Reminder that the timeline will be changed for the purpose of this book. By the way this chapter is long since I decided to write a big one since Thanksgiving is coming up and I felt a little nice. Anyways enjoy!

꒰ FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS ꒱

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐀 USED to be a normal college student and part of a wealthy well-known family. To outsiders, she had it all the looks, money, house, perfect family, an outstanding American fiancé, and a bright future ahead of her. But to Estella, it was a life of being treated like a child and she strive to changed that. And that's what she ended up doing even though it came out to be something very controversial.

Now Estella Conesa was known to be apart of the Guadalajara cartel alongside her romantic partner Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. She was shown around the news stations in México even in the United States and deemed as stupid for giving up such an "extravagant life" to be with a drug lord but to her, it was everything she had ever wanted.

She now had the freedom she craved and didn't have to put up with her parents' pushy ways or the terrible man of Jackson who was now dead. Even though it was dangerous being in a cartel especially when you were in a relationship with a drug lord she wouldn't want to have it any different and wasn't planning on changing her life or ways.

After the death of the American DEA agent Kiki Camarena, many Americans were angry since an American citizen had been brutally murdered by the Mexican cartel. Some even wanted to take revenge on their own hands and yearned to see the downfall of the cartel. Estella didn't often think about the agent and thought American agents and other high officials were the least of her concern now but this notion would be entirely wrong.

Walt Breslin had a goal to catch the bastard of Miguel Ángel along with anyone associated with him and that included Estella Conesa as well. To him, he didn't think she was some innocent pretty girl that had gotten caught up in this as they portrayed her to be but instead as a foolish woman for pursuing a relationship with a drug lord. He wanted to catch her first and question her like he had been planning to do with the people that had been involved with the torture and murder of Kiki Camarena. Even though there was no record of Estella ever being present during the torture, he knew that he needed to question her since he knew in moments of weakness she would give everything up she knew about Félix.

That was his main goal so far, and he was going to try and achieve it. His next major goal would be putting Félix's ass in prison for the rest of his life.

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Estella sat up on the comfortable bed and watched as Miguel Ángel stared out the balcony window. It was his 40th birthday today and in the lovely home they shared would be thrown a lavish birthday party just for him. Of course, it would be filled with people and to her, that was exciting since these past few months had been nothing but weary she did truly love being with Miguel but it seemed like his mood had been down and she wanted that to change tonight.

During the past few months, many things had changed. They were extreme changes to be quite honest. The first change was the fact they had bought an enormous beautiful house that consisted of many bedrooms than Estella could ever have imagined. The second being the business which didn't seem to be as thrilling as it had been before. Estella still wasn't that involved with the cartel if anything she wasn't even close to being 10% involved and preferred to bite her tongue when it came to this topic knowing it would only result in an argument. The third was the largest change and that was their engagement. Yes, they had gotten engaged and although it was unexpected Estella was happy, to say the least.

It was done right when Miguel had shown her the house he had bought and even though it wasn't super fancy and romantic like some girls would have wanted she loved it. To her, it was the thought that counted the most, and not to mention the ring was gorgeous and had the most perfect silver diamond. She planned her wedding now and then with the planners that came around the house but the process was very slow since she wanted everything to be extraordinary and that would take time.

When it came to personal friends and family that was a mess. Her mother talked to her every day and tried to ignore the fact that her oldest daughter was in a cartel and was currently engaged to a drug lord and excused the topic every time Estella brought it up. Her father, on the other hand, refused to speak to her and called her a disgrace and although it hurt Estella she didn't think much of it knowing her life was better now. Sofía too didn't want anything to do with her older sister after her suspicions that Estella had known about the arrest of Rafa. This was painful but Estella wanted to think that one day in the future she would come to forgive her. Ana was a terrific friend and was even allowed to come over to the house to help with the future wedding or simply to gossip and despite the best friend not approving of the lifestyle she tried her best to support Estella.

Everything was going well, and she thought this party would be just as remarkable too. She wanted things to be wonderful and wanted to be able to see her fiancé for once with a profound smile.

"Happy birthday mí amor." Estella smiled stretching her body. Miguel Ángel turned around and returned a smile. She noticed how he seemed to be behaving differently these days when it came to the business but she hoped that this party would make him relax some more. But even then she knew that business-related things would be happening during this party and she understood that.

"Thank you, Estella." He wrapped his arms around her waist giving her a small peck on the lips.

"You're finally 40! Do you feel any different?" She asked wandering towards the closet. He shrugged not thinking much of his birthday or age for that matter.

"Another year of life no?" He nonchalantly replied watching Estella look through her vast closet. She laughed to his response and shook her head. Miguel Ángel was a bit older than her, but she didn't mind since to her he was a good man and everything she had ever wished for. Even though at times he could be a little selfish at times even careless she still loved him and perhaps always would.

