Seeing his daughter talking to a woman who sold candy on the street, a millionaire almost drove her away, but when he found out what she was going through, he made a decision that no one could imagine. Mauricio was walking through the center of the city with his daughter holding hands. It was a Saturday afternoon and the weather was strange, with cloudy skies, as if it were going to rain, but with the heat of those that hit the face.

Despite that, Camila, the 6-year-old girl, was happy to see everything, the balloons, the street musicians, the people selling things. She had no idea about her dad’s money or his last name that appeared in business magazines. She only knew that he was her hero and that when they were together everything was fine. They passed by a corner where there was a lady selling tacos and right next to it a small table with jars of homemade candy, tamarind, wafers, palanquetas and even handmade marzipan.

Camila stopped short and pulled Mauricio by the arm. Dad, I want one of those. Look, they look good. Mauricio turned around with a smile and nodded. Let’s see, he said as he bent down a little to look into her eyes. But it wasn’t the candy that caught his attention, it was her, the young woman behind the table had her hair tied back in a simple braid, her face a little tired, but with a calm expression. She wasn’t dressed up or made up or anything like that.

But there was something in her eyes that seemed different, as if she had been through a lot of things, but was still standing there. And although her clothes were modest, they looked clean, neat, like someone who strives to look presentable in spite of everything. “Hello,” she said in a friendly voice. “Which one do you like, Peque?” Camila pointed to a tamarind one and then a mango one. “I want both, please.” Mauricio took out his wallet without saying anything, still surprised by the girl’s presence, paid and stood there looking at the table.

It was as if time stretched for a few seconds. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know what. Do you make them?, she finally asked trying not to sound too curious. Yes, well, I prepare them with my mother, she replied, or rather I prepared them. Right now she’s sick, so almost everything is up to me. Sick. Mauricio asked without noticing that his voice changed tone. She noticed it and hesitated a little before continuing to speak. She was careful with people who asked too much.

“He has cancer,” he finally said, as if dropping a stone from his chest. He has been in treatment for a few months, but since we don’t have insurance. Everything has been with the little we had. I worked in a cafeteria, but I was fired for missing so much. The truth is that I had no choice but to look for something I could do from home and that would let me take care of it. That’s why I started selling these sweets. Mauricio didn’t know what to say. For a moment he felt out of place as if he didn’t belong in that space.

He, with his expensive suits and his watch that cost what she was paid in a year, standing in front of a young woman who was struggling to survive day by day, felt ridiculous. And what’s your mother’s name? She asked without thinking much, wanting to show interest without sounding condescending. Luz María. Right now she’s in the general hospital, but they only let her stay for a few days. Sometimes I have to take her home because there aren’t enough beds. You know, that’s the way the system is.

Camila, who was still eating her sweet, suddenly interrupted. And what is your name, Julia? She replied smiling. And you, Camila? He said with his mouth half full. Mauricio smiled too, more relaxed. Something in his daughter’s naturalness grounded him. There were no judgments, no barriers, no mistrust, just a curious girl eating candy and a kind girl trying to sell some to survive. It was so simple and so strong at the same time. Hey, and don’t you have a number to take care of more?, Mauricio asked, pretending that he was doing it only for the sweets, although in reality he didn’t know why he wanted to keep in touch.

Julia hesitated. She wasn’t stupid. She knew that men who asked for her number on the street didn’t always have good intentions, but something about him, something about the way the girl looked at him, gave her a little confidence. “I have a WhatsApp number,” he finally said, “only sometimes I don’t get a signal. Write it down for me,” Mauricio said as he took out his cell phone. She dictated it, and he quickly saved it, feeling a little nervous, as if he were 15 again.

“Thank you,” she said. “Seriously, you don’t know how much it means to me when someone asks about my mom without seeing me as a burden.” “You have nothing to be thankful for,” Mauricio replied without looking at her directly, as if he was still struggling to process what he had just felt. Camila finished her dessert and asked her dad to carry her. Mauricio picked her up with one hand and waved goodbye to Julia. She responded with a smile. That smile has stuck with him.

They walked a few meters, and when they turned the corner, Mauricio took out his cell phone again. He didn’t send a message; he just opened the note where he’d written the number and looked at it for a while. Julia didn’t know what was happening to her, but something told her that this brief moment on a downtown street corner would mark a turning point in her life, and she wasn’t wrong. That night Mauricio couldn’t sleep. He was lying in bed with his arm stretched out on the pillow and his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Even though he wasn’t seeing anything. Julia, the name echoed in his head like a catchy song. He didn’t know why, but that girl had stirred something in him he hadn’t felt in years. It wasn’t just the way she looked or her history with her sick mother; it was the way she spoke, the way she stood there against all odds and still smiled. It wasn’t pity he felt, it was something else, something harder to explain.

She got out of bed, went to the kitchen for a glass of water, and while she took short sips, she looked at her cell phone again. There was the number. Julia hovered over it, wondering whether to text him something, a simple, “I hope you’re okay,” or something similar. But in the end, she just locked the screen and dropped the phone on the counter. The next morning, as soon as she got to her office, she called Diego, her personal assistant. He was young, quick, very discreet, the kind who knows how to get things done without asking too many questions.

