Chapter 3: The Husband Who Chose Wrong
Sofia did not return to the honeymoon suite.
She returned to the condo Carmen had wanted so badly.
The same condo Sofia’s father had given her years ago.
The same condo Carmen believed she could steal through fear.
Now, it became Sofia’s fortress.
Alexander hired security for the building.
I stayed with her.
For three days, Sofia barely spoke.
Then Javier came.
He arrived with flowers.
Not roses.
White lilies.
The same flowers from the wedding.
Security called upstairs before letting him near the elevator.
Sofia stood by the window, staring down at him through the glass.
“He wants to talk,” I said.
Her hands trembled.
Alexander was sitting at the kitchen table, reviewing legal documents.
He looked up.
“It’s your choice.”
Sofia swallowed.
“Let him come up.”
When Javier entered, he looked nothing like the confident groom from the wedding.
His tie was crooked.
His eyes were red.
His hands shook around the bouquet.
“Sofia,” he whispered. “Baby, I’m so sorry.”
She didn’t move.
He stepped closer.
“I didn’t know my mother would go that far.”
Sofia’s voice was quiet.
“But you knew she was coming.”
Javier looked down.
“I thought she’d just talk to you.”
“You told her not to leave bruises on my face.”
His face twisted.
“I was scared of her.”
Sofia laughed once.
It was not a happy sound.
“You were scared of your mother, so you let her beat your wife?”
Javier’s eyes filled with tears.
“I love you.”
“No,” Sofia said. “You love comfort. You love money. You love being protected by your mother.”
He dropped to his knees.
“Sofia, please. Don’t destroy my life.”
For the first time since the wedding night, Sofia stood tall.
“You helped destroy mine.”
She removed her wedding ring.
Javier stared as she placed it on the table between them.
“I’m filing for an annulment,” she said. “And I’m testifying.”
Javier’s face changed.
Fear replaced sorrow.
“You don’t know what my mother will do.”
Sofia leaned forward.
“No, Javier. You don’t know what mine will.”
I stepped beside my daughter.
Alexander stood behind her.
May you like
Javier looked at all three of us and finally understood.
Sofia was not alone anymore.