"Eso es cierto." Estella then pulled out the gift that she had bought him. It was nothing special and was only a watch, but she made sure it had been perfectly costumed made for him. It wasn't something grand but she had put a lot of thought into it and although he had many watches this one was from her and made it much more unique than the others he had stored in a drawer.

"I got you a gift and it isn't much but I put thought into it and I know how many times you repeatedly told me you didn't want me to get you anything huge or too expensive so here it is." Estella handed him the small black box that held a silver watch with other details that made it stand out. She held her hands together watching him open it not wanting to see his smile drop but it didn't and instead seem to grow by the sight of it.

"Gracias mija. It looks really nice, but you shouldn't have got me anything. You're already good enough for me." He glanced down at the watch and did genuinely like the gift that she had bought for him. Estella grinned and sighed a breath of relief. It had been days since she had seen him truly smile and that was a good thing especially on his birthday. He placed the watch in the drawer and agreed to wear it later that night at the party.

"I need to discuss with Rubén Zuno Arce about something important. You'll be fine?" Miguel Ángel let go of her waist and placed on an orange brownish turtleneck. Estella nodded her head in disappointment since she had wanted to spend more time with him during his birthday before the party started but knew the business was very crucial and that several influential people would have to attend the party that evening. She didn't know Rubén that much only that he was the nephew to a governor and had provided the mansion Kiki Camarena had been tortured and murdered in.

"Yes, it's completely fine. I'll have time to get ready for this evening." Estella watched Miguel then walk away so he could discuss everything with Rubén. She didn't want their relationship to fall apart after all they had gone through together, but she knew that it was always a possibility and that was a dreadful thought.

Estella decided to walk around the elegant property taking in all of the beauty of it. There were colorful peacocks with different shades of blue and green and not to mention the amazing trees and flowers. She also greeted the cooks and maids that walked around attending to their duties. That morning she had decided to invite Ana over to try and convince her to attend the party that late evening. She knew it would take a lot of convincing since her best friend was still not accustomed to the cartel life Estella lived in.

"Am I here for more wedding preparations because last time I remember you said it was Miguel Ángel's birthday?" Ana said stepping inside the large house Estella and Miguel shared.

"No not because of that. Miguel is...busy with the business and is discussing with someone. I asked you to come, so I can invite you to his birthday celebration later tonight." Estella walked alongside Ana as they both politely smiled at the others.

"Birthday celebration?" Ana scoffed pinching her eyebrows in confusion.

"He's turning 40 that's a big deal and not to mention this is very essential for the business. I know it probably sounds boring for you, but this would mean a lot to me especially since Miguel will probably be busy with discussing business propositions." Estella answered sighing. Ana thought something was possibly wrong with their relationship but didn't want to question it since Estella already seemed so down.

"Is Benjamín and Ramón going to be there because that isn't a reunion I would like to attend?" Ana rolled her eyes thinking of the Tijuana brothers and watched how Estella fiddled with her silver diamond ring.

"Perhaps but they wouldn't even dare to try anything stupid at something this formal and important for Miguel Ángel. It wouldn't be professional, and they may be unreasonable at times but they still have some class. And not to mention Miguel completely humiliated the brothers mainly Benjamín back in Ensenada." Estella calmly explained continuing to walk by Ana until they stopped to see Azul, Miguel Ángel, and Matta discussing something Estella didn't know much about.

"Do you know what they are discussing?" Ana asked swallowing the gulp in her throat as she made eye contact with Matta. Estella kindly waved at the man remembering the first time she had met him back in a fancy restaurant. It was crazy how fast things could change.

"Recently there's been a lot going on with the business including cash flow. That's all I know if I'm being entirely honest but I'm trying to get more out of Miguel. These days he hardly tells me anything. But like I said this party is very crucial for him and I wouldn't be surprised if something big happens for the business tonight." Estella responded in a low-toned voice careful not to let the others hear their conversation. Ana slightly nodded her head unnerved by the men she didn't recognize.

"I've met that man sitting over there." Estella pointed to Matta. "He's Honduran, and he was probably the first person I ever met involved other than Isabella and Miguel with all of this. The other chubby man is Azul, and he informs Miguel about specific things about the business but he mostly gets yelled at." Estella described the men to her best friend to allow her to get an idea of who these men really were as people.

"Don't you worry about what these men are capable of?" Ana questioned turning around from the men who were now too occupied with their discussion to pay any attention to the girls.

"Yes it is a big worry, but I try not to think about it that much. Now to change the topic what about the party later? Are you coming?"

"I'll think about it. Now about you. You seem nervous is it about the party or maybe your relationship with Miguel. I'm sure it's going to be hard for you to see several beautiful women wishing your fiancé happy birthday." Ana chuckled lowering her voice. Estella shook her head forcing a smile.

"Eso no es un problema. I know Miguel is loyal to me and would never cheat on me at least that's what I believe. Certainly, it will be different for me to see the women that will flirt with him, but I'm confident he wouldn't even entertain it. I just worry sometimes that he hides things from me. What if he doesn't even want to get married? I have a bad feeling, Ana." Estella sat down across from Ana. She knew that Miguel loved her but she had her doubts at times. The business was vital to him and marriage didn't seem all that meaningful to him.

