꒰ RUINED ꒱

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

❝ 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋, 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 ❞

Estella walked into the cold warehouse that she had come to despise so much. It was where the Tijuana brothers hung out and she wasn't too fond of them after the shit they had pulled with Ana and their unnecessary remarks against her.

Benjamín and Isabella turned around in awe not expecting her to interrupt their serious discussion. Estella hadn't heard that much but heard Miguel's name mentioned and enough to tell her that it had to do with him and the business. She knew that she wasn't going to allow them to weaken the business or plan something against Miguel not to mention every single decision affected her now too since her relationship with him.

"And why the hell is she here?" Benjamín was sat down with a beer next to him staring bitterly at Estella. She waved at him and saw how enraged Isabella seemed to be by her entrance.

"Thanks for the kind welcome Benjamín and Isabella. I'm here because you're planning against Miguel. He's your boss you can't do that, and I'm not going to allow it." Estella crossed her arms walking closer to the two. Isabella laughed condescendingly and walked towards Estella to confront her.

"Shouldn't you be making a trip to Sinaloa with your lover, no? Why the hell are you here? Following me is a bit extreme don't you think you're starting to change Estella it's noticeable I think it's because of Félix. Now go back to Guadalajara so you can finish packing. You have a trip as you mentioned earlier." Isabella tilted her head up to attempt and urge Estella to leave but she wasn't going to let this get to her this fast.

"Sinaloa can wait and I'm confident Miguel would prefer to wait so I can explain to him how you two are discussing changes to his business without him involved. So no Isabella I won't leave and if you're aren't hiding anything and merely discussing Tijuana with Benjamín then keep on going. I'll sit here and listen as well." Estella scooted an uncomfortable chair and sat a distance away from Benjamín and Isabella. Benjamín remained quiet waiting for Isabella to begin the small meeting.

"Fine. I'll be truthful about why I'm here to speak with Benjamín. I think he shouldn't be working with Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo anymore. Benjamín, who do you, think, ordered the arrest of your friend Falcón? To shoot him in the head? You know it was Miguel Estella you saw it all take place that night. But of course, he has you wrapped around his finger so you're too ignorant to admit it." Isabella commented. Estella shrugged and recalled that dreadful night and remembered how frightened she had been by witnessing this death but she now already trusted Miguel enough to know that whenever he ordered others to be killed it was usually justified and was necessary.

"Félix has the coke." Benjamín insisted ignoring the apparent argument that was going on between Isabella and Estella. Estella glanced at him for once agreeing with his words.

"Exactly Isabella I agree with Benjamín for once. You need to let go of your grudge against Miguel for once. Yes, I understand you didn't receive part of Tijuana as he had promised but what are you even suggesting here? Miguel Ángel is intelligent, and anything you do can easily get reported back to him." Estella argued further infuriating Isabella.

"Don't you think you are too bias for this situation? You're in a relationship with Miguel, and I don't think you have a right to give your opinion on him." Isabella said becoming very upset with Estella who couldn't care less. She thought Isabella was a friend but her ways were starting to make her believe the opposite.

"Yes, you can say I'm slightly biased, but no one can deny that he is smart. Even before I got into a relationship with him I never denied the fact that he was a smart man who knows how to run this business. Now carry on Isabella I want to know your thought process and plan for the future since you have it so figured out." Estella sarcastically replied and smiled. Isabella rolled her eyes and gritted her teeth before carrying on.

"Anyways Benjamín. I brokered the introductions with the Colombians. I brought them to Félix no matter how furious you are with me Estella you know that. I can do the same for you at a fair price. If you don't take control of the organization, someone else will. Shit's going to move fast." Isabella illustrated her ridiculous plan to Benjamín who appeared to be both intrigued and surprised. Estella's face dropped confused about why Isabella would be telling this crucial information in front of her.

"Why are you saying this shit in front of me?" Estella lashed out jumping out of her seat. Isabella laughed and turned to Benjamín who agreed with Estella. This would never work if she knew since Estella was loyal to Miguel and would never let anyone jeopardize his business.

"I'm guessing you want to know what my end would be. It's very simple I want a seat at the table and 20% of the profit made thanks to my negotiations." Isabella went on but still, Estella couldn't see why the fuck she would be explaining this in front of her when she could easily run back to Guadalajara and notify Miguel.

"Are you deaf or something? Estoy aquí escuchando pendejadas." Estella exclaimed raising her voice to get their attention. The two looked over at Estella and she saw how Isabella cleverly smiled seeming to have an explanation for her question.

"I didn't forget about you Estella if anything you would be a tremendous help. If I go through with this plan and Benjamín agrees then you can help me. Both of us would have seats at the table and would get 20%. Trust me, Estella, it's a much better deal than being with Miguel who will probably cheat on you when he gets tired of you. Didn't you want to get more active with the cartel? If you're with Miguel that's never going to happen and you know that." Isabella smirked knowing this offer would be tempting. Estella scrunched her eyebrows and thought it was absurd how they thought she would just betray him like that. Some of Isabella's explanation did have some truth, and she wouldn't deny that. Of course, Miguel wouldn't want her to get too involved with the fear she would get hurt, but Estella was still going to try.

