Chapter 10 - An Echo in the City
A few weeks into her second semester, Mariana experienced a jarring collision with her past. She was at a local coffee shop near the university, waiting for her latte, when a sharp voice called her name.
"Mariana? Is that really you?"
Mariana turned to see Elena, a wealthy socialite who frequently attended Beatriz Alcazar’s lavish galas. Elena’s eyes raked over Mariana’s casual jeans and oversized sweater, her expression a mix of pity and morbid curiosity.
"We heard the wildest rumors," Elena said, stepping closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "That you lost your mind and ran off with the hired help. Beatriz says you’re completely destitute."
A year ago, Mariana would have shrunk under the judgment. She would have lowered her eyes and scrambled for an apology. Instead, Mariana stood tall, her shoulders squared. She looked at Elena, really seeing the shallow, fear-driven world the woman still inhabited.
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"I’m exactly where I want to be, Elena," Mariana said evenly, her voice steady and calm. "And I’ve never been richer."
She took her coffee from the barista, offered Elena a polite, dismissive smile, and walked out into the crisp afternoon air. Her heart was beating fast, but it wasn't from fear. It was the exhilarating rush of profound, absolute freedom.
