There was the woman who had separated her parents, who had threatened her mother, the cause of 26 years of absence.
Verónica Arteaga was impressive, tall, thin, with a face that must have been beautiful in her youth and that now maintained a cold elegance.
Her black hair was perfectly dyed, without a gray hair in sight, and her jewelry, although discreet, was probably worth more than everything Sofia had ever owned in her life.
Attorney Vega greeted Verónica with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. How convenient to find him.
« And this young lady is Sofía Méndez, the new secretary of Mr. Arteaga, » Joaquín introduced. Verónica’s dark, penetrating eyes examined Sofía with a disturbing intensity for a terrible moment.
Sofia feared that he would recognize her, that he would see in her the features of Fernando or Isabel.
“Interesting,” Veronica murmured. “Fernando doesn’t usually hire new faces. It’s an honor to work for your husband, ma’am,” Sofia replied, forcing herself to maintain her composure.
He’s a great lawyer. Veronica smiled slightly, as if Sofia had said something naive.
It is, isn’t it? I hope you appreciate the opportunity you’ve been given, Miss Méndez. Not everyone is lucky enough to start so high up.
There was something threatening in her tone, a subtle poison that made Sofia shudder inwardly. I appreciate it and intend to make the most of it.
I’m sure. Veronica turned to Joaquin. « Attorney Vega, I need to speak with my husband. Is he in his office? » « Yes, ma’am, I’ll go with you. »
As they walked away, Sofia let out the breath she had been holding.
Carmen appeared beside him with a worried expression. « I see you’ve already met the Ice Queen, » she commented in a low voice.
“And it seems he’s noticed you. Be careful, girl.” “Why should I worry?” asked Sofia, even though she already knew the answer.
Carmen looked around to make sure no one was listening. Because Doña Verónica doesn’t visit the office unless she smells blood.
And he never, ever looks at secretaries, unless they pose a threat.
The rest of the afternoon passed in silent tension. Verónica remained in Fernando’s office for almost an hour.
When she came out, her face revealed nothing, but her eyes paused for a moment on Sofia before heading for the elevator.
At the end of the day, just as Sofia was about to leave, Fernando called her again. « How’s the case going, Rivera? » he asked. His voice was more tired than it had been that morning.
Almost finished, sir, she replied, noticing the new lines of tension around her eyes.
I’ll have it ready early tomorrow. Fernando nodded, and for a moment it seemed as if he wanted to say something more.
His eyes briefly flickered toward the silver frame on his desk. Then they returned to her. « My wife mentioned that she met her today, » he finally said. « That’s right. »
She was very kind. A bitter smile appeared on Fernando’s lips. Kind isn’t the word most people would use to describe Veronica. He paused.
Miss Mendez, my wife has a lot of influence here.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, please let me know. The offer surprised her. Fernando was trying to protect her.
Thank you, sir. I’ll keep that in mind. That night, while Sofia was telling her mother about the day’s events, the phone in her small house rang.
Isabel answered, her face contorted in worry. « When? » she asked, her voice trembling. « I understand. I’ll be there tomorrow. » (Hanging up)
He looked at Sofia with fearful eyes. It was Dr. Lopez. My test results aren’t good.
I need more tests and possibly to start a new treatment. One that isn’t covered by public insurance.
Sofia felt the ground shift beneath her feet. The new job was no longer just a personal mission; it was now a desperate necessity.
« Don’t worry, Mom, » he said, hugging her. « I have a good job now. We’ll find a way. » Meanwhile, at the Arteaga mansion, Veronica watched Fernando sleep.
Her mind worked tirelessly, recalling Sofia Mendez’s face, searching for what had disturbed her so much upon seeing her.
There was something familiar about her, something that stirred up an old suspicion. He picked up his phone and dialed a number.
“I need you to investigate someone,” said a woman named Sofia Mendez in a low voice. “I want to know everything about her, absolutely everything.”