Diego, I need you to find out something, but without attracting attention. Okay, sure, Mr. Mauricio. Tell me. I want to know who the girl is who sells candy for him. Downtown. She’s on the street where the old church is, right on the corner with a taco stand. Her name is Julia. She lives with her mother, who’s sick. That’s all I have. Diego looked at him doubtfully, but didn’t say anything, just nodded and left the office. He was used to these kinds of assignments, although of course, they were usually to review profiles of potential partners, not girls selling tamarinds on the street.

Mauricio was left alone, but he couldn’t concentrate. He had an important meeting in an hour, and papers were scattered across the desk, but nothing was making sense. All he saw was Julia’s face when she talked about her mother and the way Camila had approached her as if she’d known her before. It wasn’t common for her daughter to become attached to someone so quickly. That same afternoon, Diego returned with what he’d found. Well, what he could.

Her name is Julia Ramírez. She’s 26 years old. She used to live with her mother in a small apartment, but they recently moved to a cheaper area, near the Old Market. Luz María is undergoing treatment for uterine cancer. She’s already had three chemotherapy sessions. Seguro Popular didn’t fully cover them, so they’ve had to pay for many things out of their own pocket. Mauricio listened without interrupting. It seemed incredible to him how someone so young could carry something so heavy without breaking.

And she asked. She worked at a cafe near the park, but they fired her for missing too much. Sometimes they saw her asleep at the hospital, on the couches, or arriving with swollen eyes. They say she was a good employee, but the boss had no patience with her. Mauricio clenched his jaw. That kind of thing bothered him. People who didn’t understand that there are bigger priorities than a damn schedule. Does she have a partner? Nothing confirmed. Some say she had a boyfriend a while back, but he’s gone now.

No one has seen him for months. And how does he live now? Well, he makes sweets from what he sells. She buys the ingredients at the market and then puts everything together at home. Some days she sells almost nothing, and others she’s doing better, but nothing is guaranteed. She has debts with the hospital and the woman who rents the room to them. They’ve already threatened to evict her. Mauricio took a deep breath. He didn’t know what to do with all of this. He didn’t want it to sound like pity, but he couldn’t just sit idly by.

What else do you know? he asked. Nothing unusual. He has no criminal record, no active social media accounts, just an old Facebook page with photos from when he worked at the cafeteria. It doesn’t seem like he’s hiding anything. Okay, thanks Diego. Don’t tell anyone about this. Nothing. Of course, sir. Diego left, and Mauricio was alone again. He looked out the window. From his office, you could see almost the entire city. He was up in a climate-controlled glass tower, and she was down below, breathing the dirty air of downtown, walking between stalls with the heat sticking to her face.

That night, he passed by the same street again with Camila. He didn’t say anything; they just walked along as if it were just chance, as if fate were pushing them once more. But Julia wasn’t there. The table was still there, but empty. Mauricio felt a kind of emptiness. It wasn’t normal for something to throw him off like that. He was used to being in control, to having answers, to things happening when he wanted them to. The next day, he returned. Julia was already there.

Her dark circles were more pronounced, but she was still smiling. Camila ran over to greet her without asking. She hugged her like she was family. “I thought you weren’t coming,” Mauricio told her, not realizing he was speaking in a softer voice than usual. “Yesterday I had to stay at the hospital with my mom. She was admitted for a few hours because she had a fever. But she’s better now.” “That’s great,” he said, relieved. Julia looked at him for a moment as if she noticed something different about him, as if she knew he had thought of her more than once.

“What are you going to have today, Camila?” she asked, changing the subject. “Mango or something else. Ovez,” the girl shouted. Mauricio took out a large bill and gave it to Julia. “I don’t have any change for that, okay?” she said, surprised. “Don’t worry, I’ll take all the ones you have today. We’ll distribute them at the office,” he said without thinking much. Julia froze for a few seconds. “Seriously. Yeah, they’re good. Besides, this way you can rest a bit or spend more time with your mom, right?”

Julia looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. She wasn’t used to someone doing that without expecting anything in return, or at least that’s how it seemed. Thank you, really. He just smiled. It wasn’t a big scene. There was no background music or eternal glances. It was something simple. But in that moment, without either of them knowing it, something was forming, something that was going to grow little by little, something that was going to change both of their lives.

After that day when Mauricio bought her all the candy, something changed. Julia didn’t quite understand what was happening, but she couldn’t deny that it lightened her soul to see someone caring about her situation. Still, she didn’t want to get her ideas right. She knew that life doesn’t give anything away and that, usually, when something seemed too good, it came with a hidden blow. So, she simply said thanks and continued with her routine.

She prepared the sweets at night, took care of her mother when she had a fever or her blood pressure dropped, and went out in the afternoons at the same spot as always. Mauricio, for his part, couldn’t get Julia out of his head, but he also didn’t want to scare her or make her feel uncomfortable. He didn’t want her to think he was approaching her out of pity or that he had some hidden agenda. That’s why he came up with a plan that seemed more logical: to help her without her noticing.

The first thing was to talk to Diego. I want you to buy Julia’s candy every day, but send someone different each time so it doesn’t look like it’s us. Tell your friends, your cousins, whoever, to buy without asking anything, just leave a good tip. And if she asks anything, tell them someone recommended it to them. “Any special reason?” Diego asked, with that look on his face that said he wanted to understand more, but didn’t dare. “I just want to support her without her noticing.”