"Esos pensamientos sólo están en tu mente. Miguel Ángel loves you, and he wouldn't have proposed to you if he didn't. He's a drug trafficker, and I'm sure his job must be very tough but that doesn't mean he isn't willing to be in this relationship." Ana tried to reassure Estella everything would go accordingly knowing this must be difficult. Although she wasn't fond of her best friend being in a cartel and her involvement in illegal activities she needed to support her no matter what.

"I suppose you're right." Before Estella could continue on her initial thought Miguel Ángel had finally finished the discussion with Matta. Azul and Matta nodded their heads respectively at Estella and Ana as they made their way out of the large house. Miguel Ángel sighed in annoyance and smoked his cigarette. Estella excused herself from Ana to try and calm him down since he appeared to be tensed from the recent meeting that had gone on.

"Are you okay? You seem tensed." She looked at him placing a hand on his turtleneck. He nodded his head but even then he knew that she would recognize that he was lying.

"You're lying. What happened during the meeting with Matta?" She let her hand fall from his turtleneck and examined his features waiting to see if he would answer her truthfully.

"Someone important is attending the party tonight, and I don't know how the discussion is going to go." Miguel Ángel mumbled lighting up another cigarette. Estella raised an eyebrow confused about who "someone" was. Many people were important in this business, and it would be too hard to predict or determine who tonight's special guest would be. However, by the look on Miguel's face, she guessed that it somebody very significant and that this discussion was very vital for him.

"Who is it?" Estella inquired her curiosity getting the best out of her. Miguel looked away and agreed he would answer her question.

"Pacho Herrera."

Estella recognized that name and realized it was the man she had met back in Colombia. He was part of the Cali cartel, and she knew that he was very notable and that the discussion between him and Miguel later that night would be a heavy one.

"Estella?" Ana walked in disrupting Estella before she could say anything about Pacho Herrera's arrival later that night. Miguel Ángel snapped away from his worrying thoughts and turned to look at Ana who respectively waved at him.

"Yes?" Estella glanced at Miguel who had chosen to walk out of the room to prepare everything for the party later that night.

"Is everything okay? Don't tell me you two had an argument before his big party." Ana asked once Miguel was far gone from them.

"No, we didn't get into an argument. You know the routine. He's just very stressed for tonight. That is all." Estella ran her fingers through her hair thinking about her and Miguel's conversation before it got interrupted. Why would Pacho Herrera be attending this party? She knew that many important people like governors and generals would be showing up but she couldn't figure out the reason why Pacho would be coming to México for.

"Are you sure you're okay? You seem anxious about something." Ana placed a hand on her best friend's shoulder, but Estella didn't feel like talking about her feelings or anything related to this now.

"I'm fine. Why don't we figure out the dresses we're going to wear tonight, no?" With a fake smile, Estella pulled Ana away to her bedroom to try on some stunning dresses. This night was certainly going to be a long one and she knew something was bound to happen. She just hoped it would be a good thing and not anything bad. Even though she expected everything to be perfect tonight for Miguel's birthday, she knew that wasn't possible.

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After some long hours of preparing for the party, everything and everyone was all set to go. Estella had decided to be dressed elegantly along with Ana. Estella decided to wear a long champagne satin dress it was very simple but impressive. The decorations and scenery of the party were beyond outstanding with many lights and dancers and soon enough there were many people gathered on the dance floor. They danced to the music as more and more people began to arrive to celebrate the 40th birthday of Félix.

"Aye, mira you look incredible with that dress!" Estella loudly exclaimed hugging Ana once they both had finished with their hair and makeup.

"You look better. Now tell me where is Miguel? Shouldn't he be celebrating already? The party is almost full of people." Ana shouted over the loud thumping pop music that played in the back. Estella sighed chugging down the rest of her sparkling champagne wondering the same thing.

"I have no idea. I should probably go check on him, though. You stay here. I'll be right back hopefully with Miguel." Estella set down the empty champagne glass and began to push through the dancing people who were too drunk or high to let her pass through. As she walked through the groups of intoxicated people, she stopped and began to laugh catching sight of the two brothers.

"No fucking way. Estos pendejos." She sneered deciding to speak to the two brothers she still saw as complete assholes. They stood cluelessly in the crowds of people. Ramón had on mostly all white while Benjamín had a grey suit on. They stood out and not because of their outfits solely because of their presence at this party. Even from a distance, Estella could see Cochi, Chapo, and Güero sneering and laughing at the brothers calling them all sorts of offensive names.

"Why are you two here after what happened in Ensenada?" Estella questioned her eyes slightly squinting taking another glass of champagne from a servant's tray.

"We're not here for you we're here for your boyfriend. Do you know where he is?" Benjamín asked still staring out at the crowds of dancing people to try and find Miguel. Ramón, on the other hand, was too busy staring at