The following weeks passed in a strange equilibrium. Sofia adapted quickly to her job, demonstrating an efficiency that surprised even Carmen.
Fernando began assigning her more important tasks, gradually trusting in her abilities. « You have a natural talent for this? » he remarked one afternoon while they were reviewing a contract.
“Have you considered studying law? I thought about it,” Sofia replied cautiously, but circumstances didn’t allow it.
My mother got sick when I was finishing high school. Something changed in Fernando’s expression.
A flicker of guilt, compassion. “It’s admirable how you take care of her,” she said softly. These small moments of connection became more frequent.
Sometimes Sofia would surprise Fernando by observing her with a mixture of curiosity and something deeper, unidentifiable.
Other times it was she who secretly studied him, looking for any gestures he might have inherited.
But this apparent calm hid a storm that was beginning to brew.
The first sign came on a Monday morning when Sofia couldn’t find the Valenzuela file that she had left perfectly organized the previous Friday.
“I left it right here,” she exclaimed, frantically searching the drawers. “It has to be here.” Carmen approached, worried. “What’s wrong, girl?” The Valenzuela file has disappeared.
The lawyer needs it for today’s hearing. Carmen’s expression turned somber. Check the inactive file at the end of the hall.
Indeed, there it was, the file mixed in with old documents where no one would look for it.
Sofia rescued him just minutes before Fernando asked for it. « How strange, » she murmured as she handed him over on time.
“I would never have put him there. It wasn’t an isolated incident. The next day, someone canceled an important meeting without notifying Fernando, and Sofia was blamed.”
Then, a crucial document surfaced with transcription errors she was certain she hadn’t made. « Something’s going on, » she confided in Carmen over lunch.
Someone wants me to look incompetent. Carmen looked around before answering in a low voice.
Doña Verónica has been visiting the office more often since you arrived and she always asks about you.
Why would he care about me? I’m just a secretary. Carmen raised an eyebrow. Just a secretary who, in less than a month, has earned Mr. Arteaga’s trust.
Few people achieve that, girl; Doña Verónica doesn’t like to share what she considers hers. That same afternoon, while organizing the filing cabinet, Sofía felt a presence behind her.
She turned to find Fernando, who was looking at her with an unreadable expression. “Sir, I didn’t hear you come in.
Miss Méndez, have you noticed anything unusual lately? The question took her by surprise. She was supposed to mention the sabotage. I don’t understand what you mean.
Fernando approached, lowering his voice. The missing documents, the canceled meetings, the mysterious mistakes. Sofia felt relieved.
He’d noticed. I thought he’d think it was my fault. I’ve been running this firm for 30 years. I recognize sabotage when I see it. He paused.
And I know my wife. A heavy silence followed those words. « Why are you telling me this? » Sofia finally asked.
« Because I want her to know I’m aware, » he replied, « and that I don’t hold her responsible. » Their eyes met for an intense moment.
There was something in Fernando’s gaze, a mixture of protectiveness and remorse, that made Sofia’s heart race.
Thank you for your trust. Fernando nodded slightly before leaving, leaving Sofia with a confusing mix of emotions.
It was possible that this man, who had abandoned them, had some decency after all.
That night, when she got home, she found her mother paler than usual. « What’s wrong, Mom? Are you feeling unwell? » Isabel shook her head. « I went to the hospital today. »
Dr. López says I need to start treatment as soon as possible. How much will it cost? Sofia asked, sitting down next to her. More than we can afford right now.
Isabel took her daughter’s hands. Sofia, I’ve been thinking.
Perhaps you should talk to Fernando, tell him who you are. Sofia tensed up. Why? To ask him for money?
No, Mom, I won’t give her that satisfaction. It’s not about satisfaction, my child, it’s about my health. Isabel sighed. Besides, there’s something I never told you about the letters.
« What letters? » « The ones I sent to Fernando after you were born. » Isabel got up with difficulty and searched in her box of keepsakes.
Look at the sender and the address. Sofia examined the yellowed envelopes.
