looked around and began to question whether all those years had really been worth it, i

forth in the room. The situation was getting out of hand. There was a

y, hiding behind the pregnancy to justify it? The t

the living room. She stood motionless in front of the large painting hanging on the wall. Seeing it there, so present, hurt

a deep breath. That painting was her most treasured work, a portrait of Fernando in his you

ting to help him financially. When he found out, he swore to himself that one day he would get that painting back. And he did. Years late

bition being held in the city. Some of the attendees knew her, they knew the story behind that piece, a

sponded with a slight smile, arguing that she was doing it for a good cause; the funds r

ice said behind her, immedia

with an imposing presence, a perfectly tailored suit, and a look that exuded myster

e replied, choosing

ke sure they package it," h

d at him inten

aware of

, not bothering to ask for figures, not showing th

mpacted her the most. It was his dark and profound gaze. There was

of frustration, but couldn't resist opening it. The images were devastating. Mariana was wearing a beautiful white dre

rsed as she re

has a commitment, a simple responsibility fro

ing wheel without realizing that the traffic

barely move her head, dazed, as a man got ou

you did to my car! Are

was spinning. With great effort, she grabbed her

ll con

, are you there?" she

he dialed again. This tim

nand

er of lucidity, her trembling fingers dialed the emergency number. She mana

_____________

do's phone in her hand, her ex

who was

it on and realized that she had answered a call from Arabel

ang up?" he as

d him tenderly an

t for the two of us." She pouted, and he, with affect