Chapter 13 - Concrete, Zip-Ties, And Confessions
That evening, I drove home along Sunset Boulevard.
The armored Escalade moved smoothly through the quiet twilight.
I didn't feel the crushing weight in my chest that had haunted me for three years.
For the first time since Sofia died, the future didn't feel like an endless battle against shadows.
I pulled up to the estate’s main gates.
The heavy iron doors swung open smoothly on their freshly greased tracks.
The driveway was lined with blooming white roses—Sofia’s favorites, which Maria had lovingly tended even during the darkest weeks.
As I stepped through the grand front doors, the house smelled of roasted chicken, garlic, and fresh baked bread.
Soft laughter drifted from the kitchen.
I walked down the hallway and leaned against the doorframe.
Maria was standing by the stove, stirring a pot of homemade gravy, humming an old Spanish ballad.
Emma was sitting at the center island with her homework spread out, helping Lily color a picture of a giant gray rabbit with purple ears.
When Lily looked up and saw me, her entire face lit up.
"Daddy!" she squealed, dropping her purple crayon.
She scrambled down from the high stool and sprinted across the kitchen floor, throwing her arms around my knees.
I scooped her up into my arms, lifting her high into the air until she giggled with pure joy.
"Did you finish your drawing, peanut?" I asked, kissing her soft cheek.
"Yes!" Lily announced proudly, pointing back toward the island.
"Emma helped me draw Barnaby’s ears! And Maria made strawberry tarts for dessert!"
Emma walked over, a proud, peaceful smile on her nine-year-old face.
I wrapped my free arm around her and pulled her close, kissing the crown of her head.
"How was school today, Emma?"
"Good," she whispered, leaning her head against my chest.
"Nobody yelled at us today, Daddy."
Those simple, innocent words tore through my heart, but they brought healing with them.
"Nobody will ever yell at you again, Emma," I said, looking over her shoulder at Maria.
"This house is safe."
Maria wiped her hands on her apron and smiled at me with tears glistening in her warm brown eyes.
"Dinner is almost ready, Mr. Alex," Maria said softly.
"Maria," I said, setting Lily down onto the floor.
"Please. From now on, call me Alex."
"You’re family here."
May you like
Maria’s lower lip trembled, and she gave a small, respectful nod.
"Thank you, Alex."