They had all been sent to Fernando’s personal office, not to his home.
And what does that mean? It means I never knew if she actually received them, Isabel explained.
There was always the possibility that Veronica would intercept them, but he accepted the money to get rid of us, Sofia argued, although a seed of doubt was beginning to grow in her mind.
He gave me the money to start a new life, yes, but he never explicitly said that he didn’t want to know anything more about us.
Isabel coughed weakly. The truth is, Sofia, I never told him I was pregnant.
I didn’t have the courage. I left before telling her. This revelation hit Sofia like a ton of bricks.
What are you saying? Fernando never knew I existed. I don’t know for sure, Isabel admitted. I wrote to him later. I sent him your photo, but he never replied.
And now I wonder if he ever received those letters, but he has my photograph on his desk,” Sofia remarked, confused. “The very one you sent him.”
I know, and that’s what I can’t explain.” Isabel lay back, exhausted. “That’s why I think you should talk to him.”
« There are parts of this story that even I don’t understand. » That night Sofia couldn’t sleep. Her mother’s words had sown doubts where before there had only been certainties.
It was possible that Fernando had never known of her existence until she sent him that photo.
And if Veronica had intercepted all the letters, the next morning she arrived at the office determined to observe more carefully, to look for answers instead of just feeding her resentment.
The opportunity came sooner than expected.
Mid-morning, the receptionist informed him that an important package for Mr. Arteaga had arrived and that he should deliver it to him personally.
When she entered the office, Fernando was standing by the window, gazing at the city, seemingly lost in thought. Sofia announced her package, placing it on the desk.
Fernando turned around, and for a moment Sofía saw vulnerability in his eyes. Then, as if he had drawn a blind, his expression returned to its professional state.
Thank you, Miss Mendez. Sofia was about to leave when she gathered the courage.
« Sir, may I ask you a personal question? » Fernando seemed surprised, but nodded. The photograph on his desk. Sofia pointed to the silver frame.
Who is it? A heavy silence filled the room. Fernando stared at the photograph with an expression Sofia had never seen on him before. Pure, unfiltered pain.
Someone I lost a long time ago finally answered, their voice barely audible. Someone I never got to know before Sofia could process those words.
The door burst open. Veronica entered like an elegant but deadly storm.
Her eyes narrowed as she saw Sofia so close to Fernando. “Am I interrupting something?” she asked with feigned sweetness.
“Miss Méndez was handing me a document,” Fernando replied. His professional mask was back in place. Verónica fixed her gaze on Sofía. “How efficient!”
“Although it seems there have been many mistakes in your work lately, haven’t you, dear? I do my best, ma’am,” Sofia replied with forced calm. “Of course.”
Veronica smiled coldly. « Fernando, we need to talk in private. » Sofia acknowledged the order to leave as she headed for the door.
He heard Veronica say, “Don’t you think you should reconsider hiring her? Maybe you made a mistake.”
Through the half-open door, she overheard Fernando’s reply. « No, Verónica, the only mistake I made was 26 years ago, and I don’t intend to repeat it. »
Fernando’s words echoed in Sofia’s mind. The only mistake I made was 26 years ago, exactly her age.
What was he referring to? The affair with her mother, or letting them go in the following days? The acts of sabotage continued, becoming increasingly obvious.
A crucial report disappeared just before a meeting with an important client.
Fernando’s schedule was altered, causing him to arrive late to a hearing. Emails that Sofía never wrote were sent from his account.
“Someone wants to destroy you, girl,” Carmen told her one afternoon as they went through their mail together. And I’m afraid it’s working.
It was true. Despite Fernando’s initial support, Sofia noticed that he was beginning to have doubts.
The trusting glances turned scrutinizing. The conversations became shorter and more formal. One morning, after another inexplicable mistake, Fernando called her into his office.
His expression was serious. Miss Mendez, these incidents are becoming far too frequent. He began by avoiding her gaze.
