benjamín was already there, smiling. They sat and talked for a long time, about many things beyond books.
—"Do you have family?" Benjamín asked.
—"Yes, but it's a story I'd rather not bring to the present. But yes, they're amazing."
—"I'm an only child. My parents… well."
—"Would you like to have siblings?"
—"Of course. I'd love that."
Liana checked her phone.
—"This evening I need to get home early."
—"Shall I take you?" Benjamín offered.
—"It's not necessary..."
—"I insist."
She agreed. In the car, they bought milkshakes, but Benjamín's spilled on Liana's dress. He tried to clean it, but the translucent fabric showed her bra. He blushed, embarrassed. The atmosphere grew tense, uncomfortable… yet intimate.
This is embarrassing… but delightful, Liana thought. I didn't think you'd blush. I guess Alexa must be reserved, but… usually, couples already have sex, don't they?
Benjamín got out of the car, visibly uncomfortable, and went to buy her a dress.
When he returned, he handed it to her, still avoiding her eyes.
—"How do you know my size?" she asked softly.
—"I don't… I guessed."
Liana smiled. A quiet smile that didn't reach her eyes.
You're imagining it all, Benjamín. But you don't know I'm the one writing the script.
After a while, Liana came out of the bathroom wearing the new dress. She looked impeccable, as if nothing had happened. She walked calmly toward the door of the café, and upon seeing Benjamín waiting by the car, she said:
—"You can come in now, it's fine."
Benjamín got into the car, still blushing, and murmured nervously:
—"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to."
Liana looked at him with a serene smile and replied:
—"I don't know what you're talking about."
Those words, so soft and carefree, eased Benjamín's tension. He understood he didn't need to keep feeling embarrassed. The atmosphere relaxed.
While he started the car, Liana watched him out of the corner of her eye, thinking:
This guy… he's charming. There's something about him that makes me smile without realizing it.
But that doesn't change the fact that you're my prey, she thought with a cruel smile.