CHAPTER 2: THE SECRET BEHIND THE ACCIDENT
Over the following weeks, Sofía slowly recovered.
Alejandro visited every day.
He brought books, toys, and meals.
More importantly, he treated Mariana with respect.
Something she had not experienced in years.
As their friendship grew, Verónica became increasingly furious.
One evening she confronted Alejandro.
"You love her."
Alejandro didn't answer immediately.
His silence was enough.
Verónica stormed out.
Three days later, tragedy struck.
Mariana was driving home from the hospital when a truck suddenly crossed into her lane.
The collision sent her car spinning into a ditch.
She survived.
Barely.
When Alejandro arrived at the hospital, Mariana was unconscious.
Sofía sat crying beside her bed.
"I don't want Mama to die."
Alejandro held the little girl tightly.
Neither of them noticed a detective standing in the doorway.
"Mr. Cárdenas," the detective said quietly.
"We found something strange."
The truck driver's brakes had been deliberately disabled.
The accident wasn't random.
It was attempted murder.
Security footage led investigators to a mechanic who eventually confessed.
Someone had paid him.
A wealthy woman.
A woman named Verónica Mendoza.
Alejandro felt his blood run cold.
The woman he had planned to marry had tried to kill an innocent mother.
When police arrested Verónica, she exploded with rage.
"You ruined everything!" she screamed at Mariana.
"If she hadn't appeared at that bus station, you'd still belong to me!"
The truth shocked everyone.
Verónica had never loved Alejandro.
She wanted his fortune.
Nothing more.