PART 2: “I’ll Get You Out Of There Today.”
That afternoon, I signed the transfer documents by myself.
No husband beside my bed.
No worried family waiting outside.
Just me, a pen in my left hand, and the quiet realization that I had spent three years begging for a place in a life where I had never truly been first.
Before the nurses wheeled me out, Alejandro’s assistant stepped into the room.
He looked uncomfortable, almost embarrassed.
“Mrs. Montes,” he said carefully, “Mr. Alejandro asked me to check if you were awake.”
I looked at him without blinking.
“Sofía Rivera,” I corrected.
Then I reached for the small bag beside me and took out my wedding ring.
“Tell him I’m done waiting.”
I placed the ring in his hand.
“Give this back to him.”
His fingers closed around it slowly, as if he understood exactly what he was holding.
The stretcher began moving down the hallway.
As we passed Mariana’s room, her voice floated through the half-open door.
“Ale, is Sofía angry with me?”
Alejandro answered her softly.
“She understands. Rest.”
I stared at the ceiling as they pushed me past.
Then my phone vibrated.
It was him.
“You’re awake. Go see Mariana. She won’t stop crying.”
I blocked his number.