« Perhaps I should consider quitting, » Sofia interrupted, feeling a pang of panic. She needed that job, not only to uncover the truth, but to pay for her mother’s treatment.
Fernando sighed, running a hand through his gray hair.
For a moment he seemed older, more vulnerable. I don’t want to do it. There’s something about you. He stopped as if he’d said too much.
But these mistakes are damaging the firm’s reputation. « They’re not my mistakes, » Sofia stated firmly. « Someone is sabotaging my work, and we both know who. »
Fernando looked directly at her then, surprised by her audacity. « Be careful what you imply, Miss Méndez. Verónica is your wife. » « I know. »
Sofia finished. But she’s also the person who would benefit the most if I disappeared from this office.
A tense silence settled between them. Fernando seemed to be waging an internal battle.
“I’ll give it one more week,” he finally said.
“If these incidents continue, we will have to reconsider your position here.” Sofia nodded, barely containing her frustration.
As she left, she came face to face with Joaquín Vega. His expression suggested he’d overheard part of the conversation. « Trouble in paradise? » he asked with a half-smile.
Sofia looked at him cautiously. Although Joaquin had been kind, even flirtatious, during the last few weeks, something about him didn’t quite convince her, nothing she couldn’t handle.
Joaquín approached, lowering his voice.
You know what? I could help you. I know this firm and its key players well.
Why would you do that? Her smile widened. Let’s just say I like you. Besides, I don’t like seeing talent go to waste. She paused.
How about we discuss it over dinner tonight?
Sofia hesitated. Was Joaquin being sincere, or was this all part of Veronica’s game? « Thank you, but I have to visit my mother in the hospital. »
It wasn’t entirely untrue. Isabel had started her new treatment, and Sofía spent her afternoons with her whenever she could.
Joaquín’s expression softened. « I’m sorry, I didn’t know your mother was ill. » « Cancer, » Sofía replied briefly.
It’s an expensive treatment. The question seemed innocent, but something in her tone alerted Sofia. « We’ll survive, » she replied evasively.
Joaquín nodded thoughtfully. If you need anything, Sofía, count on me.
At the end of the day, as Sofia was gathering her things, Carmen stealthily approached her desk. “Don’t trust Attorney Vega,” she whispered. “I saw him talking very intimately with Doña Veronica yesterday.”
“Do you think he works for her?” Carmen shrugged. “Everyone at this firm works for someone. I’ve been with attorney Fernando for 30 years.”
I know him better than his own wife. He paused, and I’d never seen him so disturbed as he had been since you arrived.
Disturbed. He watches you when he thinks no one is noticing. Sometimes, when he says your name, it sounds as if he’s saying something sacred.
Carmen leaned closer. And I saw how she looked at that photograph on her desk. Then at you.
Then the photograph again. As if trying to solve a riddle, Sofia’s heart skipped a beat. It was possible that Fernando was beginning to suspect who she was.
Carmen, what do you know about that photograph? The veteran secretary looked around, making sure they were alone.
It’s been there for as long as I can remember. He never talks about it, but he cherishes it like a treasure.
Once, during an office renovation, it was the first thing he saved when they started moving the furniture. He never told you who the girl was.
Carmen shook her head. All I know is that she appeared after Isabel Méndez stopped working for them. Her eyes widened suddenly. Wait, your last name is Méndez too.
« Could it be? » Sofia tensed. She had been careless. « It’s a common last name, » she replied, but she knew her expression had betrayed her.
Carmen looked at her with a mixture of astonishment and concern. My God, you’re his daughter, aren’t you?
Isabel and Fernando’s daughter. There was no point in denying it. Besides, Sofia sensed that Carmen could be a valuable ally.
“Yes,” she confessed in a whisper. “But he doesn’t know, or at least I’m not sure.”
Carmen placed a hand on her chest. Holy Virgin, now it all makes sense. That’s why Veronica is so determined to destroy you.
You must suspect something. Do you think Fernando suspects it too?