I don’t want you to take this the wrong way. Diego nodded. He knew when to speak and when not to. And in this case, he understood perfectly well that his boss was doing something unusual. Days passed, and Julia began to notice something strange. Suddenly, people from outside the area would arrive, well-dressed, asking for candy and buying more than usual. One or another would even leave her double the amount of money without asking for change. At first, she thought it was luck, then coincidence, but after the fourth or fifth time, she began to get suspicious.

Still, she didn’t ask anything. She didn’t want to ruin whatever was going on. One afternoon, while she was organizing the jars on the table, she saw Mauricio and Camila arrive. She was already expecting them, even if she didn’t say so. The girl ran up to her as always with a huge smile. Mauricio approached, walking slowly, as if he already knew the route by heart. “How’s everything going?” he asked. Better, although I don’t know if it’s true or if I’m just having a good run. Good run.

Yes. Lately, a lot of new clients have been coming in, people I don’t know, but they come straight here as if they already knew. Mauricio feigned surprise. “Well, word’s probably spread. Your sweets are good. I hope so,” Julia said, although deep down she wasn’t entirely convinced. That day they talked for longer than usual. Mauricio asked how his mother was doing, if they needed anything, if they’d been able to make progress with the treatment. Julia told him that the last chemo had been very hard, that his mother was throwing up everything and barely eating, but they kept fighting.

There was no choice. Camila sat at the side of the table with a sweet treat in her hand, as if that were her place, and in a way, it already was. Julia was starting to feel something very strange about them. It wasn’t just affection; it was something more like belonging. After that encounter, Mauricio wanted to go further. He spoke to a trusted doctor who worked at a private hospital. He explained the situation without naming names and asked for a free consultation for Julia’s mother.

The doctor agreed, but they needed a ride. Mauricio hesitated a bit. He didn’t know how to propose that without it sounding weird. In the end, he decided to send a text. Nothing complicated, he just wrote, “I know a really good doctor. He can see your mom for free. If you want, I’ll give you his contact.” It took Julia a while to reply. She went hours without opening the message. When she finally read it, she didn’t know what to think. She wanted to accept. Of course she wanted to. But something inside her told her not to trust him so easily.

Still, she responded with a thank you. I’ll think about it. Two days later, she wrote him back, “Is the doctor still offering it?” Mauricio smiled alone in the middle of his office. He replied with the address, the date, and the time. Everything was set. When the day arrived, Julia took her mother to the private hospital. They went in, and everything was different. The smell, the hallways, the care. Mrs. Luz María was nervous, constantly asking how much it would cost, if it was really free, if they weren’t going to kick them out because they didn’t have insurance.

Julia calmed her down as best she could. The doctor treated them patiently, reviewed previous tests, ordered new ones, and explained in detail what treatment they could follow. He even gave them access to some discounted medication through a foundation. When they left, Luz María was crying, as was Julia, but she tried to hold it in. “Who paid for all this?” the woman asked. “I don’t know,” Julia replied, “but I did know.” In the following days, Julia began to look at Mauricio differently, not because she knew for sure that he was behind it all, but because she sensed it.

But she didn’t say it. She didn’t want to depend on anyone. She’d already had too many disappointments in life. Mauricio, for his part, continued sending people to buy candy. Sometimes he even had them pre-order it for an entire office. They would text her the order, and Julia would deliver it on time, with the bags tied and the customer’s name spelled out. She never failed. One afternoon, as the sun was already setting, Julia stood alone at her post, staring at the orange sky.

She thought about her mother, who for the first time in months had slept well. She thought about the new clients, the WhatsApp messages, the visits to the private hospital, and Mauricio. She thought about him a lot. She didn’t know what he was feeling, but he was strong, and it scared her because sometimes when something good appears in the midst of chaos, you don’t know whether to hug it or run away. Julia was finishing packing the last of the day’s candy when she received the call.

It was an unknown number, one of those you hesitate to answer, but something told you to. “Okay, Miss Julia Ramírez. Yes. Who’s speaking? This is from the administration department at the General Hospital. We have an update on your outstanding account.” Julia remained silent. Her stomach sank. She thought the worst. Maybe they were going to demand a payment she couldn’t cover or tell her they couldn’t care for her mother anymore. “Yes, tell me,” she replied in a low voice.

We want to inform you that your debt has been settled in full. Sorry, the bill is paid. Someone paid it this morning. Julia felt her blood pressure drop. She grabbed the table to keep from falling. She looked around as if she needed air, even though she was outdoors. Who did it? Sorry, we can’t share that information. The payment was anonymous; only you needed to know for administrative reasons. She hung up, unable to believe it. She stood for several minutes, cell phone in hand, not knowing what to do, what to say, or who to call.

Her legs were shaking, she took a deep breath, sat on a bench in the plaza, and tried to think clearly. There was no doubt, Mauricio had to be him. But why? Why so much if they weren’t even close? She was barely getting to know him, if she hadn’t done anything to earn this kind of help. Tears filled her eyes, but she wiped them away quickly. She didn’t want to cry in the street. She didn’t want people to see her as just another sufferer.

Although inside she was broken, she was relieved at the same time. That same night when she got home, she told her mother. Luz María didn’t understand a thing. What do you mean, someone paid? Who? I don’t know. They wouldn’t tell me. But I think it was Mr. Mauricio. That’s the girl’s. Yes. He hasn’t told me, but he’s been very attentive. And a lot of strange things have been happening lately. The woman didn’t say anything else; she just hugged her tightly. It was the first time in months that they could sit down to dinner without that weight on their shoulders.

