At the hands he remembered wearing his wedding ring.
“You’re coming with us.”
Lucía’s expression hardened.
“You don’t order me anymore.”
He stopped.
She was right.
Alejandro corrected himself.
“Please.”
Lucía looked at Gabriel.
The manager nodded.
“Your shift is covered.”
She reluctantly followed.
Valeria remained near the lobby entrance.
Alejandro turned.
“Valeria.”
She lifted a hand.
“Go.”
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I.”
There was hurt in her face.
But also understanding.
“This isn’t about me.”
She walked toward the bar.
Alejandro followed Lucía into the conference room.
Gabriel closed the door.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Alejandro looked at his wife.
“Is the baby mine?”
Lucía’s eyes filled.
She looked away.
Alejandro immediately regretted the question.
Not because he did not need the answer.
Because of how he asked it.
Lucía whispered:
“Yes.”
His knees almost weakened.