I don’t know, my little girl, but if you want my advice, be careful. Veronica destroyed your mother once.
I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. That night in the hospital, Sofia told Isabel what had happened. Carmen knows, she concluded, and I think she can help us.
Isabel, thinner and paler after the first few treatment sessions, took her daughter’s hand. And Fernando, have you considered telling her the truth? Not yet.
I’m not ready. Sofia paused, but today she said something strange.
He mentioned that his only mistake was 26 years ago. Isabel’s eyes lit up.
« See? Maybe he regrets letting us go, or maybe he regrets getting involved with you in the first place, » Sofia countered, though without conviction.
With each passing day, her image of Fernando became more complex, less easy to hate. The doctor then entered, interrupting their conversation.
Dere López, a tired-looking but kind man, reviewed Isabel’s latest results. « The treatment is working, but we’re making slow progress, » he explained.
Ideally, we should increase the frequency of the sessions. « How much would that cost? » Sofia asked, doing mental calculations.
The doctor mentioned a figure that made her heart sink. It was impossible with her current salary.
“We’ll think about it, doctor.” Thank you. When the doctor left, Isabel squeezed Sofia’s hand. Don’t worry, my little girl, we’ll survive as we always have.
But as Sofia made her way home on public transport, worry gnawed at her; intensive treatment could save her mother.
But how to pay for it? The answer came the next day in the form of an unexpected proposal. Joaquín invited her for coffee during the break.
“I’ve been thinking about your situation,” he said without preamble. “And I think I can help you.” “What do you mean?” Joaquín looked around before continuing.
There’s a vacancy in the legal department at Grupo Montero. The salary is double what you earn here. Grupo Montero is Verónica’s family business.
And why are you telling me this?
Because I think you’d be perfect for the job. Joaquín smiled. And because I know you need the money for your mother’s treatment. Sofía tensed.
How did you know that? Have you been investigating me? Joaquín’s smile didn’t waver. Let’s just say I’m interested in you. What do you say? It’s a great opportunity.
Sofia stared at him, understanding the game.
Veronica wanted to get her out of the law firm, away from Fernando, and she had found the perfect way: to tempt her with the money she so desperately needed.
« I’ll think about it, » he finally replied when he returned to his desk.
She found Carmen waiting for her with a serious expression. « Doña Verónica has hired a private investigator, » she whispered.
“I overheard him on the phone. He’s looking for connections between you and Isabel.” Sofia felt the ground shift beneath her feet. The net was closing in.
Soon. Veronica would have proof of her identity. “I need to talk to Fernando before she does,” she decided. Carmen shook her head.
No, not yet. We need proof that Veronica intercepted your mother’s letters. Only then will Fernando understand the whole truth.
And where do we find that evidence? A spark of cunning flashed in the veteran secretary’s eyes.
Veronica keeps everything, and I know this office better than anyone. She smiled enigmatically. Let me see what I can find.
Meanwhile, at an elegant downtown restaurant, Veronica was having lunch with the private investigator she had hired. « Well? » she asked impatiently.
The man handed her an envelope. Isabel Méndez, 51, worked in his house 26 years ago. She has a daughter, Sofía, 26. She paused significantly.
Born nine months after she quit her job, Veronica’s eyes shone with a mixture of triumph and fury. Something else. Isabel is sick.
Terminal cancer without the right treatment. The researcher smiled. A treatment they can’t afford with Sofia’s current salary.
Veronica took a sip of her wine, a cold smile forming on her lips. Perfect, absolutely perfect.
The next morning dawned with a leaden sky over Mexico City. Sofia interpreted it as an omen as she entered the imposing Arteaga en Asociados building in the elevator.
She mentally reviewed her strategy. Carmen had promised to look for evidence of Veronica’s involvement, but time was running out.
The private investigator had probably already submitted his report. Upon arriving at her apartment, Sofia immediately noticed that something was wrong.
A tense silence hung in the air, and the furtive glances of her colleagues followed her as she walked toward her desk.
