Chapter 4 – The Truth Behind Mariana
Chapter 4 – The Truth Behind Mariana
A week later, Uncle Ernesto arrived unexpectedly.
He frowned the moment he saw Lucía drawing butterflies in the garden.
"I warned you."
Alejandro remained calm.
"About what?"
"Single mothers know exactly how to trap rich men."
Lucía looked up, confused.
Mariana quietly took her daughter's hand.
"We'll work in the kitchen."
After they disappeared, Ernesto slid a thick envelope across Alejandro's desk.
"I hired investigators."
Inside were dozens of photographs.
Mariana leaving work every evening.
Taking crowded buses.
Buying discounted groceries.
Visiting an oncology clinic.
Alejandro's eyes stopped at one medical report.
Patient: Lucía Ríos.
Diagnosis: congenital heart condition.
Recommended surgery.
Estimated cost: impossible for Mariana to afford.
There was no secret lover.
No hidden debts.
No luxury purchases.
Every peso Mariana earned went toward medicine for her daughter.
Alejandro slowly closed the file.
"When did she ever ask me for money?" he asked quietly.
Ernesto hesitated.
"Well... she hasn't."
"Has she ever hinted?"
"No."
Alejandro stood.
May you like
"The only person making assumptions in this house is you."
For the first time in years, Ernesto had no reply.
