Her adoptive family tied her to a pole and called her a failure until her billionaire husband showed up and what she did surprised everyone The tables were covered with white tablecloths with centerpieces filled with roses and candles that smelled of Jasmine The place sparkled with hanging lights and a group of musicians played something fancy as the guests arrived They were all dressed up in expensive clothes, strong perfumes and laughter that filled the room It was a big wedding, one of those that seem to be taken from a magazine In the midst of all this, Jimena smiled dressed as a bride
in a tight and shiny dress that made it clear that she was the center of everything She walked greeting her aunts, cousins, friends and anyone who came to congratulate her Her mother Patricia did not leave her alone for a second She adjusted her veil, spoke softly to her and told her she caressed her arm as if it were a jewel that she didn’t want anyone to touch On the other hand, Renata walked with a tray in her hands She wore a simple, beautiful dress but without anything that attracted attention She helped to arrange glasses, to check that
nothing was missing from the tables and to make sure that the air conditioning was not too loud No one treated her badly but they did not treat her as part of the family either It was as if she were an employee or a guest that no one knew well. Every time someone asked her if she was friends with the bride and groom, she would just say, “I’m Jimena’s sister.
Some were surprised, others just smiled without much interest and continued with their drink in their hands From afar, Patricia watched her with a face of discomfort, she spoke quietly to one of her sisters-in-law and they both chuckled. The family in the valley had always been of appearance. They cared more about what they would say than anything else. And for them, Renata didn’t quite fit in. She was adopted when she was 11 years old. after her mother died in an accident Since then she lived with them but they never treated her the same as Jimena They gave her a roof, school and clothes Yes

but the affection that was not even Renata realized very soon that she was in a house where love had conditions That day, however, she did not think about it She had made an effort to help with the organization She had gotten up early to make sure that the flowers were right, that the waiters knew their stalls and that the cake arrived on time She did not do it to impress anyone, she just wanted the wedding went well Despite everything she loved her sister although Jimena never gave her that place Since they were children Jimena treated her as competition She hid things from her,
blamed her for mischief and if Renata got good grades she was in charge of minimizing it in front of the others Patricia instead of correcting her celebrated each of her rudeness disguised as jokes The ceremony was already over and everyone was at the party The boyfriend Julián seemed somewhat uncomfortable He was not one of those men who enjoy big events Whenever he could, he would escape to smoke or have a drink at the bar His parents, however, were delighted People of money, politicians, businessmen, even a soap opera actress were sitting in the VIP area of the living room, It was the event of the year
, Jimena had planned everything to make an impact, from the invitations to the decoration and The gift list She wanted everyone to see her as a queen Meanwhile Renata took refuge in the kitchen for a moment she sat next to the dessert fridge and drank a glass of water Her feet felt swollen from walking so much She closed her eyes for a few seconds and thought about Daniel They had been seeing each other secretly for months No one in the house knew she was going out with him He was different from anything there was Intelligent Calm Acquaintance with a Steady Gaze and a Way of Speaking

that made her feel safe He told her that he was brave, that he had a strength that not even she knew He had proposed something two weeks ago that had her nervous He wanted to marry her but Renata hadn’t said yes yet Something inside her told her that she had to close a stage first before opening another And this wedding, as much as it hurt, was her way of doing it She returned to the room just right in time to see how Jimena and Julián made their official entrance as husband and wife Everyone applauded and threw white petals
at them Patricia was crying excitedly She squeezed her husband’s hand Don Ernesto who only smiled without saying much He was always more reserved He was never rude to Renata but he was not a close father either, always busy always with the phone, always with a trip on top At that moment someone pushed her unintentionally It was a fat aunt in an emerald green dress who could barely walk between the tables She didn’t even apologize Renata just adjusted her hair and kept walking She met Rodrigo, her adoptive brother, who smiled at her with
complicity He was the only one who really treated her like family, gave her a quick hug and asked if everything was okay She nodded, although inside she felt a strange mixture of sadness and resignation, the photographers went from one place to another, capturing every laugh, every glass held high, every moment that could be shared later on networks The DJ was ready and the dance floor was lit up with colored lights Jimena climbed on a stage and shouted: “Let the party begin, everyone applauded, The music went up, Renata moved away a little, She sat near the garden, from where she could see without being

vista Se permitió sonreír no por la boda sino por lo que sabía que venía Nadie en ese lugar imaginaba que la historia iba a dar un giro Nadie estaba listo para ver como la fracasada de la familia tenía unas bajo la manga Desde niña Renata siempre supo que no era igual a los demás en esa casa no porque se lo dijeran con palabras sino por las miradas por los silencios por los pequeños gestos que aunque parecían nada dolían más que una cachetada A los 11 años llegó a casa de los del valle con una mochila vieja un par de
cambios de ropa y el corazón hecho pedazos Su mamá había muerto en un accidente de coche y no había más familia que se hiciera cargo Patricia que era amiga lejana de su mamá ofreció recibirla dijo que lo hacía por cariño por compasión Pero con el tiempo Renata entendió que lo hizo más por cómo se vería de buena ante los demás que por verdadero amor Los primeros meses fueron tranquilos le compraron ropa nueva la inscribieron a la misma escuela que Jimena y la presentaron en la iglesia como la nueva integrante de la familia
Todo parecía perfecto pero poco a poco las cosas fueron cambiando Si Jimena sacaba ocho era esfuerzo Si Renata sacaba 10 era pura suerte Si Jimena rompía algo nadie decía nada Si Renata dejaba un vaso mal puesto le llovían críticas Y no era solo Patricia Varias tías seguían ese mismo patrón Incluso don Ernesto aunque más neutral jamás levantaba la voz para defenderla Un recuerdo se le venía seguido a la cabeza El día que fue su cumpleaños número Trecha pensaba que tal vez por fin tendría una fiesta o al menos un pastel En la escuela todos le cantaron
Al llegar a casa vio la mesa llena de globos y decoración se emocionó pero al acercarse se dio cuenta que era una cena sorpresa para Jimena porque había sido elegida para un concurso de canto Nadie mencionó su cumpleaños ni una vela ni una palabra Cuando lo dijo en voz bajita Patricia solo dijo “Ay se nos pasó ¿verdad?” Y le dio un abrazo rápido como para quitarse el compromiso de encima Desde entonces aprendió a no esperar mucho a pasar desapercibida a hacer las cosas bien pero sin ruido a ser útil sin estorbar En la prepa tuvo un momento de

rebeldía Se pintó el cabello de rojo se metió a un taller de actuación y hasta pensó en mudarse con una amiga pero no lo hizo porque al final del día por muy poco que recibiera ese lugar era su casa No tenía a nadie más y por dentro todavía guardaba la esperanza de que algo cambiara Las grietas entre ella y Jimena se fueron haciendo más grandes con los años Lo peor era que Jimena no la odiaba de frente Todo lo hacía con una sonrisa Le decía “Hermanita en público pero en privado la trataba como si fuera
una carga Cuando tenían visitas la mandaba por hielos o la ponía a servir botanas mientras ella se quedaba contando anécdotas falsas para quedar bien Una vez en plena Navidad Renata preparó el postre favorito de don Ernesto Lo hizo con todo el cariño sin esperar reconocimiento Pero cuando él lo probó y dijo que estaba delicioso Patricia de inmediato dijo que lo había hecho Jimena Nadie la corrigió Renata solo bajó la mirada y siguió comiendo En la universidad Renata decidió estudiar administración No era su pasión pero le daba opciones Se esforzó mucho consiguió
una beca y trabajó medio tiempo en una cafetería Patricia se quejaba diciendo que no era necesario que mejor se enfocara en ayudar en la casa Pero Renata no quería depender de nadie Soñaba con tener algo propio aunque fuera chiquito Mientras tanto Jimena estudiaba diseño de modas y viajaba cada semestre a Europa con todo pagado Regresaba con maletas llenas de ropa fotos con influencers y planes de abrir una tienda Patricia la apoyaba con todo Incluso cuando reprobaba materias decía que lo importante era el talento no las calificaciones Un día Renata se enfermó

y tuvo que ir al hospital Nada grave una infección Nadie la acompañó Llamó a Rodrigo y fue él quien llegó con una cobija jugo y galletas se quedó con ella toda la noche Ese gesto le quedó marcado Rodrigo siempre fue distinto era más serio más observador no decía mucho pero cuando hablaba pesaba Él veía lo que los demás no querían ver Sabía cómo era la dinámica en la casa pero se mantenía al margen por paz Solo cuando veía a Renata al borde intervenía En esa época conoció a Daniel Fue en una reunión de trabajo Él llegó como parte de un grupo de inversionistas que visitaban la empresa donde Renata
hacía prácticas Ella lo atendió sin saber quién era Le habló directo con respeto pero sin miedo Daniel se sintió intrigado por ella no por su cara ni por su ropa por la forma en que lo miraba a los ojos sin buscar agradar a la fuerza Intercambiaron correos por cosas laborales pero terminaron platicando de otras cosas Semanas después salieron por primera vez Renata no le contó a nadie no porque sintiera vergüenza sino porque sabía que si lo decía en esa casa le iban a inventar historias que si buscaba sacarle dinero que si ya se quería casar
por interés que si era un error Además Daniel no era cualquier persona aunque era joven ya tenía su propia empresa Venía de familia rica pero se había hecho solo y no andaba presumiendo era discreto directo y sobre todo sincero Con él Renata se sentía tranquila como si por fin podía bajar la guardia Un día Daniel le preguntó si era feliz Renata se quedó callada No supo que responder No porque no supiera la verdad sino porque nunca se había detenido a pensar en eso Feliz Era una palabra que no usaba Sobrevivía Sí tenía
metas también pero vivir feliz eso era otra cosa Las grietas entre ella y su familia eran ya tan profundas que apenas si se hablaban más allá de lo necesario Y sin embargo la invitaron a la boda de Jimena Le dijeron que esperaban que ayudara con todo que era parte de la familia que no fuera indiferente Ella aunque por dentro dudaba aceptó porque todavía había una parte de ella que quería cerrar ese capítulo de forma digna Tal vez era masoquismo tal vez era esperanza tal vez solo quería demostrar por una vez que ella también merecía estar ahí Pero lo

