Chapter 2 - The Poisoned Legacy
Diego fell to his knees on the balcony, the paper fluttering from his nerveless fingers.
The note was written in Lucía’s neat, shaky hand.
“Diego, I wasn't stealing. My brother is being held by a group that demands money for his life. I couldn't tell you—they threatened to hurt you, too. I’m so sorry I couldn't finish the payment. I love you, even if you stopped trusting me.”
The words were a physical blow.
He looked down at the courtyard again, his vision swimming with tears.
The white shape below wasn't just a figure; it was the final, devastating consequence of his suspicion.
But how had she gotten off the balcony?
How had she left a wet trail through the apartment if she had been locked outside?
The horror began to crystallize.
Someone else had been in the apartment while he slept.
Pilar.
Pilar had known about the money.
Pilar had been the one whispering in his ear, feeding the flames of his doubt.
He looked at the wet trail again.
It led from the door.
Pilar had a key.
She had come over in the middle of the night, knowing what would happen, knowing he had locked Lucía outside.
She had come to finish what she started.
Diego felt a rage building in his chest, a fire far hotter than the cold November air.
He ran downstairs, his heart pounding in a rhythm of pure desperation.
He reached the courtyard, his breath hitching in his chest.
The white shape was indeed Lucía.
She was pale, her clothes soaked, her eyes closed.
But she was breathing.
He let out a sob of relief that bordered on hysteria.
She had jumped, or fallen, and landed on the soft earth of the courtyard.
She was alive.
But she was hurt, and the guilt he felt was a burden he knew he would carry for the rest of his life.
He gently gathered her into his arms, his tears falling onto her face.
“Lucía, I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
“Please, just stay with me.”
He looked up at the apartment window.
Pilar stood there, looking down at them, her face a mask of cold, hard calculation.
She wasn't worried.
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She wasn't surprised.
She was watching her handiwork.