Julia still had other debts, but the hospital bill was the biggest, the one that weighed most on her. The next day, she didn’t know how to act. She should say something, thank him directly, pretend she didn’t know. She didn’t want to embarrass him or seem like she expected more, so she decided to act normal, as if nothing had happened. But when Mauricio appeared on the same corner as always, she was already waiting for him with a different look, more open, warmer, and yes, a little more nervous.

“Hello,” he said, as Camila ran to greet her as always. “Hello,” they didn’t say much. It was clear they both knew something they didn’t want to mention. There was a kind of silent agreement, a mutual respect that needed no words. Mauricio bought some candy, they chatted for a while, and then said goodbye. Nothing different from the previous days, except for the way they looked at each other at the end. It was just a second longer than usual, a second where everything was understood. Julia thought about it all day, and when night fell, she wrote him a short message.

Nothing direct, just. Today was a good day. Thanks for stopping by. Mauricio read it and smiled. He didn’t respond. He immediately wanted to leave it there as a sign that he was okay, that nothing more needed to be said. The following days were calmer for Julia. The fear of being left without medical care faded. She was able to focus more on her mom, on improving the sweets, on thinking about the future. For the first time in a long time, she gave herself permission to imagine another life, one where everything wasn’t about running after money or fighting with doctors to get her mom treated.

One afternoon, a woman in elegant clothes, clearly not from the area, arrived at the stand. She told her she was organizing a small event and wanted a dessert table. Julia thought it was a joke at first, but the woman was serious. She asked for a quote, asked if she could do special packaging, and even offered to pay in advance. “Who told you about me?” Julia asked, already doubting something. A friend told me her desserts were delicious, and that I had to try them.

Julia smiled, but inside she already had the answer. That night she wrote to Mauricio again. “Was it you again?” He replied, “What was it? I just happened to be passing by.” Julia laughed alone in her room. Everything was moving slowly, and although she still didn’t fully understand what place Mauricio occupied in her life, she did know that something important was happening, something that couldn’t be stopped, because sometimes a single gesture, one that no one sees, one that is done without expecting anything, can change everything.

And in this case, she had already done it. Julia didn’t think about it as much anymore. She no longer feigned surprise when Mauricio appeared with Camila on the same street corner as always. It wasn’t hard for her to smile at him either. It was as if, somehow, they were already part of her routine. Not a heavy or boring routine, but one that was starting to feel light, pampered. And although there were no promises, no romantic phrases, no commitment of any kind between them, there was something there, something growing. Camila was talking more and more.

He sat next to her as if the candy stand belonged to him. Sometimes he would organize the jars by color. Other times he would make up stories about princesses who lived among tamarind trees. Julia laughed; it was good to have her around; it took some of the weight off her problems. One afternoon, while the girl was drawing in an old notebook Julia had given her, Mauricio and she were alone, sitting on the bench next to him. They didn’t talk much, but the silence didn’t weigh heavily.

It was comfortable. “How’s your mom doing?” he asked suddenly. “Better as far as I can tell. Her blood pressure isn’t as low anymore, and she’s eating a little more. I’m happy.” “And you?” Julia looked at him as if she were hesitating to tell the truth. “I’m getting by. There are good days, others are tough, but I’ve been able to breathe a little more.” Mauricio nodded. He didn’t want her to feel like she had to thank him for everything. That wasn’t what she was looking for. “And you?” she asked, changing the subject. “How are you doing with all this business, the companies, the meetings?”

Same as always. It’s the same every day. Ah, sometimes I feel like sending everything to hell, but then I see Camila and I calm down. Julia smiled. She’s incredible. Yes, she is. She keeps me focused. Since her mom left. It’s the only thing I’m clear about. There was a slightly longer silence. Julia knew he didn’t talk much about his personal life, and that gave that sentence a different meaning. How long ago? That it was quick, they diagnosed something, and in three months he was gone?

Camila didn’t understand anything. Neither did I. Julia lowered her gaze. Not out of pity, but because she felt the weight of what he was carrying. I didn’t know. Sorry for asking. No, it’s okay. Sometimes it also helps me talk about it. It reminds me that life doesn’t wait for anyone. The silence returned, but this time with a different energy. It wasn’t awkward; it was like a necessary pause. Camila interrupted the moment when she showed him a drawing. It was some kind of candy stand with three people: a girl, a man with glasses, and a woman with a braid.

“Look, it’s my store,” she said proudly. Julia hugged her. “Your store. Yes, you make the sweets, my dad buys them, and I sell them. We’re a team.” Mauricio laughed and stroked her head. “You see, we now have a family business.” Julia didn’t say anything, but something moved her inside that phrase. From that day on, Mauricio began to come by more often, but without making a fuss. He didn’t arrive with flowers, or gifts, or nice words.

He was just there. Sometimes he stayed to chat for a while, other times he just stopped by to say hello and buy something. He never tried to overstep the line. He was respectful, calm, as if he knew what they were creating needed time. And Julia appreciated that because she was tired of people who promised things they couldn’t deliver, of men who only approached her with strange intentions or who wanted to save her as if she were in a movie. Mauricio wasn’t like that. He was simply there. One Saturday, he texted her early.