que no sabía era que esa boda no era una despedida tranquila Era una trampa disfrazada de fiesta y lo que venía iba a dejar cicatrices más profundas que todas las anteriores juntas La fiesta seguía con todo Música luces y gente caminando de mesa en mesa con copas en la mano El salón estaba lleno Hasta el jardín tenía invitados Algunos bailaban otros solo platicaban en grupitos como si tuvieran su propio evento aparte La pista brillaba pero la mayoría solo miraba a los recién casados Jimena y Julián ya habían hecho su
entrada triunfal el primer baile y los discursos Ahora se paseaban entre los invitados recibiendo felicitaciones y posando para fotos Todo parecía perfecto pero Renata parada cerca de una mesa con arreglos de flores blancas notaba algo raro No sabía qué era pero el ambiente había cambiado Algo se sentía incómodo como si de pronto muchos ojos estuvieran encima de ella Primero pensó que eran ideas suyas pero luego lo confirmó Se acercó a una mesa donde estaban dos mujeres que no conocía y apenas llegó bajaron la voz Se miraron entre ellas como si acabaran de decir algo que no
querían que ella oyera Después una de ellas soltó una risa nerviosa Renata fingió no notar nada Sonrió leve agarró una servilleta y se fue caminando como si nada Pero ya le había quedado claro que algo pasaba No era la primera vez que sentía miradas así pero esta vez era diferente No era simple rechazo Era como si supieran algo como si esperaran algo de ella Siguió caminando y notó lo mismo en otras mesas Gente viéndola con curiosidad con burla con esa mezcla de morvo y lástima que uno no puede confundir En una esquina del salón vio a su exjefa Esa misma mujer que hace un año

la había despedido sin razón clara diciendo que no encajaba con el perfil Fue raro verla ahí Ni siquiera era parte cercana de la familia La mujer la saludó de lejos con una sonrisa fingida y luego volteó a hablar con otra señora que también conocía su cara Otra que trabajaba en el mismo lugar Eso no era coincidencia Renata sintió el estómago apretado Trató de respirar hondo Se dijo a sí misma que tal vez estaba exagerando que quizá era la tensión normal de una boda grande pero no Su intuición era clara Algo se estaba cocinando y ella era el centro
del chisme Se fue directo al baño para despejarse un momento Se miró al espejo y se arregló el cabello Mientras se echaba agua en las muñecas Pensó en Daniel Él le había preguntado si quería que fuera a la boda Renata le dijo que no que no valía la pena que solo sería una visita rápida y luego se iría Pero ahora deseaba que estuviera ahí Solo verlo le daría un poco de fuerza Salió del baño y se encontró con Mauricio el primo de los novios Alto simpático y siempre dispuesto a ayudar Él sí era amable con todos sin importar
el apellido Cuando la vio le sonrió y le ofreció una copa “Todo bien Renata” preguntó con tono ligero pero sincero “Sí creo que sí” dijo ella sin mucha seguridad “Bueno por si necesitas escapar dime y nos inventamos una emergencia.
” Bromeó haciendo que ella soltara una pequeña risa le agradeció y siguió su camino Al menos alguien en esa fiesta tenía buena energía Pero esa tranquilidad duró poco Cuando llegó cerca de la barra escuchó a Patricia hablando con una señora vestida de azul marino No estaban gritando pero no se cuidaban de que las oyeran Ya verás va a ser el momento más divertido de la noche” decía Patricia sonriendo mientras tomaba vino “¿Y estás segura de que va a estar lista?” “Claro.
” Jimena se encargó de eso Solo hay que esperar la señal Renata se quedó helada No sabía a qué se referían pero el tono de su voz era igual al de cuando planeaban bromas pesadas ese tipo de bromas que ellas llamaban inocentes pero que dolían como patada en la espalda Avanzó rápido con la cabeza dando vueltas Al pasar por la mesa principal Jimena la llamó “Renny ven acompáñame a saludar a unos amigos” le dijo con una sonrisa tan falsa que hasta los invitados pudieron notarlo Renata dudó pero fue No quería dar excusas ni parecer grosera la llevó a una mesa donde estaban tres personas que Renata nunca había visto Gente joven vestidos muy a la moda con
cara de saber más de lo que deberían Ella es mi hermana la que siempre les digo que es buenísima para desaparecerse cuando hay cámaras dijo Jimena entre risas Los otros se rieron sin entender del todo Renata tragó saliva No sabía cómo responder sin hacer una escena sonríó leve y saludó con un movimiento de cabeza Luego uno de ellos dijo “Oye tú eres la que trabajó en Café Ronda ¿no mi hermana se acuerda de ti.

” Renata went blank. She didn’t understand how someone there knew that. Café Ronda was where she worked at university, but she never told anyone in her family. Most likely, Jimena had investigated it on her own. And the strangest thing was, why would someone bring that to the table at a wedding? Patricia arrived just in that moment, interrupted the conversation and took her arm. “Come help me with something in the kitchen,” she said with a dry smile. Renata followed her, confused, as she entered the back of the room where the waiters and staff were. Patricia looked her
straight in the eyes. Just don’t make a scene. Behave yourself and everything will be fine. She didn’t explain any further. She walked back without waiting for a response. Renata stood there frozen. She didn’t know whether to go back to the room or escape through the back door. Something was happening and it clearly wasn’t good, but she couldn’t run away without knowing what. Besides, there was something inside her that told her that it was not the time to hear that this time she had to stay and see how far they were capable of going. She returned to the room with a mixture of fear and anger.
The DJ had just announced that in a few minutes there would be a surprise for all the guests Jimena and Patricia were applauding from the main table Rodrigo sitting next to his father had a serious face He wasn’t applauding Mauricio looked for her as if he also felt that something wasn’t right The tension could have been cut with a knife and the real blow hadn’t come yet The DJ suddenly lowered the music and the lights in the room changed They focused on the main table where the bride and groom Patricia Don Ernesto
and some other family members were sitting Everyone knew that the toast was coming up that typical moment at weddings where parents or siblings say nice things cry a little and raise their glasses to close with applause Some guests came closer to record with their cell phones others settled better in their chairs The attention was focused on the center of the room Patricia took the microphone as if she were a television presenter She smiled as if everything was going perfectly as if she had no idea what
she was about to do She got up slowly raised her glass and asked for silence She got it quickly No one dared to interrupt her Everyone knew her They knew that she loved being the center of attention and There she was ready to shine. “Today is one of the happiest days of my life,” she said, and many immediately began to applaud. “Seeing my daughter marry a good man surrounded by people who love her is priceless.