"That's a lot of money for the two of you." Benjamín chuckled. Estella looked away wishing she wouldn't have heard all of this.

"I never said I would partake in this shit. I'm loyal to Miguel and Miguel only. You're crazy thinking I would betray him like that Isabella and you know that. I thought we were friends but after this I don't know." Estella went to stand up from her seat but was stopped by Isabella.

"Think about it, Estella. You would be making a lot of money. With Miguel he's just going to hand you expensive shit why not gain it yourself? You deserve to get paid, and you'll never get that with him." Isabella then stood up brushing off her pants.

"All of us would be a lot of making money." Isabella proudly said staring specifically at Benjamín waiting for his acceptance. Estella thought this was foolish and didn't know what to say. She had to tell Miguel it was important for her to do so if Benjamín agreed to go along with this bullshit.

"I'll talk with the others." Benjamín finally approved causing Isabella to grin at her recent accomplishment. Estella, however, was not delighted and instead stormed out of the warehouse ignoring the working men gazing at her. Outside she pulled out a cigarette pacing back and forth knowing the driver was waiting for her to get inside. She knew she would be a little late than she should have been to arrive back in Guadalajara but thought this was vital to think over.

"Estella, are you okay?" Isabella was not sincere with her question prompting Estella to curse under her breath.

"Genuine question Isabella do you think you're going to be able to pull this crap and get away with it? You and Benjamín are fools for going against Miguel Ángel. And not to mention once I go back to Guadalajara which will be now I could advise him what I heard between you two. You trying to convince me to participate in this is a whole other level of stupid." Estella shouted completely outraged by Isabella's actions. Estella hated having to do this to Isabella knowing how much of a relatable hard-working woman she was but this was not going to be condoned by Miguel Ángel and she understood that.

"Yes. I think it will, and you can join in too. Do you really want to live with him in Sinaloa when he's clearly on the run after the death of that American agent? While instead, you can remain in Guadalajara making money with us?" Isabella crossed her arms lifting an eyebrow. Estella cherished Guadalajara so much but thought that over time she would get used to Sinaloa especially when she had Miguel next to her. Although it was chilling knowing he could possibly get caught she wanted to be with him and nothing could change that not even Isabella's offer.

"I'm not interested, so you can say bye-bye to that plan because once I return to Guadalajara I will inform him or you can make this easier on yourself and go back inside there and call this shit off with Benjamín. If I were you, I would pick the easier option but then again I'm not you." Estella waved and walked off towards the car until Isabella said something to make her stop in her tracks.

"If you didn't at least contemplate the offer you wouldn't have thought so much about it once I brought it up inside the warehouse. Think about it, Estella, a relationship that is going to be damaged in a few months or money that can be always with you. If I were you, I would pick the one that will stay permanent but as you said I'm not you. Have a pleasant day and trip Estella and I truly hope you think about this more carefully. Call me when you change your mind."

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Once Estella made it back to Guadalajara she was determined to inform Miguel about everything she had heard. Anybody can call that snitching but there was no way Estella was going to keep this big of a secret that can affect him and the business. He trusted her and if he found out she hid this plan certainly he would become suspicious and think she was trying to betray him which would never be her purpose.

"Gracias." She thanked the driver getting out of the car. She had returned later than she had anticipated due to the unplanned visit to the warehouse. Estella was eager to notify Miguel knowing this information would be critical.

"Estella?" Miguel Ángel stood in front of the house as his men hurried to put the remainder of his stuff in the back of cars. He wasn't pleased by her late return confused about why she would so late with such a small and fast errand.

"Miguel Ángel I'm sorry I was late-"

"Where were you, Estella? It's late if you would have come earlier by now we would almost be in Sinaloa. Explain because picking up your stuff from Isabella's house shouldn't have taken this long." He was annoyed and had unexpectedly snapped on her. Estella pinched her eyebrows and stepped back seeing how angry he was. All she wanted to do was tell him about what she heard but now his poor attitude with her was her main concern.

"Woah there Miguel. I can explain don't be so dramatic. It's not my fault there was traffic and probably if you would have listened to my reasoning on my lateness instead of yelling you would know by now. It's not that big of a deal we can leave now." Estella began to walk up to him expecting him to understand, but he shook his head.

"Dramatic? This is not some random trip we need to go or else the police will probably find me and you too! You knew you were supposed to be quick but instead you were out there like the police aren't trying to find me. I know you're new to this but be smarter Estella." He clarified avoiding any form of eye contact. This was their first larger argument and he didn't want to make her feel bad but she needed to recognize that she couldn't do certain things like this anymore especially in a life like this.

"What? Miguel Ángel I need you to calm down and listen to me. It's important please before you open your damn mouth again." Estella went to reach for his hand, but all he did was turn around. She swallowed the gulp in her throat feeling rejected for the first time and couldn't believe he was acting like this. If only he would hear her out so she could show him that she wasn't some ignorant girl that couldn't follow basic instructions and that her tardiness had been justified.

