Before walking out, he spun around. “When this little delusion passes, don’t bother calling me.”
“It’s not a delusion, Alejandro.”
The door slammed shut.
A profound silence settled over the condo.
Mariana sat down on the sofa.
She was frightened—deeply frightened.
But as the silence surrounded her, she discovered something she hadn’t expected.
Being alone was far less terrifying than living under constant humiliation.
The following Monday, Mariana met with a family-law attorney.
Because she had purchased the property before the marriage and protected it through a prenuptial agreement, Alejandro had no legal claim to the condo.
Next, she called Laura. “I want to know what I need to do to re-enter the medical board certification process.”
Laura sounded breathless. “Are you serious?”
“I’m completely serious.”
The first month of retraining was brutal.
Mariana spent twelve-hour days reviewing updated surgical guidelines, changes in pharmacology, and new laparoscopic technology.