” She turned to Sintos to see Jimena who was smiling as if she were acting in a play Then she turned to see Julián who was serious but forced a smile out of obligation Patricia continued speaking I want to thank everyone for being here, for sharing this special night with us and I also want to talk a little about what family means, what it means to have true children who make us proud, who fight, who shine Renata standing near a column felt her chest tighten She wasn’t the only one Rodrigo from the table turned his face towards her Mauricio also
looked at her out of the corner of his eye It wasn’t an innocent phrase it was a double-edged phrase Everyone felt it Because yes we all have people close by who walk with us Patricia continued But not everyone is born to shine There are people who no matter how hard they try simply don’t have what it takes And that’s okay not everyone can be the center Someone has to be on the edges too, right? A few people let out a short laugh others just looked at each other uncomfortably No one knew if that was part of a funny speech or a
very clear hint but Renata did know It felt like someone had thrown a bucket of cold water in her face She didn’t need to hear her name She knew all of that was for her And speaking of effort I want to give special recognition” said Patricia suddenly raising her voice and looking towards the back of the room to a person who although she doesn’t always make the best decisions has been present A person who reminds us that sometimes the important thing is not winning but simply not giving up Someone from the staff passed her another glass and Patricia paused for a long time
as if waiting for applause that didn’t come Renata dear where are you Renata didn’t respond She stood still as if her body didn’t want to move Rodrigo got up from his chair and started walking towards where she was but Mauricio got ahead of him and gently took her arm What are you doing he asked her in a low voice with a bewildered expression “I have no idea” she replied without taking her eyes off the stage “Come in” said Patricia from the microphone “Don’t be shy today is your day too Come toast with us” Some people applauded
Others didn’t know if she was serious or joking Renata, with her teeth clenched and her heart in her throat, walked slowly towards the center. Rodrigo arrived behind her. Patricia handed her another glass. She had no choice. She was in everyone’s spotlight. This is Renata, said Patricia. Our adopted daughter, although we always say she’s one of the family, right? Renata looked at her angrily. She knew that phrase by heart. One of the family. It was what they said when they wanted to sound kind but in reality they left her out of everything. And although sometimes she makes questionable decisions here.
It always comes back like a faithful dog, Patricia said, letting out a quick laugh. The room filled with murmurs. Some laughed nervously, others didn’t know where to hide. Renata felt like she’d been hit in the chest. She closed her eyes for a second. She clenched her fists and breathed. Let’s toast to those who shine and also to those who do what they can. Patricia finished, raising her glass. Jimena burst out laughing. Some applauded. Rodrigo immediately approached Renata. “Enough,” he said to Patricia, but she didn’t even look at him. “That was just a joke
. Don’t be exaggerated,” he replied, still smiling. Renata said nothing, just left her glass on the table, turned around, and walked off. She didn’t run, she didn’t cry, she just walked with her back straight but with her eyes full of fire. Rodrigo went after her. Mauricio was in shock. Many guests didn’t know whether to stay or leave. The atmosphere was broken. What was once a dream party now had a bitter taste. And the worst part was that the hardest part was yet to come. Hours before the wedding began, Jimena was in her room surrounded by
makeup, curlers, scented candles, and two friends who were talking non-stop. The dress was hanging on the door and she was sitting in front of the mirror smiling as if she were about to win a prize. Her mom came in without knocking as always with her phone in one hand and a glass of white wine in the other. Everything is ready. The people in the video, the flowers, the waiters. You don’t have to worry about anything anymore, said Patricia, giving her a kiss on the head. Jimena didn’t respond, she continued fixing her eyelashes and then she fixed her hair. She looked at her mom in the mirror and let out a

A phrase that I had been thinking about for days: “And is Renata ready too?” Patricia looked at her with a crooked smile She doesn’t have to be ready She just has to be there when the time comes Jimena laughed a low laugh of those that come with venom She looked up and said what she really had saved Mom I want that moment to be engraved so no one forgets it For everyone to know who is who Patricia took another sip of wine then she walked over and lowered the volume of the music playing in the background a little Are you sure I mean one thing is to make fun of it a little
and another is to do something that Well you know Of course I’m sure That chick has been wanting to make a good girl for years always so correct so hard-working so independent People are starting to look at her strangely, to feel sorry for her and that disgusts me I want them to remember her for what she is A lucky failure and nothing more And today at my wedding it will be clear Patricia didn’t argue Instead she took out her cell phone and texted someone Jimena kept talking I invited two people who worked with her One is the ex-boss
who fired her and the other is the one who leaked that she was seeing a guy without money who supposedly wanted to marry her You know the one who disappeared Daniel asked Patricia frowning That one who knows where he went but it still doesn’t matter Today nobody is going to talk about him Today everyone is going to talk about the adopted little sister who stole the show for the wrong reasons Patricia nodded slowly Although sometimes she seemed a little uncomfortable she never stopped Jimena She always justified everything with phrases like “It’s her way of protecting herself” or “She’s strong that’s why
they misunderstand her” But deep down she knew perfectly well that her daughter was cruel and yet she still played along The plan was simple use the toast as an entrance to make Renata uncomfortable little by little and then give way to a surprise for all the guests Jimena had paid one of the event organizers to lend himself to everything Those kinds of favors weren’t cheap but she didn’t mind spending What she wanted was attention, the moment to be so scandalous that nobody could stop talking about it afterward In the living room while everyone
was eating the organizer approached Jimena and confirmed that everything was ready She He gave her a quick nod and then approached Mauricio. “Have you seen Renata?” she asked, feigning concern. “Yes, she’s around,” he replied without much interest. “Don’t you think she looks strange,” I said, as if she were hiding something. Mauricio looked at her without understanding. “I don’t know,” Jimena said. “I haven’t talked much to her today.” Jimena smiled, patted his shoulder, and walked away. She didn’t care what he thought. What she wanted was to sow doubts in several people, and she was achieving that. 8 o’clock when the DJ

The music went down, Patricia took the microphone and began her speech. What nobody knew was that at that moment one of the event employees was already following clear instructions: set the stage for the final mockery. Behind the room there was an area where equipment, extra decorations, and things that weren’t used were stored. In that place they had set up a structure similar to a tall pole decorated with fake lights. Jimena had asked for it to be placed in the center of the garden as soon as the toast was over. The sign was already ready, large with red letters, the
failure of the family, and the rope too. A rope that didn’t tighten but that served to simulate someone being tied up. Everything was set up to look like a joke but with a clear intention to destroy. Rodrigo, who had noticed something strange from the beginning, was moving restlessly around the room. He had heard things, he had seen faces, and his mother’s speech made him uncomfortable, but he still didn’t know how far they were going to go. Jimena, for her part, walked from table to table, waving, talking, laughing loudly. She pretended to be the happy bride, but she was
counting the minutes. She knew the best was yet to come. She planned to order another drink for Renata would make her go up on stage again for a few words and then give the signal for the lights to go down. At that moment they would make her go into the garden and there they would show her to everyone as if she were part of a show. What if she doesn’t want to go up? one of her friends asked her in the bathroom minutes before. She’s going to go up. She doesn’t know how to say no when everyone is looking at her, Jimena answered without hesitation. Her confidence was frightening. But the most dangerous thing wasn’t the plan itself but the fact that she felt completely justified. For
her it wasn’t cruelty, it was justice, a settling of scores. According to her twisted logic, Renata deserved that moment for not knowing her place, for daring to grow up, for believing something that according to Jimena never was. What neither Jimena nor Patricia knew was that someone else also had a plan, one that wasn’t in their script, one that was not only going to change that night but everything that came after. The clock struck 9 at night when the DJ lowered the music for the second time. The lights changed color. Now they were softer, more
dim. The master of ceremonies took the microphone and announced. that a special moment prepared by the family was coming. Many guests applauded without knowing what to expect. Some took out their cell phones, others settled down to see better. In the middle of that atmosphere, Renata was in a corner of the room near the garden, not knowing that in a few seconds everything was going to become a nightmare. Jimena approached smiling. She was already made up again, with her curls styled and the dress tight as if she had just worn it. She looked like an actress at the climax of her movie. She was carrying a glass in her hand.
hand and walked confidently as if she were in control of everything Renata can you come here for a moment we want you to say a few words You are part of the family and tonight is special for you too Jimena’s voice sounded sweet soft but her eyes shone in a strange way Renata hesitated She didn’t want to do it She felt something in her chest a lump that wouldn’t let her breathe Fine but everyone was looking at her Patricia pointed at her from afar with a forced smile Rodrigo raised his eyebrow confused Mauricio watched her from the bar but didn’t move Renata nodded
without saying anything She walked towards the center of the room The DJ turned up a soft tune as if he was preparing something emotional The microphone was on a small improvised platform A few seconds before she took it someone turned off the lights in the room Everything went dark A few murmurs were heard Some laughed thinking it was part of the show Others took out their cell phones to light it It was only for a moment When the lights came back on Renata was no longer on the platform No one had seen her move No one understood what was happening Suddenly a spotlight It turned on in the garden pointing towards
an area where there had been nothing before And there was Renata tied to a post decorated with fake lights with a loose rope that crossed her shoulders and held her arms behind her back And hanging from her neck a sign that said in big letters the failed family There were no screams there was no music just a thick silence a mixture of shock discomfort and other people’s pity Patricia was the first to laugh Her laughter broke the ice Then Jimena applauded as if it were a comic scene Little by little some guests let out nervous laughter

