Chapter 4

As I drove home, my head was full of mixed thoughts. What Alejandro told me about the money problems confirmed my worst fears about Carlos. And then there was Alejandro himself. I didn’t expect to feel a connection with him, but I did. He made me feel noticed and respected, something I hadn’t felt in years.

When I got home that afternoon, the house was unusually quiet. I didn’t hear Mateo playing video games or Daniela talking on the phone like usual. It was so quiet it made the big house feel more like a museum than a home. I put my Louis Vuitton Petite Malle purse on the table, still thinking about my lunch with Sofia and meeting Alejandro Vega for the first time.

I went straight upstairs. I needed a hot shower to relax. The water hit my back hard, Just the way I liked it. For a little while, it helped me forget about Carlos’s lies. After drying off, I remembered I still had errands to run for the fundraiser tonight. I had to pick up name cards from the printer and gift bags for our main guests.

I wrapped myself in a robe and walked to the window to check the weather. That’s when I saw them, Carlos and Daniela, in the garden. They were standing so close it looked like they were stuck together. Carlos’s hand was on her lower back, touching her red dress. She was laughing in a way I had never seen before, Open and comfortable.

I stood there, frozen, as I watched Carlos gently move a piece of hair from Daniela’s face. My stomach turned. He used to touch me like that,  before he became distant and started lying.

They didn’t know I was watching. I quickly got dressed in jeans and a blouse and grabbed my car keys. My hands were shaking. I had to leave the house, even just for a little while.

When I came downstairs, they were still in the garden. They had stepped apart a little, but not enough. They were talking quietly.

"I need to go to the store," I said, trying to sound normal even though I felt like I was falling apart inside. "I still need to get things for tonight's fundraiser."

Carlos looked up, surprised, like he had forgotten I existed.

Daniela smiled, but her eyes were cold. "Don't forget to pick up my dress from the cleaners. The gold one. I’m wearing it tonight."

Of course she was. Gold, to make sure all eyes were on her at my event.

About ten minutes into the drive, I realized I had left my credit card at home. I turned the car around and headed back to get it.

As I walked down the hallway toward the bedroom, I heard soft noises, moaning. I felt nervous and confused. I slowly pushed the door open a little. What I saw broke me. Carlos was in bed with Daniela. I froze in shock. So many emotions hit me all at once, betrayal, anger, pain. My hands were shaking, but I managed to pull out my phone and record a short video. Then I ran back to my car without saying a word.

I drove around for almost an hour with no direction. My head was spinning with painful memories. Every time Carlos ignored me, every time he defended Daniela, every late night he claimed to be working, it all made sense now.

My phone buzzed with messages from Carlos:

Where are you?

Don’t forget Daniela’s dress.

Answer me.

Each message made me more angry. My pain turned into something dark. I pressed harder on the gas. The car sped up.

Soft drizzle hitting the car window, then it started to rain hard, loud thunder rumbles. I could barely see the road. Lightning lit up the sky, cars passing, distance horns. and I could see the wild ocean down below the cliffs.

I didn’t see the sharp turn ahead until it was too late. The car crashed with a loud bang. Metal and glass shattered. The airbag exploded. Then everything went black.

When I woke up, I saw a white hospital ceiling. I smelled disinfectant. Machines beeped around me. Everything hurt. But I was alive.

"You're awake." A doctor came to my bed, holding a chart. He looked serious, and I saw a little sadness in his eyes. "I'm Dr. Reeves. You were unconscious for almost eighteen hours."

I tried to talk, but my throat was dry. He gave me water through a straw. I drank, thankful.

"How bad is it?" I asked.

"You had several injuries," he said in a calm voice. "We had to do emergency surgery. Your spleen was torn, and your lower body was badly hurt."

I closed my eyes, trying to take it in. But I could tell there was more he wasn’t saying.

"What else?" I whispered.

Dr. Reeves sat on the bed. "Ms. Reyes, the crash damaged your reproductive system badly. We tried everything, but the damage is serious."

"What do you mean?" My voice shook.

"You may not be able to get pregnant or carry a baby again. I’m very sorry."

I turned my face away and cried quietly. I had lost a baby two years ago, and it nearly destroyed me. I had always hoped we’d try again someday.

"It’s not 100% impossible," Dr. Reeves said gently. "But it’s very unlikely. Later we can talk about other options, Maybe surrogacy or adoption, When you feel ready."

There was a soft knock on the door. Dr. Reeves stood. "You have a visitor. He’s been here all night. He’s the one who found you and called for help."

Before I could ask who, the door opened. Alejandro Vega walked in. He looked worried, but his face softened when he saw me awake.

"Emily," he said, full of emotion. "Thank God."

Dr. Reeves quietly left us alone. Alejandro walked over slowly, like he was afraid I’d break.

"How did you find me?" I asked weakly.

"I was driving to the hospital site to check measurements for tonight’s presentation," he said. "I saw your car go off the road. I…" His voice cracked. "I thought I lost you before I even got the chance to know you."

His honest words touched my heart. As I looked into his kind eyes, I made a choice. I wouldn’t tell Carlos or Daniela what I saw. Not yet. I would collect proof, make a plan, and then face them when I was ready.

My phone was on the table beside me. That short video I had recorded was my only weapon now. No matter what happened next, I would never let Carlos use me again. And maybe,  Just maybe, Alejandro could help me rebuild my life after the storm.

"Alejandro," I whispered, "there’s something I need to tell you..."