"If you're not going to take this seriously then why the fuck are you even here?" He mumbled looking at her before walking over to instruct his men to pick up their pace. Estella crossed her arms and tried to hold back tears. She was mad at him for not listening and seemed not to trust her. She was beginning to wonder if this would be him during their time in Sinaloa and their next destination that maybe he was putting up a façade this entire time to use her.

Either way, the car trip to Sinaloa was uncomfortable, and none of them spoke to each other despite them sitting so close. Estella had been excited to see him talk about Sinaloa and explain all the places she didn't recognize. But now she sat silently in the car thinking of their recent unnecessary argument and the deal Isabella had made with Benjamín. Perhaps they would acknowledge how ridiculous it was and cut it off but she knew Isabella was determined to go through with this deal to receive more money and power. Estella wanted to tell Miguel all about it but after what happened she didn't feel like speaking about that even though it was very important.

After some time they finally made it to Sinaloa. Estella thought it was wonderful but her mood for it would have been so much better if she was on good terms with Miguel instead of speaking he smoked his cigarette with the window wide open feeling the fresh air hit his face.

"Estamos aquí. ¿Es bonito no?" He smiled turning to Estella trying to fix the tension between them.

"Sí, muy bonito." Estella dryly responded looking out the window appreciating the beauty of Sinaloa. Miguel felt guilty about the things he had said back in Guadalajara but didn't know exactly how to apologize she seemed to be mad and he didn't want to make her attitude even worse if he brought up the argument.

"I'm going to discuss with the governor. You're okay here? My men will be protecting you." Miguel asked Estella who didn't mind at all. If anything she needed to be alone to think about how she would bring up two major topics. The argument and the deal between Isabella and Benjamín. She was anxious that if he found out from Azul and found out Estella had been at the warehouse that Miguel would think she was going behind his back but would he even believe her if she told him herself? Miguel Ángel seemed to trust her but it's not like could just take her word for it.

As Estella thought over all of this Miguel was inside speaking to the governor about giving him the protection he needed. He was given a week before he would agree to leave México along with Estella. Eventually, after his serious discussion, he hurried out of the house and went back inside the car with Estella shortly snapping her out of her trance.

"One week here." Miguel Ángel informed Estella who simply nodded her head with no words uttered. Again this was not the Estella he enjoyed seeing he preferred the one who wasn't scared to give her opinion or thoughts on specific decisions but now she was quiet and he thought maybe she was keeping something from him but shrugged it off.

"Is that the house?" Estella pointed to a house that wasn't the nicest or beautiful as the one back in Guadalajara. This one was much older and dirty. He nodded his head knowing that it wasn't the greatest but knew it would be acceptable for only a week.

"I'm sorry it's not nice, but it's only for about a week or less depending on how everything goes. We'll be fine. Then will likely be moving south." Miguel Ángel reassured Estella as his men rushed to inspect the many bedrooms inside the house. Estella chuckled after so many hours of being angry and nodded her head.

"You know I don't care where we live. Although this one isn't in the best condition it's still good. And Sinaloa is very lovely." Estella grinned walking alongside him. She wished things would stay this way but knew she would have to bring up what had happened.

"Are you still mad at me?" Miguel laughed holding her close watching her turn her head to the side and sigh. Estella wanted to tell him everything but didn't want this to provoke another argument especially when things were going smoothly. She decided this could wait including a conversation about the argument. She didn't know if this would be a bad choice but hiding the agreement between Isabella and Benjamín wouldn't be too awful it's not like they were going to have everything readied in one day.

"No I'm not mad at you anymore, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to talk about what was said earlier. For right now though I would prefer to rest and spend my first night in Sinaloa sleeping." Estella softly smiled and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay you seem off today?" He stepped closer observing how nervous she appeared, but Estella shook her head letting her hand fall from his shoulder.

"Look Miguel I said we should talk tomorrow. I promise tomorrow we'll figure everything out okay? Now excuse me while I get ready for bed it's been a long trip and day." Estella gave him a small peck on the cheek and walked into the bedroom which wasn't so elegant but would be comfortable enough for a few days. She found herself thinking about everything thinking if this could ruin her relationship with Miguel Ángel. That would be the worst case.

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The next morning after a long comfortable sleep she woke up to the sound of gagging and instantly stood up running to the sound to find Miguel Ángel coughing out blood. It was disgusting and didn't help her empty stomach, but she quickly rushed to comfort him frightened that something was happening to him.

"Are you okay Miguel Ángel? Are you sick?" She rubbed his back looking down at the bucket that contained blood. He seemed to ignore all his men asking him and instead preferred to answer Estella. He looked up at her out of breath and nodded his head.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's only stress that's all." He replied grabbing some pills and taking them along with chugging a jar of water. Estella understood that running this business had to take a toll on him both mentally and physically but seeing in front of her was shocking and couldn't help but feel guilty for keeping everything from him but hoped today she would speak to him and fixed everything between them. She loved him and didn't want anything bad to happen to him or his empire he had worked so hard to build.

"Are you sure you're okay? Puking out blood doesn't seem that normal to me. If you need anything I'm here." Estella wrapped her