Others didn’t know where to look There were ladies covering their mouths guys recording with their cell phones and young men who kept staring at Jimena as if she were an evil genius Rodrigo stood up immediately He walked quickly towards the garden with a tense face Mauricio followed him The event organizer tried to stop them saying it was part of the show but Rodrigo pushed him away without hesitation Renata didn’t say anything she didn’t cry she didn’t scream she just stood there with her eyes open staring straight ahead as if her soul had
left her body as if everything around her no longer mattered There was no need for anyone to explain what was happening Everyone understood now It wasn’t a joke it was a planned humiliation armed with time with intention with malice Mauricio reached her and took the sign from her Rodrigo untied the rope angrily When they let her go Renata slowly lowered her arms She still wasn’t speaking she was just breathing deeply as if she needed strength to not collapse right there What the hell was this Rodrigo yelled from the garden looking towards the
main table Patricia got up as if nothing had happened Oh Rodrigo no Don’t be ridiculous. It was a joke. Everyone’s laughing. You think this is funny, he replied, his fists clenched. Jimena came closer, feigning innocence. It wasn’t that bad. We just wanted to lighten the night. You’re always so tense, Renata. A little humor doesn’t kill anyone. Renata looked at her. She finally spoke softly. But of course, you don’t know what kills. Jimena remained silent. That phrase hit her harder than she expected. Many guests began to leave, some annoyed, others simply uncomfortable. A woman approached Rodrigo
and told him in a low voice that it was crap. A man patted Renata on the shoulder before leaving. Nobody wanted to stay much longer. The magic of the party had been completely broken. Don Ernesto, who had remained seated the entire time, stood up and walked towards the exit without saying a word. He didn’t look at Patricia, he didn’t look at Jimena, he didn’t look at anyone, he just left. Rodrigo followed him a few steps behind. Mauricio stayed with Renata, offering her his jacket. She didn’t accept it. She didn’t want to feel sorry for herself. She didn’t want to be seen as weak. Do you want me to call someone,
Mauricio asked her? She said, her voice firmer than she expected. He’s coming. Who’s coming? Renata looked at him with a half smile. The one who’s going to change all this. The music was still off. The room that a few minutes ago was full of laughter and voices now seemed frozen. No one knew what to do. Some were still at their tables, looking at the others to see if they should applaud, laugh, or get up and leave. It was that kind of silence that isn’t peace, it’s discomfort. That moment when the air feels heavier, as if something had exploded, but no one wanted to be the first to speak. Renata continued.
There in the middle of the garden, now without the sign or the rope, but still trapped in everyone’s gaze. She wasn’t crying, she wasn’t covering her face, she wasn’t screaming, she just stood there with her head held high and her lips pressed together. That calm wasn’t tranquility, it was something else. It was contained rage, it was dignity. And that was somehow more uncomfortable than if she had made a scene. Patricia from the main table tried to break the tension with forced laughter and loose phrases. Oh, how exaggerated. It was a funny moment, such a little detail. I don’t understand why everyone gets so intense. But nobody responded to her.
Even some of her friends, the ones who always supported her in everything, lowered their heads as if they didn’t want to be there. Jimena, standing next to her, said nothing. Inside, something told her that things had gotten out of hand, but her pride was stronger. She crossed her arms and pretended that nothing was happening. Rodrigo was the only one who couldn’t keep quiet. Do you really think that was a joke? Is this normal? Patricia didn’t even look at him. Rodrigo, please, you’re always so dramatic. Calm it down. He approached the table. looking at her straight
without fear No, you calm down because today you crossed a line that not even you can justify Jimena finally spoke angrily Don’t get involved in what is not your business Rodrigo looked at her with disgust It’s not my business After everything Renata has done for you after how you have treated her for years as if she were furniture She is not blood Patricia said without thinking That phrase fell like a stone in the middle of the room There the silence became denser It was as if everyone swallowed at the same time That was the truth that many already suspected but no one dared to say and there she was coming out of

her own mother’s mouth Renata took a few steps closer not to start a fight but because she couldn’t let that go without answering You’re right Patricia I’m not blood but that doesn’t make me any less of a daughter You were the one who opened the door for me I didn’t ask to come here I didn’t ask for your last name But if they were going to do it just to have someone to humiliate they should have saved themselves the favor Renata’s voice wasn’t trembling it was direct strong clear Each word came out like a slap without yelling Rodrigo put a hand on her shoulder but she didn’t need support She was
firm Jimena tried to save something Renata tone it down too It was just a joke Not everyone can be the center of attention Okay Renata looked at her as if she were invisible Do you really think this is about attention your thing is envy Jimena It always was since we were little girls You could never stand it when someone else took even a little bit of the spotlight away from you You always needed to shine even if it meant dimming others Jimena was speechless She stood with her mouth half open and her eyes full of rage but she couldn’t say anymore nothing The people in the
living room were murmuring Some were getting up to leave The atmosphere was broken It was a dead party with the music off Don Ernesto still hadn’t appeared He had left a while ago without saying anything but someone else was about to arrive And just when Renata turned around to walk away when it seemed like everything was going to stay there the silence was completely broken First there was the noise of an engine then some high beams coming in through the garden gate and then the air changed As if everyone had felt something as
if the night was finally going to take the turn that no one expected The noise of the engine wasn’t just any it was a low elegant roar of those that only sound in luxury cars A few seconds later the car’s lights illuminated the garden Everyone who was outside from those who were smoking to those just looking for air turned around at the same time Even those who were inside the living room approached the windows Something was about to happen You could feel it in your body The black car stopped right at the entrance It was an expensive sports model of
those that only appear in commercials or are seen on social media of rich people The doors opened gently At first you couldn’t see who it was The lights the smoke of the cool weather and the shadow of the gate covered everything But then Daniel appeared dark suit white shirt without a tie impeccable hairdo and an expression so serious that it made more than one person stand with their mouths open He didn’t walk fast or slow he walked firmly like someone who knows what he’s going to do Each step made more noise than all the music that had played that night He didn’t speak he didn’t look to the sides he just had
eyes on Renata She stood still She didn’t expect it Nobody expected it Rodrigo took a step back Mauricio recognized him immediately and put his hand to his head as if he couldn’t believe it Patricia stood up suddenly Jimena paled Daniel went up to where Renata was Without saying a word he took off his jacket and put it on her carefully as if it were something fragile Then he took her hand He lifted her up a little and hugged her A long, strong hug without rushing People started to murmur louder Nobody understood what was happening Patricia was the first to

react What are you doing here she asked with a half-trembling voice Daniel looked at her without hurrying he didn’t answer her He turned to Renata and spoke softly just for her Are you okay Renata nodded She couldn’t talk much Her throat was closed and her eyes wet But it wasn’t sadness it was something more It was that kind of emotion you feel when someone defends you for the first time in your life Daniel turned to the audience without letting go of her hand He raised his voice a little He didn’t need to shout His tone was so confident that everyone heard it even though no one handed him a microphone Good evening Sorry for
arriving without warning I just came for my fiancée The room froze A few people let out a low what Others froze Rodrigo smiled without being able to help it Mauricio let out a sigh that seemed like applause Patricia and Jimena on the other hand couldn’t process what they were hearing What did you say Patricia said taking a step forward I said I came for my fiancée repeated Daniel with all the calm in the world She and I have been engaged for months We were going to make it official soon but it seems like you guys jumped the gun with the surprises
He looked at the torn sign on the floor the rope hanging from the post the exact spot where they had left Renata exposed as if it were a joke His gaze hardened This was your idea he asked Jimena She didn’t respond She was paralyzed All the security with Miriam the one who had walked that night had vanished in seconds Daniel looked back at Renata You don’t have to stay here one more second She hesitated for a moment then squeezed her hand and that was it They didn’t need any more signs Daniel led her towards the exit Rodrigo followed them
Mauricio too Several guests began to applaud but not like at a wedding It was a different kind of applause a slow one full of embarrassment of discomfort of real support for the person who had been humiliated Patricia didn’t know what to do She walked towards Don Ernesto who had returned without anyone noticing He looked at her and only said “This is what you planted.
” and went after his son Jimena alone in the middle of the garden watched as everyone walked away The party had become something else entirely The event she had planned to shine became the stage where her own envy exploded in her face She couldn’t believe it She stared at the black car watching as the lights came back on and the engine roared once more There was no more music There was no more party just the echo of her failure floating in the air The car started slowly but the sound of the engine said it all It wasn’t
any car wasn’t any night and much less was it any outing It was one of those outings that you don’t forget The one in which you not only leave but you leave behind something broken burned irreparable Renata was in the passenger seat In her hand she still had Daniel’s jacket that covered her from the cold but also from the disgust Because yes what she had lived that night wasn’t just shame it was disgust because of the way they used her because of Patricia’s laughter because of Jimena’s face pretending that it was all a misunderstanding because of the guests who
were recording as if it were a show and not a humiliation For all that and more Daniel didn’t speak He drove with his eyes fixed ahead but his jaw was tense very tense You could see it in the way he squeezed the steering wheel how he changed lanes without looking back how he let out air through his nose every so often as if he needed to calm down Rodrigo came in behind silently also looking out the window with a mixture of anger and sadness Mauricio hadn’t accompanied them He had stayed at the party in case Renata needed anything at the last minute but
Rodrigo got in without hesitation. Since he saw what happened, he knew he couldn’t leave her alone. Not this time. After a few minutes, Daniel finally spoke. Are you okay, Renata? He just nodded. But it wasn’t a real yes, it was a I don’t know. My body still felt hot, not from fear but from anger. Her hands were clenched on her legs as if she still felt the rope around her arms and she couldn’t stop seeing that image of the sign with red letters hanging from her neck. The loser of the family. That wasn’t a joke, that was a
low blow with a first and last name. “I wanted to get there sooner,” Daniel said suddenly. I was half an hour away when I found out. A friend from the company wrote to me. I was at the wedding. He sent me a picture of the sign. I got in the car without thinking. Renata turned to look at him. I didn’t know what to say. There were so many words in my throat, but none came out. Rodrigo broke the silence from behind. Thank you for coming. Daniel nodded without taking his eyes off the road. I should never have let her go alone. Don’t blame yourself, Renata said in a low voice. I said not to come. I thought I could handle this. I thought.

