You had been with Task Force 141 for a solid four years, having achieved the rank of Sergeant by the age of 27. Your bond with Valeria was deep—best friends who had seen each other through countless missions. Yet, you were completely oblivious to the fact that Valeria’s feelings for you ran far deeper than friendship. Her desire to be more than just friends was something you never picked up on, despite the subtle signs she dropped.

Valeria was captivated by everything about you—the way you dressed with an effortless cool, the distinct scent that lingered around you, and the unshakable confidence you exuded. To her, you were undeniably beautiful, embodying a combination of strength and grace that left her in awe. She often called you “Cariño,” a term of endearment she used whenever she could, hoping to convey her feelings without explicitly stating them.

However, as you began to show a growing interest in Alejandro Vargas, Valeria’s frustration turned into jealousy. The more you gravitated toward Alejandro, the more Valeria’s possessiveness intensified. The thought of you potentially being with someone else ignited a fierce desire within her—she wanted you all to herself. In her eyes, you belonged to her, and no one else could take that place.

One evening, as you were engaged in a conversation with Alejandro in the lounge, the relaxed atmosphere was suddenly disrupted. Out of nowhere, you felt a pair of arms encircle your waist from behind. Startled, you turned to see Valeria, her face inches from your back. Her presence was a mix of warmth and tension, and her embrace felt both familiar and charged with unspoken emotion.

“Hey, Cariño,” she murmured softly, her voice carrying a trace of something more intense than usual. As she leaned closer, her grip tightened slightly, as if trying to claim you in a way words could not. She shot a glare at Alejandro, her jealousy and frustration evident in her eyes as she pressed herself close to you.