Camila’s having a sleepover today. Do you want me to buy you a coffee and we can chat for a while? No rush, no fuss. Julia read it several times. She thought about saying no out of habit, out of fear, for protection, but she wrote, “Well, they met at a simple cafe, far from the center. They talked about normal things. School, the city, the places where they grew up. Nothing intense, nothing heavy, but it was a respite for both of them. In the middle of their conversation, he asked her something she hadn’t expected.

Don’t you miss having time for yourself? How so? she asked. I mean, doing things you like, watching a movie, reading, going out for a while without having to think about bills or medicine. Julia was silent for a moment. Yes, but I don’t even know what that’s like anymore. I haven’t allowed myself to do it in so long. Mauricio didn’t insist, he just said, “I hope you do it again someday.” Julia looked at him with a mixture of surprise and tenderness, not because of what he said, but because of how he said it, without pressure.

No advice, no attempts to fix her, just wishing her something nice. From that afternoon on, the encounters became more frequent. They were no longer just coincidences. Julia no longer felt awkward if she texted him, and Mauricio was no longer afraid of seeming pushy. It was a connection that grew slowly, without the need for labels. One night, after closing the stand and returning home, Julia sat down with her mom to watch television. Luz María noticed that she was smiling more. “You like that boy, don’t you?”

Julia laughed nervously. I don’t know, I like him. And so does he, but there’s nothing there, we just talk. The woman glanced at her. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. There just needs to be something. It’s enough that he’s there. And he’s been there. Julia didn’t respond, she just continued watching TV, but she wasn’t hearing anything anymore. Her head was full of thoughts. She didn’t know what was going to happen, but she didn’t need to know either. Sometimes closeness has no form, no rules, no clear destination, it just happens, and sometimes that’s stronger than any promise.

Lorena entró al edificio como siempre, caminando rápido, tacones altos, traje ajustado, maquillaje perfecto y una expresión de que no tenía tiempo para nadie. En la empresa todos sabían que cuando ella andaba de malas, lo mejor era no cruzarse en su camino. Era la excuñada de Mauricio, hermana de Sofía, su esposa fallecida. Desde que su hermana murió, Lorena se había ido metiendo poco a poco en los negocios de la familia. Decía que era por ayudar, por mantener el legado, por cuidar el apellido, pero en realidad le gustaba el poder, le gustaba mandar y sobre todo le gustaba saber que podía controlar cosas sin que Mauricio se diera cuenta.

Durante mucho tiempo él la había dejado hacer, no porque confiara ciegamente en ella, sino porque estaba tan metido en la crianza de Camila, en la pérdida de Sofía y en el cansancio emocional, que dejó pasar cosas, firmas, decisiones, reuniones, hasta que Lorena fue agarrando más terreno del que debía. Y ahora que Mauricio empezaba a sonreír otra vez, que se le notaba distinto, que llegaba a la oficina con otra energía, Lorena lo notó de inmediato. Ella lo conocía bien, demasiado bien.

No por cariño, sino por costumbre, por años de estar cerca observando cada movimiento. Una mañana lo interceptó en el pasillo y esa sonrisa le soltó con ese tono entre broma y veneno. ¿Qué tiene? Ya no puedo sonreír. Sí, solo que no es común en ti. Últimamente llegas más ligero, hasta pareces enamorado. Mauricio la miró de reojo sin querer entrar en detalles. Estoy bien, nada más. Ajá, dijo ella, como quien ya entendió todo. No dijo más, pero no necesitaba hacerlo.

Desde ese momento le nació una espinita. Quería saber qué o quién estaba detrás de ese cambio, porque si había alguien que podía alterar los planes de Lorena, era justo eso, una nueva mujer en la vida de Mauricio. Y más si esa mujer no tenía apellido de peso, ni carrera, ni relaciones sociales que sirvieran de algo. Se puso a investigar primero con preguntas sutiles a la gente de la oficina, luego revisando las cámaras del estacionamiento. Un día vio que Mauricio salía con bolsas llenas de dulces.

Otro día notó que pasaba por la zona centro con su chóer a horas en que antes ni se movía de su escritorio. Algo estaba pasando. Mandó a uno de los guardias de seguridad a seguirlo discretamente. No era la primera vez que hacía algo así. Y ahí lo confirmó. Lo vio hablando con una muchacha en la calle, joven, sencilla, con un puesto de dulces y una sonrisa que no entendía cómo podía provocar tanto. Se enteró del nombre Julia Ramírez.

investigó su dirección, su situación económica, los hospitales que había visitado y entonces le cayó el 20. Mauricio estaba ayudando a una mujer que no tenía nada y eso para ella era un peligro porque no era solo por celos, no era solo por meterse, era porque Lorena tenía un plan. Llevaba meses tratando de posicionarse como la mano derecha de Mauricio para eventualmente quedarse con una parte del control de la empresa. Y si él empezaba a cambiar, si se metía en una relación con alguien como Julia, todo podía venirse abajo.

Julia no era del tipo que encajaba en el mundo de Lorena. No era profesional, no tenía estudios de negocios, no tenía contactos ni apellidos. No era una amenaza por lo que tenía, sino por lo que podía provocar en Mauricio. Así que decidió tomar cartas en el asunto. Empezó por lo básico, chismes. Llamó a dos empleadas de confianza, de esas que le debían favores, y les soltó frases disfrazadas de comentarios casuales. Dicen que Mauricio anda ayudando a una muchachita que conoció en la calle.