Carmen wasn’t in her usual place. « Where’s Carmen? » he asked the receptionist. The woman avoided his gaze.
He asked for the day off, citing a family emergency.
Sofia felt a pang of unease. Carmen was always there. And just now, she found a hastily written note on her desk. Be careful, she knows everything.
Look in the second drawer of my desk C.
With her heart racing, Sofia went to Carmen’s desk and discreetly opened the indicated drawer. Inside was a Manila envelope. She quickly took it and put it in her bag.
He had barely returned to his place when Joaquín appeared beside him with a worried expression.
“Doña Verónica is in Fernando’s office,” she whispered. “And it looks like a bullfight in there.”
As if confirming her words, Veronica’s voice rose high enough to be heard through the thick walls.
Na was a liar and an opportunist, just like her mother. Sofia froze.
The moment had arrived. Veronica knew it. What are they talking about?
Joaquín asked, feigning confusion. Sofía stared at him, assessing his expression. How much did he know? It was all part of Verónica’s plan.
« I think you know perfectly well, » he replied coldly. « How long have you worked for her? »
The surprise on Joaquín’s face seemed genuine, but Sofía no longer trusted her instincts. « I don’t know what you’re talking about, » she retorted.
“I’m just trying to help you.” Before Sofia could reply, Fernando’s office door burst open. Veronica stormed out.
Her usual elegance was tainted by fury. Her eyes met Sofia’s and narrowed in contempt. « You, Siseo, I should have recognized you from the first moment. »
« You have her eyes. » The entire law firm had stopped.
Watching the scene with fascinated horror, Sofia slowly stood up, refusing to be intimidated. Mrs. Arteaga greeted her with a calmness she didn’t feel.
« Don’t you dare speak to me, » Veronica snapped. « I know exactly who you are and why you’re here. »
The same game your mother played. How much money do you want to disappear this time? Sofia felt her blood boil.
My mother didn’t play any games and I’m not here for the money.
Liar. Veronica approached in a threatening manner. Your mother tried to extort Fernando 26 years ago, and now you’re repeating the same trick.
My mother never. Enough, Veronica. Fernando’s voice echoed throughout the office. He stood in the doorway of his office, his face pale but determined.
« This is between Miss Méndez and me, » he said authoritatively. « I would appreciate it if you didn’t interfere. » Verónica looked at him as if he had slapped her.
Don’t interfere. This concerns me as much as it concerns you.
Or have you forgotten what happened the last time a Méndez entered our lives? Fernando moved forward until he stood between Verónica and Sofía.
« I haven’t forgotten anything, » he replied in an icy voice. « I remember every single day of the last 26 years perfectly. »
Then he turned to Sofia. « Miss Mendez, please. Come into my office. We need to talk. » Sofia nodded, walking past Veronica with her head held high.
She felt the eyes of all the employees on her back. “This isn’t over,” Veronica shouted as the door closed behind them inside the office.
Fernando moved like an automaton to his chair. He seemed to have aged 10 years in an hour.
His hands trembled slightly as he gestured to the seat in front of him. « Please, sit down. » Sofia obeyed, feeling a strange mixture of fear and relief.
The moment of truth had finally arrived. Fernando stared at the photograph on his desk for a long time before speaking.
Veronica has hired an investigator. She began. She says that you are, that you could be. She seemed unable to finish the sentence.
Sofia decided to help him. Her daughter finished in a firm voice. Yes, I am.
The impact of those two small words transformed Fernando’s face. A mixture of emotions flashed through his eyes: shock, disbelief, hope, fear.
« What? » Isabel stammered.
He never told me I was pregnant. He left before I could tell him, Sofia explained. And later, when she tried to contact him, her letters were never answered.
Fernando frowned, confused. What letters? I never received any letters from Isabel after she left.
My mother wrote to him dozens of times, Sofia insisted. She sent him photographs of me, including that one. She pointed to the silver frame.