that it no longer affected me but it did affect me It hurt like never before Daniel stopped at a traffic light turned his head and looked at her You didn’t let them break you And believe me that is much more than anyone could have done in your place Rodrigo from behind also spoke I didn’t expect it I knew Jimena was cruel but this was something else It wasn’t a joke It was with malicious intent It was planned Everything was planned Renata said with her eyes fixed on the windshield They invited people who they knew would make me uncomfortable They used information from
my past They looked for things to ridicule me They even thought of the lights on the sign at the special moment of the night They left nothing to chance And you know what the worst is, Rodrigo added? That many people saw it and did nothing They only recorded they only laughed they just looked without moving “Welcome to the Valle family” Renata said bitterly The car turned onto a quieter avenue The lights of downtown were left behind Daniel slowed down The silence returned for a while but it was no longer uncomfortable It was a silence of those that allow you to breathe a silence that for
the first time in the night didn’t hurt Where are we going, Renata asked Wherever you want Daniel answered without thinking She looked out the window she saw a park a gas station a store closing Everything seemed far away as if the world were going on while her life had just crashed against a wall Then she looked back at Daniel I don’t want to go home yet I don’t want to be locked up Is it okay if we go to my apartment it’s quiet No one is going to bother us It’s just you Rodrigo and me and a lot of silence that doesn’t hurt Rodrigo smiled for the first time
all night I’ll pull he said looking at his sister But only if there’s coffee Daniel let out a small laugh There’s coffee beer wine mango juice whatever you want but the important thing is that there’s peace Renata took a deep breath she closed her eyes for a moment It wasn’t the end of anything it was just the beginning of something new and she didn’t know what it was going to be like But for the first time in a long time she wasn’t afraid While the engine continued roaring softly like purring Renata thought about everything she had just left behind that house where she grew up that family that
raised her without loving her, that sister who never saw her as an equal, that mother who used her as a shield and then as a joke, all of that no longer had any weight because now she knew who was really with her and that, that was worth more than any last name. The elevator went up slowly. It was one of those that don’t make any noise, where you can see yourself on the walls because of how shiny they are. Renata was in the middle between Daniel and Rodrigo. No one spoke, but it wasn’t necessary. After what they had experienced at the party, there wasn’t much to explain. They all knew what silence was worth when it was full of
respect The doors opened on the 17th floor The hallway had soft lights and a clean wood smell Daniel put the key in the back door and pushed it calmly The apartment was spotless modern but not over the top It wasn’t a place full of luxuries to boast about It was a comfortable place with simple pictures plants in the corners and a huge view of the city from a wall-to-wall window Renata walked in and stood for a moment not knowing whether to move forward or not Daniel took her hand and smiled at her for the first time that night Here you can breathe

Ella asintió soltando el aire como si no hubiera respirado en horas Rodrigo se fue directo a la cocina ¿Dónde está ese café Kimi Promechishi segunda puerta lado izquierdo Dijo Daniel mientras le indicaba con un gesto Perfecto Voy a prepararlo y no quiero que me digan que no van a tomar Aquí nadie duerme sin un café en el cuerpo” bromeó Rodrigo tratando de aligerar el ambiente Renata se sentó en uno de los sillones se quitó los zapatos y apoyó los pies sobre una alfombra peluda Por primera vez en todo el día se sentía
segura Daniel se sentó frente a ella apoyando los codos en las rodillas mirándola sin decir nada por unos segundos Ella lo notó “¿Qué?” le preguntó levantando una ceja Nada Bueno sí dijo él Quiero preguntarte algo pero antes necesito que me digas si todavía confías en mí Renata lo miró seria No tenía dudas Siempre he confiado en ti Incluso cuando no confiaba en nadie más Daniel sacó una cajita negra del bolsillo de su saco No era una caja lujosa era simple sin marca sin moño La abrió despacio y dentro estaba
el anillo Un anillo sencillo de oro blanco con una piedra clara nada exagerado pero precioso Renata lo miró luego lo miró a él No podía creer que estuviera pasando eso en ese momento Sé que no es el lugar perfecto que no estás vestida para esto que acabas de vivir una de las peores noches de tu vida pero también sé que en este momento tú eres más fuerte que nunca y quiero que sepas que no quiero esperar más Se hincó frente a ella No le importó que estuvieran en su casa ni que Rodrigo estuviera en la cocina escuchando con atención No era una escena perfecta
Pero era real Renata ¿te quieres casar conmigo ella lo miró en silencio Por un momento pareció que no podía hablar Sintió un nudo en el pecho en los ojos en la garganta No por tristeza sino porque en ese instante se rompió algo dentro de ella algo que llevaba cargando desde niña ese dolor de no ser suficiente ese peso de sentirse de sobra Todo eso se desvanecía en ese gesto en ese hombre que con toda la sencillez del mundo le estaba diciendo “Te elijo tal como eres.
” “Sí” dijo ella al fin con la voz bajita pero firme “Claro que sí.” Daniel le puso el anillo con cuidado No hubo música ni aplausos ni fuegos artificiales Solo la respiración entrecortada de ella los ojos brillosos de él y la voz de Rodrigo desde la cocina Al fin ya me tenían tenso Gritó mientras sacaba tres tazas y servía café como si fuera una celebración de campeonato Renata se rió por primera vez en toda la noche Daniel también Se quedaron sentados en el suelo con las piernas cruzadas mientras Rodrigo les pasaba las tazas ¿Y ahora qué sigue
preguntó Rodrigo Daniel miró a Renata dándole el espacio para responder Ahora nada de esconderse ni de disculparse por existir Se acabó eso de andar con miedo Si alguien tiene un problema con quién soy o con quién estoy que se acomode porque yo ya no me voy a quitar de ningún lado Rodrigo levantó su taza como brindando Eso hermana eso Daniel la miró con orgullo Mañana mando a la prensa el comunicado Nada escandaloso pero directo Que sepan que estás conmigo que se enteren que te respeto y que te amo Y si alguna de esas damas distinguidas tiene
algo que decir que lo diga con nombre y apellido Renata respiró hondo y se recargó en su hombro El anillo brillaba con la luz tenue del ventanal Afuera la ciudad seguía Pero en ese rincón por fin había paz por fin había justicia y por fin ella era la protagonista de su propia historia Esa noche en el salón de eventos nadie sabía si quedarse irse o hacerse el loco Algunos todavía estaban procesando lo que acababan de ver Otros ya estaban marcando por teléfono o grabando mensajes de voz Geey no sabes lo que pasó en la boda de Jimena La noticia estaba corriendo como
pólvora La fracasada de la familia no solo no era una fracasada era la prometida de un millonario que había llegado como héroe y se la llevó delante de todos Patricia estaba sentada al borde de una silla dorada con la espalda rígida y las manos cruzadas sobre el regazo No decía una palabra no lloraba pero sus ojos estaban vacíos como si alguien le hubiera arrancado algo que pensaba que era suyo por derecho Y en cierto modo eso sentía Para ella todo lo que pasaba en su familia debía girar a su alrededor Nada la molestaba más que perder el control Y eso era justo lo que

había pasado Jimena por otro lado no se quedó sentada Caminaba como leona enjaulada de un lado a otro del salón con el vestido arrastrándose por el suelo el maquillaje corrido y los tacones tambaleando Se mordía las uñas hablaba sola miraba el celular cada dos segundos mandaba audios que borraba a los 3 segundos se acercó a la barra y pidió un trago “Dame lo que sea pero rápido” le gritó al Bartender que ya no sabía si atenderla o esconderse El tipo le sirvió un tequila doble sin decir una palabra Ella se lo tomó de golpe sin hacer caras Esto no
puede estar pasando No puede estar pasando repetía como si dijérselo al espejo En ese momento una de sus amigas una de esas que solo están para la foto se acercó con el celular en la mano Amiga esto ya salió en una cuenta de chismes Ya lo vieron más de 100,000 personas Jimena le arrebató el celular leyó el post y sintió cómo se le revolvía el estómago El título decía: “La hermana humillada en plena boda resulta ser la prometida de Daniel Alvarado el empresario joven más influyente del año Había una foto del momento exacto en que Daniel le ponía el saco a Renata otra del anillo y otra donde él la abrazaba
en el jardín Y en los comentarios una lluvia de mensajes a favor de Renata Jimena quería romper algo Patricia se levantó despacio y caminó hacia la salida Pasó junto a su hija sin decirle nada Iba con la cara dura sin mirar a nadie Varias personas se hicieron a un lado al verla pasar No por respeto sino por incomodidad Ya nadie le quería hablar Algunos le evitaban la mirada otros directamente le daban la espalda La señora que hace una hora era la reina de la noche ahora era una figura fría y derrotada Jimena fue detrás de ella Mamá
¿qué vamos a hacer le gritó mientras la alcanzaba afuera en el estacionamiento Patricia se detuvo respiró profundo y la miró sin expresión Nada nada ¿Estás loca ¿viste lo que acaba de pasar ese tipo la expuso frente a todos y ahora van a decir que yo soy una basura ¿Y no lo eres soltó Patricia sin cambiar el tono Jimena se quedó callada No esperaba eso Su mamá nunca la había enfrentado así Nunca Se le quedó viendo como si no reconociera a la persona frente a ella Tú misma armaste todo y me hiciste quedar como
una estúpida dijo Patricia ¿Crees que esto no me va a afectar también a mí la gente ya no quiere fotos conmigo Las señoras del club me acaban de sacar del grupo Esto es una pesadilla Jimena agarró su celular abrió su cuenta de Instagram y lo que vio la terminó de destruir Tenía más de 100 menciones comentarios en sus últimas fotos diciéndole envidiosa cruel clasista ridícula Incluso una cuenta de moda había compartido el momento de la humillación como ejemplo de lo que no se hace en un evento En menos de una hora su imagen perfecta se había venido abajo “Voy a hacer un video Voy a
aclarar las cosas” dijo desesperada “No vas a hacer nada” contestó Patricia seria “Entre más hables peor se pone.” “Entonces ¿qué me quedo callada mientras esa idiota se convierte en la heroína.” Sí dijo Patricia girando para subirse al coche Eso es lo que vamos a hacer ahora callarnos y esperar a que esto se enfríe porque si haces una sola cosa más te vas a hundir sola Yo ya tengo suficiente El chóer cerró la puerta y arrancó Jimena se quedó sola en el estacionamiento con los ojos clavados en la nada y las manos temblando Su boda su noche su momento se