En la calle, sí. Vendiendo dulces. Dicen que le pagó el hospital a su mamá. Imagínate, no necesitó decir más. Las palabras se fueron regando como pólvora y aunque nadie se atrevía a enfrentar a Mauricio, las miradas en la oficina cambiaron, algunas con burla, otras con lástima. Mauricio no se dio cuenta al principio. Estaba demasiado concentrado en Julia, en su hija, en mantener ese equilibrio nuevo que por fin estaba encontrando. Pero Diego sí notó los cuchicheos, las caras, los movimientos raros y le avisó.

Nada grave, pero ya hay rumores. Alguien está diciendo cosas sobre Julia. Que si te está usando, que si es interesada, que se inventó lo de su mamá. Mauricio apretó los puños. ¿Quién está diciendo eso? No lo sé con certeza, pero sé quién empezó a moverlo todo. Lorena. Ahí cambió el tono. Mauricio no se enojaba fácil, pero con Lorena ya tenía historia. Siempre sintió que se pasaba de lista, que quería jugar un papel que no le tocaba. Pero por respeto a su difunta esposa, nunca había querido ponerle un alto hasta ahora, pero antes de actuar quiso confirmar que tanto sabía Lorena, así que la citó a comer como hacían de vez en cuando.

Ella llegó con su tono de siempre, amable por fuera, calculadora por dentro. ¿Y cómo va todo? Le preguntó él entrando directo. Bien, un poco más movido de lo normal. ¿Y tú? Oye, ¿tú tienes algo en contra de Julia? Ella no se hizo la tonta. La de los dulces. No, ¿por qué habría de tenerlo? Tú dime. Desde que apareció ya se corren rumores en la oficina y todos llevan tu sello. Lorena sonrió. Esa sonrisa que no es de agrado, sino de me atrapaste, pero no me importa.

Solo me preocupa que no estés pensando con la cabeza. Eres un hombre con una hija, con una empresa, con una reputación. No puedes meterte con cualquiera. Mauricio se le quedó viendo con un tono que no usaba mucho. No es cualquiera. Y aunque lo fuera, no es asunto tuyo. Y si solo se está aprovechando. ¿Tú te estás escuchando? Estoy cuidándote porque alguien tiene que hacerlo. Mauricio respiró hondo. Quiso decir muchas cosas, pero se contuvo. No era el momento.

Solo se levantó de la mesa, dejó dinero sobre la cuenta y antes de irse dijo algo que Lorena no esperaba. No necesito que me cuides, solo necesito que no te metas donde no te llaman. Se fue. Y por primera vez en años, Lorena sintió que perdía el control, pero también supo que no se iba a quedar cruzada de brazos. Si esa tal Julia era una amenaza, entonces iba a tener que quitársela del camino y a su estilo.

Lo primero que hizo Lorena fue contactar a un viejo amigo que trabajaba como asesor legal de la empresa. No era de los de confianza de Mauricio, pero siempre había estado por ahí como sombra. Le pasó un par de nombres, le pidió revisar registros y le ofreció una buena cantidad de dinero por hacer preguntas sin dejar huella. En menos de una semana ya tenía datos, documentos. y detalles que ni Julia sabía que todavía existían. Descubrió que cuando la mamá de Julia se enfermó por primera vez, ella pidió un préstamo a un banco local.

No era mucho, pero con los intereses se le salió de control. Lo dejó de pagar unos meses después, cuando perdió el trabajo. Luego, otra deuda más con una farmacia y otra con una señora que le había fiado medicina en la colonia. En el papel parecía alguien endeudada, irresponsable y en apuros. Lorena sabía que no era ilegal, pero también sabía cómo hacer que todo eso pareciera algo más. Luego consiguió un viejo contrato laboral de la cafetería donde trabajaba Julia y con un poco de presión logró que la dueña dijera en voz alta que Julia no era

tan confiable, que había faltado muchas veces sin avisar, que no dejaba todo en orden cuando salía, nada que pudiera probar, pero suficiente para empezar a manchar su nombre. Con eso en la mano, Lorena empezó su siguiente movimiento. Visitas discretas a clientes de la empresa. Se sentaba en oficinas con ejecutivos. Les decía que estaba preocupada, que Mauricio últimamente estaba distraído, que había conocido a una mujer de la calle, que lo tenía embobado, que estaban avanzando en una relación que podía poner en riesgo la imagen de todos.

Lo decía como si le doliera, como si hablara por cariño. Yo solo quiero lo mejor para él. Pero esta mujer no es de su mundo. Tiene deudas, antecedentes de mal comportamiento laboral y, según dicen, una historia medio inventada con su mamá. ¿Y tú cómo sabes todo eso?, le preguntaban algunos. No puedo revelar fuentes decía ella con cara seria. Solo quiero advertirles, algunos no le creyeron, pero bastó que unos cuantos sí lo hicieran para que el rumor empezara a moverse por sí solo.