How did he get it if he didn’t receive her letters? Fernando took the frame in his hands, caressing the edge with trembling fingers.
This photograph arrived at my office in an envelope with no return address almost 26 years ago. There was no letter, just the photo. Her eyes welled up with tears.
I never knew who sent it, but I always felt it was important, that it was a part of me.
Sofia felt her conviction begin to waver.
It was possible that Fernando genuinely didn’t know of her existence. He’s saying he never knew my mother was pregnant, that he never received her letters.
“I swear on my life,” he replied vehemently.
“If I had known that Isabel was expecting my child, her voice broke. Nothing would have been the same.” Sofia then remembered the envelope that Carmen had left for her.
She took it out of her bag with trembling hands. Carmen left this for me today.
Inside the envelope were several documents.
The first was a receipt from a courier service dated 25 years prior. The sender was Isabel Méndez, the recipient Fernando Arteaga, and it was signed by Verónica Arteaga.
« She intercepted the letters, » Sofia murmured. « All of them. » Fernando took the receipt in disbelief.
Then he reviewed the other documents, copies of checks signed by Veronica made out to a certain Guillermo Soto, with dates spanning several years, and a handwritten note from Veronica mentioning keeping an eye on IM and the girl.
« My God! » whispered Fernando, pale as a ghost.
She knew all this time. She knew she had a daughter. The silence that followed was thick, heavy with 26 years of absence and lies.
« Why did you hire me? » Sofia finally asked. « You didn’t even know who I was. » « Your resume was impressive for someone so young? » Fernando replied, still bewildered.
And when I saw you, he paused. There was something about you that seemed familiar. I didn’t know what it was, but I felt an immediate connection.
« Blood calls, » Sofia murmured, remembering her mother’s words. Fernando looked at her then.
He really looked at her as if he were seeing her for the first time. « You’re identical to Isabel when she was young, » he said, his voice breaking. « But you have my eyes. How did I not see it before? »
« Perhaps I wasn’t ready to see it, » Sofia replied, feeling her resentment slowly dissolve in the face of Fernando’s genuine shock.
Suddenly, Fernando stood up and walked around the desk. Sofia instinctively stood up for an awkward moment.
They looked at each other, separated by 26 years of absence. Sofia pronounced her name as if it were a sacred word. My daughter.
And then, to both their surprise, Fernando hugged her. It was an awkward, uncertain hug, but full of pent-up emotion.
Sofia remained rigid at first, but little by little the warmth of that first paternal embrace began to melt the ice that had built around her heart.
The moment was abruptly interrupted when the door burst open. Veronica entered, followed by Joaquin.
Her expression changed from fury to disbelief when she saw them embracing.
“What the hell is going on here?” he demanded. Fernando slowly pulled away from Sofia, but kept a protective hand on her shoulder.
“What’s happening, Veronica, is that I’m finally meeting my daughter,” he declared firmly. “The daughter you hid from me for 26 years.” Veronica paled.
“Don’t be ridiculous. This woman is an imposter just like her mother. We have proof,” Sofia interjected, pointing to the documents on the desk. “You intercepted all of my mother’s letters.”
« You hired someone to watch us. You knew everything. » Veronica stared at the documents in horror. « That proves nothing. » She tried to defend herself, but her voice betrayed her panic.
“There is a very simple way to solve this,” Fernando said with a calmness that contrasted with the tension of the moment.
“A DNA test.” Sofia nodded.
Although a part of her felt hurt by the suggestion, « Did Fernando doubt her word? » « I agree, » she said, looking him directly in the eyes.
“I want everyone to know the truth, the whole truth.”
Veronica let out a bitter laugh.
And meanwhile, you’ll let her stay here, poisoning yourself against me. Fernando looked at her with a coldness that Sofia had never seen in him.
Sofia is staying, and you, Veronica, should prepare yourself because when I get the results of that test, you and I are going to have a very long conversation about the last 26 years of lies.
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