had become the worst public embarrassment of her life Neither the dress nor the salon nor the photos with celebrities nor the five-tiered cake were going to save her from this Her reputation was on the floor and the worst part was that everyone was on Renata’s side Meanwhile, on social media, the name Renata was already trending locally Some accounts were already looking for her story, others celebrated what had happened as if it were a collective victory Sometimes life does take care of itself, the comments said. The loser wasn’t her The losers were the others The
party was officially dead and with it the perfect image that Jimena and Patricia had built for years Everything fell apart in a single night and the worst was yet to come The next morning was like a mix of emotional hangover and media earthquake The news was already everywhere The scandal at Jimena del Valle’s wedding, the public humiliation of her sister Renata and the triumphant entrance of Daniel Alvarado, the most successful young businessman in the country The social media wouldn’t stop Videos, photos, memes, threads, Instagram stories, TikToks, reactions, everything But
what nobody knew yet was how that relationship began Nobody knew the true story between Renata and Daniel because nobody He had asked her Daniel knew That’s why when he woke up that day the first thing he did was write a post Nothing long, nothing that sounded like a speech, just something direct and real He thought it over He didn’t want to sound like a savior He didn’t want to make a drama He just wanted them to know the truth He posted it from his verified account, the same account where he almost never posted anything, the same one that had more
than 2 million followers And it went like this: “I met Renata 2 years ago I was in the worst moment of my life I lost a million dollar investment I was in lawsuits with my partners and the press had me in their sights She didn’t know who I was She served me in a cafeteria She spoke to me with respect She treated me like any other person but not with pity, with dignity I went back three times that week not for the coffee but for her because she listened to me without interrupting because she told me things that no one else dared to tell me I invited her to dinner
She told me no, that she didn’t go out with clients It made me laugh I tried again and that’s where it all began She didn’t know about my companies or my last name She found out later and still didn’t change She helped me organize my mind to rethink my business to rebuild myself She was part of the team that helped me recover everything I had lost but she never wanted recognition or salary She didn’t even want her name to appear anywhere She just wanted to do things right We fell in love without rushing without luxuries without expensive trips or false promises She is not a failure
She is the reason why I believed in myself again and in case there is any doubt, yes, we are engaged And no, it was not out of pity, it was out of love, out of respect and because there is no one stronger or braver than her End of the story That post exploded in minutes The comments were filled with people who previously had no idea who Renata was but now they applauded her People who had experienced similar things people who said “I too was that invisible daughter I too endured ridicule for not having money I too kept quiet for years
and no longer.” Renata read everything from Daniel’s armchair. She was in her pajamas, her hair a mess, and a cup of coffee in her hand. Rodrigo was lying on the floor, looking at his cell phone, laughing at the memes that were already circulating. One of them had Jimena’s face with the text “When you think you’re humiliating but they’re humiliating you.” God, this is like an episode of La Rosa de Guadalupe but on a budget. Rodrigo said, continuing to laugh. Renata wasn’t laughing that hard. She was processing. Seeing that story written so directly, so
exposed, shook her. No one had ever spoken about her like that. No one had ever put her at the center of a story with respect. It was always the other one, the adopted one, the quiet one, the one who helps, never the protagonist. “Are you okay?” Daniel asked, sitting next to him. She was slow to respond. “I’m fine, I just don’t know. I never thought anyone would tell my story like this. I was always the one who hid things, the one who preferred not to say anything so as not to make a fuss. Well, not everyone knows today. And if someone has something to say, let them say it face to face, but let the other side also listen,” Daniel said.

giving him a kiss on the forehead At that moment Rodrigo’s phone rang It was his dad What happened boss he answered casually Get out of there with your sister The press is getting off the elevator Someone leaked the address Rodrigo stood up instantly We have to move The media is coming Daniel was already expecting it He had hired private security last night in case something like this happened It wasn’t his first time in that type of situation But this time it wasn’t about him It was about Renata They escorted her to a car without plates through the entrance of the private parking lot She didn’t cover her face she didn’t
hide She came out with a calm face the ring on her left hand and her head held high as if she were finally ready to be seen Reporters shouted questions from the street It’s true that they humiliated her How was the proposal What do you think of your family Are you going to respond to Jimena She didn’t say anything she just raised her hand and smiled Not in mockery of freedom And that image that image went around the country in less than an hour It was 2 in the afternoon and Jimena was still in her bathrobe with mascara run since the night
before She hadn’t slept a full hour She had stayed glued to her phone refreshing every 10 minutes watching the mentions go up How the videos kept being shared how the word humiliation was repeated a thousand times next to her name Her eyes were red not from crying but from rage and helplessness The screen was too bright but she couldn’t let go It was like an addiction or torture It wasn’t just the comments anymore, now it was the brands Two of the companies she collaborated with had canceled her contracts A fashion page that previously
promoted her as a rising influencer deleted her from their site They took away her space on a podcast where she was going to talk about female leadership Total irony And to top it all off, a meme account released a special edition The five most ridiculous moments of Jimena del Valle One of those clips was the toast where Patricia said that not everyone is born to shine and another showed Jimena saying “Someone has to be on the edges too, right?” That was what pissed her off the most because it wasn’t just a story anymore it was a national joke. In the
living room of the house everything was thrown around. Shoes, bags, the bridal tiara on the floor, half the cake in a box that nobody wanted to open anymore. Patricia was locked in the room talking on the phone with a friend who owed her favors. This will all work out, you’ll see, she said. But she didn’t even believe her own words. Jimena was walking in circles, every now and then she yelled things. It can’t be. How the hell did they do this to me? She grabbed her cell phone, threw it on the couch, then ran to pick it up, turned it off, turned it on, and checked it again.
Same I didn’t understand how everything had gotten out of control so quickly I had everything planned everything I had designed the wedding to be the event of the year the dress the guests the photographer who charged more than what a person earned in a month Even the cake had gold leaves and now none of that was any good Renata had stolen the show but not with scandal or drama She didn’t scream she didn’t faint she didn’t create a circus she just let herself be seen and that was enough to turn the story around The hardest blow came at 3:11 in the afternoon when Julián her husband
published a story It was just a text about Black Background Not all that glitters is gold Thank you for so much but this story ends here Don’t look for me He left Just like that He didn’t confront her he didn’t yell at her he didn’t give her explanations he just grabbed his things and left He had seen him that same morning Packing in silence Jimena yelled at him insulted him asked him if he was also in love with Renata He didn’t say a word he just slammed the door in her face And now with that published the whole world knew that their marriage was over before 24 hours had passed

Jimena threw herself onto the couch and grabbed a pillow she pressed it against her face and screamed She screamed so loud her voice cut out Then she just stayed there without moving as if she had no energy left Her cell phone vibrated again It was a voicemail from a friend who used to be part of her circle She listened to it knowing she shouldn’t have Hey Jime, I know you’re having a bad time but really what did you expect I mean we all knew how you treated Renata just like before Nobody said anything you were too much and well it was your turn Bye She
deleted it immediately and then threw the phone to the floor with such force that the case broke Patricia left the room just at that moment calmly with an expression that mixed frustration and control It’s done I spoke to a reporter We’re going to do an interview Just you and I we’re going to say that it was all a misunderstanding that it was a joke that went wrong that we’re sorry that we didn’t mean to hurt anyone blah blah blah We’re going to play the victims it’s going to cost us but we’re going to get something back Jimena looked at her like she was crazy Do you think that’s going to work if it doesn’t
work we’re going to sink anyway so it’s better to try What if Renata talks she already spoke said Patricia showing her cell phone with Daniel’s post But it doesn’t matter we’re going to speak louder Jimena didn’t respond She got up from the couch as if her legs were heavy went to the bathroom looked in the mirror and for the first time saw herself without filters no makeup no pose and what she saw she didn’t like one bit The woman who was there wasn’t the perfect girlfriend she wasn’t the triumphant sister she was a defeated woman alone
hated by half the country and abandoned by the only man who thought she really knew her And no matter how many excuses she wanted to give no matter how many interviews she recorded no matter how many stories she invented nothing was going to change what happened that night Renata was no longer the other now she was the true protagonist The dining room of the house in the valley had always been a place of uncomfortable silence Even when things seemed normal tension floated in the air That morning was no exception Rodrigo was sitting at the table with a
cold coffee in front of him He wasn’t drinking it he just stirred it with the spoon while looking at Patricia who was checking her cell phone as if she were looking a miraculous way out of what was happening Jimena didn’t come down She had been locked in her room for two days, turning her cell phone on and off all the time, reading the comments over and over again, listening to old audios of Julián as if they were really going to change something Patricia had tried to talk to her but she didn’t open the door She didn’t even answer Rodrigo took a deep breath, leaving the spoon in the
table with force Are you going to keep pretending that this is someone else’s fault Patricia looked up annoyed What do you want me to do Rodrigo That I crawl That I go out and cry on TV I want you to take charge That’s all You’ve been protecting Jimena for years pushing Renata into the shadows And now that everything exploded pretend to be surprised Don’t talk to me like that I’m your mother he answered without looking at him You’re not a lady who allowed her daughter to tear another to pieces And yes I am your son but I’m not blind and I’m tired Patricia got up from the table and left her cell phone on the tablecloth She walked