Y como pasa siempre, nadie confrontó directamente a Mauricio. Nadie se atrevía, pero los pasillos de la empresa se llenaron de miradas raras, de comentarios disfrazados, de risas cuando alguien mencionaba la palabra dulces. Diego fue el primero en darse cuenta del efecto. “Oye, te están metiendo cizaña. ” Le dijo a Mauricio directo. Ahora, ¿qué? Se corre el rumor de que Julia está contigo solo por interés, que tiene deudas, que inventó lo de la mamá, que está buscándote por lo que tienes, no por lo que eres.

Mauricio lo miró fijo, sin decir nada. Se le notaba el enojo, pero lo tenía contenido. ¿Y sabes quién empezó? Obvio. Lorena. Mauricio se levantó de su silla, dio vueltas por su oficina. Tenía ganas de ir a enfrentarla, pero sabía que eso solo le daría más poder. Ella quería sacarlo de control. Y lo peor es que, por más que confiaba en Julia, una parte de él no podía evitar preguntarse. Y sí, sí, esa duda, esa pequeña semilla de desconfianza, era justo lo que Lorena quería sembrar.

Del otro lado, Julia también empezó a notar el cambio. Ya no eran solo los clientes raros o las miradas en la calle. Una vecina le soltó un comentario en el mercado. Ya viste cómo te buscan tanto últimamente cuidado. No vayan a pensar que estás haciendo otra cosa. ¿Qué cosa? Tú sabrás. Julia se quedó helada. No respondió, solo siguió su camino, pero con un nudo en la garganta. Luego vino otra señal. El dueño de un restaurante que le había encargado dulces le canceló el pedido sin motivo claro.

“Mi esposa prefiere ir con otro proveedor”, dijo por teléfono sin entrar en detalles. Y después un mensaje por WhatsApp de un número desconocido. “Ya sabemos que eres una interesada, no te va a durar mucho el juego. ” Julia se quedó mirando la pantalla con el corazón acelerado. No sabía si responder, si ignorarlo, si llorar o salir corriendo. como si algo sucio estuviera creciendo alrededor de ella y no sabía cómo pararlo. Esa misma tarde, cuando Mauricio llegó con Camila al puesto, Julia estaba distinta.

Sonreía por fuera, pero por dentro estaba tensa. Ya no lo miraba igual. Ya no era esa tranquilidad de antes. Había algo nuevo. Miedo. ¿Estás bien?, le preguntó Mauricio notándolo al instante. Sí, solo cansada. Segura. Sí, pero no era cierto. Mauricio lo supo y ella también. El problema era que ninguno de Sindons los dos sabía cómo decir lo que realmente estaba pasando. En la noche, Julia pensó en escribirle, en contarle todo, en preguntarle si él sabía algo, pero se quedó con el celular en la mano.

No quería sonar paranoica, no quería que él pensara que se estaba volviendo una carga. ya le había ayudado demasiado. Del otro lado, Mauricio sí estaba pensando en preguntarle, en decirle lo que había oído, pero le daba miedo hacerla sentir como si estuviera dudando de ella. No quería arruinar lo que estaban construyendo. Así pasaron los días cerca, pero con distancia, viéndose, pero evitando tocar el tema. Hasta que un día, Mauricio encontró un sobre en su escritorio sin remitente, solo decía, “¡Cuidado, dentro había una copia de un recibo bancario con el nombre de Julia y una deuda vencida.

Luego un recorte de un correo impreso donde una supuesta empleada hablaba mal de ella, todo ordenado, limpio, como si fuera un expediente armado. Era Lorena, no había duda. Mauricio lo leyó todo y por un momento lo dudó, solo un segundo. Pero ese segundo bastó para que algo cambiara, porque cuando se rompe la confianza, aunque sea poquito, ya no se siente igual. Y eso era justo lo que ella quería. Pasaron dos días en silencio. Mauricio no escribió. Julia tampoco no fue algo planeado, simplemente pasó como si los dos sintieran que algo raro estaba en el aire y nadie quería ser el primero en romperlo.

Mauricio seguía dándole vueltas a los papeles que había encontrado en su escritorio. Lo había leído todo al menos cinco veces tratando de encontrar un error, algo que le dijera que todo era falso, pero no. Los documentos eran reales, las deudas existían y las declaraciones de la exjefa también, y eso no le enojaba. Lo que le molestaba era no saber si Julia había sido sincera desde el principio. No la estaba juzgando por tener deudas. Él sabía que la vida a veces te arrastra, que uno hace lo que puede para sobrevivir.

Pero lo que le quemaba por dentro era que ella nunca le mencionó nada, ni una sola vez. Y claro, también sabía que no era obligación. Julia no le debía explicaciones. No eran pareja, ni socios, ni nada oficial, pero eso no quitaba el hecho de que él había metido las manos por ella. Había hablado con doctores, había movido contactos, había gastado dinero de su bolsillo y ahora empezaba a dudar si había visto solo lo que quería ver. Por su parte, Julia también tenía la cabeza hecha un nudo.

Las miradas en la calle ya no eran las mismas. Dos vecinas le dejaron de hablar y en el hospital una enfermera le soltó un comentario en voz bajita. Dicen que tu patrocinador te consiguió un doctor privado. Julia no dijo nada, solo apretó la mandíbula y aguantó. Esa noche, cuando Mauricio apareció en su punto de siempre, ella ya no lo esperaba como antes. Estaba sentada con los brazos cruzados mirando su celular sin muchas ganas de hablar. Mauricio bajó del auto solo sin Camila.

