Chapter 1: The Prison Hidden Behind the Mansion
Alejandro wrapped his suit jacket around Valeria's trembling shoulders before helping her into the car.
"Take us to Saint Gabriel Hospital. Now."
The chauffeur sped away while Alejandro never let go of her hand.
Only when the mansion disappeared behind them did Valeria finally breathe.
Tears silently rolled down her dirty cheeks.
"I thought... I'd die before I saw you again."
Alejandro's throat tightened.
"Who took you?"
She closed her eyes.
"It started the night I told your mother I was pregnant."
His heart stopped.
"My mother knew?"
Valeria nodded weakly.
"She smiled... hugged me... then told me she had a surprise waiting upstairs."
Her voice shook.
"I never made it back downstairs."
She remembered a cloth pressed over her mouth.
Darkness.
When she woke, she was inside an abandoned countryside estate with iron bars covering every window.
For seven months she was moved between isolated properties owned through shell companies connected to the Salvatierra family.
Only one person ever visited.
Isabella.
Alejandro's mother.
She always arrived wearing elegant clothes and expensive perfume.
"You'll never see my son again."
"You were never worthy of this family."
"Your child will never inherit a single dollar."
Every week Isabella demanded one thing.
Sign divorce papers.
Confess she had run away with another man.
Give up the baby.
Valeria refused every time.
Each refusal meant another week without proper food.
Another week locked inside.
Another beating from the guards Isabella had hired.
Alejandro's hands shook so violently he nearly crushed the steering wheel.
"My own mother..."
Valeria looked at him.
"I escaped because one of the guards finally realized I was about to give birth."
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"He helped me run."
"And told me not to trust anyone inside your home."
