Chapter 2: The House of Lies
“You’re making a mistake!” Ofelia screamed as the investigator pulled her to her feet.
But no one moved to defend her.
Not her friends.
Not her son.
Not even the guests who had laughed moments ago.
Because now—
They understood.
The birthday party had never been a celebration.
It had been a courtroom.
And Ernesto Salgado had just presented his case.
Julián turned toward Valeria through the glass doors.
For the first time since she had known him—
He looked afraid.
“You did this?” he mouthed.
Valeria didn’t answer.
She didn’t need to.
For months, she had endured silence.
Now—
Silence belonged to him.
The domestic violence advocate stepped gently beside Valeria in the garden.
“You’re safe now,” she said.
Valeria’s lips trembled.
Safe.
The word felt foreign.
Inside, Ernesto handed over a final document.
“A full record,” he said. “Medical reports. Financial audits. Witness statements.”
He paused.
“And a confession.”
Julián froze.
“What confession?”
May you like
Ernesto looked directly at him.
“The one you just gave.”