to the window she crossed her arms and spoke in a lower tone All of this all of this got out of hand It wasn’t the idea Of course it was the idea Maybe you didn’t know that Daniel was going to show up but the humiliation, the poster, exposing her all of that was planned and you didn’t stop it because you never saw her as a daughter only as someone who was convenient for you to have around as long as she wasn’t in the way Patricia turned around in anger I took care of her I fed her I gave her school home everything Yes And you also gave her contempt You left her out of every
decision You laughed at her in front of others What was the point of paying for her school if you took away her voice they were silent for a few seconds Patricia didn’t know how to respond because she knew it was all true Rodrigo didn’t stop Do you know what hurt me more that not even after what happened not even when everyone left the wedding nor when the ring went viral nor when Julián left her nor at that moment you realized that you went too far And you, what, are you the great savior now No, I was the same coward than you for a long time That’s why
I’m speaking out because I’m not going to stay silent From today on, don’t count on me for this I’m leaving Patricia frowned as if she didn’t understand Are you leaving the house? Yes, I’m going with Renata We’re going to start something new And yes, she is my sister, much more of a sister than Jimena, who doesn’t know how to love anyone who’s no use to her You can’t do that You can’t turn your back on your blood Rodrigo laughed halfheartedly You talking about blood You who use the word adopted as if it were an offense You who talk a lot about family but all you
care about is appearances No, mom, this is already broken and I’m not going to pretend it’s okay At that moment, Don Ernesto appeared in the doorway He heard almost everything from the hallway He was carrying a small suitcase in his hand “You too?” Patricia asked, looking at him as if she couldn’t believe it “Yes,” he answered simply “I’m going to the lake house for a few days I want to think.
” “Are you running away?” “I’m not resting from you” he said without raising his voice Patricia was speechless Rodrigo took the car keys and his backpack and without saying anything else he left An hour later Jimena finally came down She was disheveled with dark circles under her eyes and didn’t feel like talking Patricia saw her arrive at the kitchen pouring herself water without looking at anyone Your dad left Rodrigo too Jimena didn’t say anything You’re going to abandon me too Jimena didn’t respond with a dry voice But don’t talk to me Not today She poured the water and went to the sofa She turned on the television, turned up the volume and lay down
face down Patricia saw her from the kitchen entrance she wanted to get closer but she didn’t Something inside her told her that she could no longer fix anything with words The valley family that had tried so hard to seem perfect was falling apart And not because of Renata but because of everything they didn’t want to see for years That day in that enormous house there was no unity left only pride resentment and silence The same silence that they used to cover everything now felt like a burden that no one wanted to
carry The sun shined through the window strongly without permission Renata opened her eyes and it took her a few seconds to understand where she was It wasn’t her room it wasn’t the house in the valley there were no shouts or hurried footsteps in the hallway or that smell of expensive perfume that always made her dizzy There was only silence soft sheets and Daniel’s calm breathing on the other side of the bed She stared at the ceiling for a few minutes without moving not out of laziness but because her body still hadn’t finished processing everything that had happened The wedding the sign the post Jimena’s laughter

Patricia’s gaze, Daniel’s entrance, the ring, the networks, everything. It was so much that she didn’t even know where to begin to organize her thoughts. She felt the ring on her finger and looked at it. It was small, but it had a special weight, not because of its value, but because of what it represented. It wasn’t a jewel, it was an answer, a way of saying, “You’re not alone anymore.
” She closed her eyes again. She felt Daniel move beside her, half asleep, stretching out an arm to surround her. “You’re already awake,” he murmured in a hoarse voice without opening his eyes. “I think so, or something like that.” Daniel smiled without looking at her, he calmly stroked her head. “You slept well, I slept as if someone had turned me off. You deserved it.” Renata said nothing, she turned around and hugged him by the waist, resting her forehead on his chest. His heart was beating slowly and firmly, and that gave her a strange but beautiful peace. “And now what’s next?” She asked with her eyes closed. It took Daniel a few seconds to answer. Whatever you want, we can
move to another city or country if you want, or stay here, but whatever you decide, we can do it together. Renata raised her head and looked at him. She didn’t say anything, but her face showed that it was worth more than any public declaration. Rodrigo knocked on the door. Can I come in, or are you all too busy being cheesy? Renata laughed for the first time that day. It’s ridiculous. Rodrigo came in with a breakfast tray, toast, fruit, coffee, and juice. He placed it on the bed like he was a hotel waiter. “And that’s what Daniel asked?” “Well, at least
I’m grateful that you adopted me back into this family,” Rodrigo joked, pouring himself some juice. Also, I don’t know if you’ve seen the news, but this just got better. He took out his cell phone and showed them an article from an entertainment page. The header read: Daniel Alvarado gives the ring to the woman who was humiliated at the wedding. The story behind the scandal. The photo was of Renata leaving the building with the ring visible and her face calm. “You’re already viral,” Rodrigo said. “Not just anyone, huh?” Renata took her cell phone and read some comments. Not all of them were
good. Of course, there are always people looking for something to eat, but most of them were positive, supportive, and respectful, and honestly, she had never felt that in her life. And Jimena, asked Daniel without much interest while he poured himself a coffee. Rodrigo raised his eyebrows, literally collapsing. Yesterday, she lost two contracts. Julian left her and a video has already come out where you can see how he planned everything with Patricia. They didn’t record it, a guest recorded it because she was a gossip, but it was leaked. These things can’t be stopped now and the media doesn’t forgive. Renata remained silent, not because she was ashamed, but because a
Part of her didn’t know how to feel She didn’t want revenge, she just wanted to be left alone to live in peace But now she understood that peace isn’t achieved by waiting for others to change Sometimes you have to leave, get away from those who made you feel small Does it bother you that they’re falling apart, Rodrigo asked her No, she said, but I’m not happy about it either I just want to move forward without carrying the burden of what they did to me Daniel nodded That’s the attitude Rodrigo took a piece of bread, put it in his mouth, and spoke with his mouth full By the way, I already told Dad that I’m going to go with you for a while I don’t want to live there anymore The house is empty

silent cold Mom locks herself in her room and doesn’t talk to anyone Jimena doesn’t go out they look like ghosts And you’re going to live with me now Renata joked Obviously I’m your new bodyguard Well emotional bodyguard In case they want to throw garbage at you I’ll get back to them in memes The three of them laughed Not like before not out of commitment They laughed for real as if after enduring so much they could finally let go a little of the weight That day there were no big plans They didn’t go on interviews they didn’t give speeches they just spent the day in pajamas eating bread
with butter watching movies ignoring their cell phones for a while receiving calls from the few who really loved them And there without realizing it Renata understood that this was starting over There was no need for a castle or a big revenge or long speeches All it took was to be with the people who really know how to love you A week after the scandal everything had calmed down a bit On social media it was no longer trending People had moved on to another gossip as always But for Renata what was coming was not a temporary calm it was another life She had moved into
Daniel’s apartment no longer as a guest but as his official partner He she had said clearly This house is yours too You’re not just passing through, you’re just starting She didn’t answer him with words, she just hugged him so tight that he lost his breath In that hug was everything she felt relief fear gratitude and above all freedom That Monday morning Renata woke up with a list of things to do They weren’t luxurious things or social commitments, they were new steps Open an account in her name, pick up some papers and most importantly,
show up at the office where Daniel worked as general director She wasn’t going as a bride or as an ornament She was going to occupy a royal position with royal responsibilities Are you ready Daniel asked her from the doorway while putting on his watch Renata nodded looking at herself in the mirror She was wearing black pants, a simple white blouse, her hair up and the shoes she liked the most She didn’t dress up as someone she wasn’t She didn’t try to look important, she just wanted to feel comfortable and safe Let’s go then she said taking her bag Daniel’s office was on the 25th floor of a modern building with glass everywhere and
employees who greeted them with measured smiles Some knew who she was, others only saw her as the one from the wedding scandal But no one dared say nothing Daniel had been clear with everyone Renata is coming to work Whoever has a problem with that can look for work elsewhere He introduced her as the new social projects advisor Her task would be to propose alliances with small businesses, create scholarships, support real causes It wasn’t a decorative position, it was real work And Renata liked that because if there was one thing she knew how to do, it was work without excuses That first day she didn’t
It was perfect. She felt nervous, she made mistakes, she asked a lot of questions, but she also made decisions, she organized ideas, and at the end of the day, one of her proposals was well received by the team. When she left the meeting, Daniel was waiting for her in the hallway. “How did it go? I didn’t burn anything, so I think it was a good start” she replied, smiling. Daniel hugged her without saying much. He knew that for her, standing in that room with those people after everything she had been through was like climbing a mountain, but she managed to do it, and that was what
mattered. In the afternoon, they went to eat with Rodrigo. He had already settled into a small apartment nearby. He wanted independence, but also to be close to his sister. “I don’t know about you,” said Rodrigo, chewing on a taco. “But this seems to me to be the most decent version of a soap opera that I’ve ever experienced. All that’s missing is for someone to kidnap us to raise the ratings.
” Renata joked “Don’t give Patricia any ideas” added Daniel the three of them laughed It was no longer that awkward laugh they used to survive It was a real laugh of complicity and relief That night Renata sat alone in the living room Daniel had gone to sleep early Rodrigo had gone out to see some friends She put on her favorite music took out a new notebook and started to write It wasn’t a diary or a book Just loose phrases thoughts things she had stuck for years She wrote things like “I never had a real mother but I learned to be strong without her I am no less for coming from somewhere else My last name doesn’t define me

