Chapter 2: The Man in the Closet

Lorena ran.

Valeria lunged after her, but years of carrying children and running a company had not prepared her for pure panic.

By the time she reached the back door, Lorena was already climbing into a waiting black SUV.

The vehicle sped away.

Valeria memorized the license plate before it disappeared around the corner.

Then she rushed back inside.

The children clung to her legs.

Julián was still trapped inside the closet.

She cut the ropes with a kitchen knife.

The moment the gag came off, he gasped for air.

"Water," he whispered.

Valeria brought him a glass.

His hands shook so badly he nearly dropped it.

"You've been missing for four years," she said.

Julián laughed bitterly.

"No. I've been imprisoned for four years."

Valeria stared.

"My mother told everyone I stole money from the family."

"I know."

"She lied."

The room went silent.

Even the children seemed to sense something enormous was unfolding.

Julián lowered his eyes.

"The night Andrés died wasn't an accident."

Valeria's heart stopped.

"What did you say?"

Julián swallowed.

"Your husband was murdered."