Being invisible also gave me powers While she was writing she cried Not much just a couple of tears that didn’t hurt her It wasn’t sadness it was cleaning it was getting rid of everything that was no longer useful to her The next morning she woke up to messages from people who had seen her in the office A girl wrote to her “Thank you for being you You gave me hope.
” Another said “I saw your story I am adopted too you made me feel less but now I want to get up Renata read them all and for the first time she didn’t feel like she had to hide On the contrary she thought about opening a page to help other women like her Women who had been silenced ignored but who now wanted to speak out She told Daniel about it while they were having breakfast Do it” he told her If you speak out many more will feel like they can too And that is how her new project began a space for women who had been silenced in their own homes despised by their families or
invisible in front of those who were supposed to take care of them She called it stand up Rodrigo was the first to share the account Daniel got her in touch with people in the industry to promote it and in less than a week there were more than 10,000 women sharing similar stories Renata was no longer just the adoptive sister now she was someone who inspired And that was true success The gate to the del Valle house had not opened for days No one came in, no one went out The luxury cars no longer drove through the entrance Visitors no longer arrived with
expensive bottles nor could fake laughter be heard from the garden The facade was still elegant yes but inside everything was a disaster like a magazine house that someone abandoned overnight Jimena came down the stairs with a cup of tea that she didn’t even like She drank it because her mother insisted that tea calms the nerves but nothing calmed her anymore Not the tea nor the pills that the doctor prescribed nor the hours she spent watching series in silence as if the world no longer included her Everything had started to fall apart the day after the wedding First it was Julián Not only did he leave her
but he spoke to the press I didn’t know who I married he said in an interview I was part of a plan of humiliation without knowing it People defended him although Renata didn’t need it. She didn’t need revenge. The damage Jimena had done was taking its toll. Then the sponsors came one by one. They canceled her campaigns. Her public relations agency terminated her contract. The brands she collaborated with deleted her from their profiles. They didn’t even answer her messages. They treated her like a plague.
Nobody wanted their image to be associated with the envious sister She tried to make a video explaining what happened She sat in front of her cell phone with a sad face and running makeup She spoke for 10 minutes about how it was all a misunderstood joke, that the pressure of the wedding made her act badly and that her family was always very special She uploaded the video hoping that at least part of the public would understand her It didn’t last even 3 hours The amount of hate she received was brutal People saying she was cynical, others telling her she was manipulative There were those who uploaded the video to
TikTok with comments on it making fun of her cheap acting It became a joke Again she downloaded it immediately but it was too late They had downloaded it they were sharing it She could no longer delete it from the world That night Patricia entered her room without knocking Jimena was in bed with the light off looking at her cell phone without sound “We have to talk” said her mother “I don’t want to talk.

” “Pues ni modo respondió Patricia cerrando la puerta tras ella porque esto ya tocó fondo ¿A ti también te cancelaron cosas?” “Sí” respondió Seca “El comité del club ya no quiere que asista Me sacaron de la mesa de donaciones y eso que yo les conseguía el dinero Ahora ninguna señora me contesta como si yo fuera un virus como si todo esto fuera solo mi culpa Jimena la miró con los ojos rojos Y no lo es Patricia se quedó callada Bajó la mirada por primera vez no tuvo nada que decir ni una excusa ni una frase para
defenderse “Yo solo quería protegerte” dijo al fin “Y así me protegiste empujándome a hacer algo horrible para lucir mejor convenciéndome de que Renata era una amenaza.” Ella iba a arruinarlo todo “Tú no lo viste pero cada vez se metía más.
” tenía esa forma de brillar sin hacer nada y eso molesta porque tú te matabas por llamar la atención y nadie lo notaba Ella solo existía y bastaba Jimena se levantó de la cama Entonces era eso envidia Patricia se cruzó de brazos Sí tal vez sí Jimena se quedó en silencio Caminó hacia el espejo y se miró Ya no era la misma no solo por fuera Algo en su mirada estaba apagado como si se hubiera ido una parte de ella que no iba a volver ¿Y ahora qué preguntó Ahora hay que desaparecer un tiempo dejar que la gente se olvide Luego intentamos volver un paso a la vez No quiero volver dijo Jimena mirándola a
través del reflejo ¿Qué no quiero volver No así No como tú fingiendo mintiendo vendiendo una imagen que no existe ¿Y qué vas a hacer pedirle perdón a Renata dijo Patricia con burla Sí lo voy a hacer aunque no me perdone Patricia se rió pero su risa sonó vacía Ya es tarde para eso hija Lo sé pero lo necesito por mí Jimena tomó su celular lo desbloqueó buscó el número de Renata y le escribió “No algo largo solo unas pocas palabras No espero que me perdones solo quiero decir que me equivoqué me dejé llenar de odio y ahora estoy pagando por eso No me des otra
oportunidad Solo quería que lo supieras.” Lo envió y dejó el celular boca abajo Patricia la miró con decepción Te estás debilitando No estoy soltando toda la porquería que me hiciste cargar Patricia se giró sin responder y salió del cuarto Jimena se quedó sola pero por primera vez en mucho tiempo no le pesaba tanto la soledad porque al menos esta vez la estaba sintiendo con honestidad Era una tarde tranquila el cielo despejado la ciudad en su ritmo normal y Renata sentada en una cafetería pequeña con terraza Estaba sola tomando un café con hielo y revisando desde su celular los
mensajes del proyecto de pie Cada día llegaban más testimonios mujeres de todos lados algunas de su ciudad otras de otros países Era increíble cómo una historia podía abrirle la puerta a tantas más Daniel estaba en una junta Rodrigo de viaje por trabajo Ella aprovechaba esos momentos de soledad para escribir pensar organizar sus ideas Había empezado a trabajar en un podcast nada grande solo un espacio para hablar sin filtros con otras mujeres Estaba emocionada Su vida ya no giraba alrededor del pasado Estaba construyendo algo nuevo real algo suyo Hasta que sonó el
celular Número desconocido Renata dudó Últimamente recibía muchas llamadas de medios invitaciones incluso de gente queriendo colgarse de su historia Pero había algo raro en ese número No sabía por qué pero algo se le apretó en el estómago contestó Hola Del otro lado no respondió nadie al principio Solo se escuchaba un ligero sonido como si alguien respirara Renata la voz era de mujer baja grave familiar pero no del todo Sí ¿Quién habla no cuelgues solo escúchame No voy a repetirlo Renata se puso recta El tono
era raro no era agresivo pero sí tenso ¿Quién eres fui amiga de tu mamá de la verdadera de la que murió Eso la hizo quedarse helada ¿Qué tu mamá y yo compartimos muchas cosas muchas que ella nunca te alcanzó a contar porque murió muy pronto porque tú eras muy chica Pero hay algo que tú no sabes algo que nadie te ha dicho ¿Qué cosa tu adopción no fue legal Renata se quedó sin palabras No entendía si era una broma de mal gusto o si de verdad esta persona sabía algo importante ¿Cómo que no fue legal preguntó con la voz quebrada Patricia nunca hizo el trámite

complete He kept custody of you as a favor from a judge friend but never signed the final papers You are not registered as an official adopted daughter By law you are not part of the valley And that’s not all Renata felt like she was short of breath So what am I Your mom had family but she never looked for them She was scared that’s why she approached Patricia But you can look for them They still live and they are not far Renata was trembling Who are you Why are you telling me this right now Because it’s time for you to know who you
really are Your last name is not from the valley It never was Your real name is another And there are things from your past that have not come out yet Some good others not so much I’m only telling you this because someone else is going to spill it too And I don’t want you to find out through gossip What things your mom didn’t die alone Total silence Renata felt her hands freeze She didn’t know if it was from fear or anger or something deeper Total confusion What are you saying The woman on the other end didn’t answer she just hung up End of the
call Renata stared at the black screen of her cell phone She felt like the world He stopped for a second as if everything good he was building was shaking He took a deep breath He dialed the number again Turned off He saved the contact with a name that came from his soul Voice from the past In Tusn at that moment he received a message from a different number It only said one sentence Your mother knew something that many wanted to hide And you are closer to discovering it than you think Renata did not answer she closed her cell phone she sat
without moving and there in the middle of that sunny afternoon she understood that her story had not ended Another was just beginning