Hola. Hola, dijo ella sin mirarlo directamente. Y la niña se quedó con su tía. Silencio. De esos que no se pueden ignorar. Mauricio caminó hasta la mesa, miró los frascos, no tocó ninguno. Todo bien. Sí, por te noto diferente. Julia levantó la vista, lo miró fijo. ¿Y tú estás bien? Mauricio se cruzó de brazos. Dudo. Tengo que preguntarte algo y te pido que seas sincera. Julia tragó saliva. Dime, ¿hay algo que no me hayas dicho? ¿Cómo que no lo sé?

Deudas, problemas con tu trabajo anterior, cosas que puedan malinterpretarse. Julia lo entendió de inmediato. Sintió cómo se le helaba el cuerpo. No era una pregunta inocente. Ya alguien le había dicho algo. Ya alguien le había metido dudas. ¿Quién te dijo? No importa quién, solo quiero escucharlo de ti. ¿Quieres saber si tengo deudas? Sí, tengo. ¿Quieres saber si me corrieron de un trabajo? Sí, también. ¿Y sabes por qué? Porque mi mamá se estaba muriendo, Mauricio, y yo no tenía a nadie más.

No tengo familia, no tengo un plan B. Lo único que tenía era mi tiempo y se lo di. ¿Y sabes qué pasó? Me quedé sin trabajo, sin dinero y sin opción. Mauricio no dijo nada. Quería decir que la entendía, que no la estaba juzgando, pero las palabras no le salían. ¿Y qué más te dijeron? siguió Julia molesta. Que me estoy aprovechando de ti, que soy una interesada, una cualquiera. No dije eso, pero lo pensaste. No, lo dudé.

Solo un momento. Pero sí lo dudé. Ahí fue donde todo cambió. No por lo que él dijo, sino por el hecho de que lo reconociera. Julia sintió como si se hubiera roto algo por dentro, algo chiquito, pero importante. No era solo dolor, era decepción. Ella no había pedido nada nunca. Y aún así, él dudó. Mira, yo no estoy aquí para convencerte de nada. Nunca te pedí favores. Nunca te puse una pistola en la cabeza para que me ayudaras.

Si hiciste algo por mí, fue porque quisiste. Y si ahora te arrepientes, estás en todo tu derecho. Pero no me vengas a pedir explicaciones como si yo te debiera algo. No me arrepiento. Solo quiero saber si todo lo que me contaste era real. Todo, cada palabra, pero ya veo que con eso no basta. Se hizo otro silencio más. cómodo todavía. Mauricio bajó la mirada. Le dolía. Le dolía mucho verla así, pero también entendía que él mismo había provocado ese momento.

Julia agarró sus cosas. No tenía ganas de seguir vendiendo ese día. Quería desaparecer, irse, respirar. Me tengo que ir. ¿Quieres que te lleve? Ella lo miró con tristeza, no con coraje. No. Y se fue. Mauricio se quedó parado en la banqueta mirando cómo se alejaba. Por primera vez en mucho tiempo sintió que había metido la pata en serio, no por lo que dijo, sino por no confiar cuando debía. Y lo peor es que no sabía si eso se podía arreglar.

Esa noche, Julia llegó a casa con la cabeza a punto de estallar. Apenas cruzó la puerta, su mamá notó que algo andaba mal. Le vio la cara pálida, los ojos hinchados, la forma en que tiró la mochila en un rincón como si le pesara el mundo entero. ¿Qué pasó?, preguntó Luz María desde el sillón. Débil, pero atenta. Nada, mamá. Solo fue un mal día. Julia no quería contarle, no quería preocuparla. Pero la señora ya conocía esa cara.

Era la misma que tenía Julia cada vez que la vida le cerraba otra puerta. Es por ese hombre. Julia se quedó callada y cuando por fin habló, no fue con enojo, fue con tristeza. No me creyó. Cree que le escondí cosas, que me acerqué por interés. ¿Y tú qué le dijiste? La verdad, toda, pero ya no importa. Si alguien duda de ti una vez, ya no te vuelve a ver igual. Luz. María suspiró. Quiso abrazarla, pero no tenía fuerzas.

Solo le extendió la mano para que se sentara a su lado. Julia la tomó y se quedó ahí, callada, mirando la pared como si estuviera vacía por dentro. Esa noche no durmió, daba vueltas en la cama. pensaba en todo lo que había pasado desde aquel primer día en la calle, en Camila, en Mauricio, en la forma en que las cosas habían empezado tan bien y cómo ahora se sentía sola otra vez. Y entonces, de repente, como si el universo quisiera rematar el día, su mamá gritó.

Julia se levantó de un brinco, corrió al cuarto. Luz María temblaba, estaba sudando frío, los labios morados y apenas podía hablar. Mamá trató de tomarle la temperatura, pero su cuerpo estaba helado y caliente al mismo tiempo. No entendía nada. Le habló al 911. Tardaron 15 minutos en llegar, pero se sintieron como una hora. La ambulancia la subió mientras Julia llenaba papeles y respondía preguntas con los ojos llenos de lágrimas. ¿Tienes seguro?, preguntaron. No, pero ya ha estado aquí.

tiene expediente. Ya la han visto. Por favor, en urgencias la dejaron pasar un rato, luego la sacaron. Julia se quedó en la sala de espera, sentada en una silla dura, abrazando su mochila sola. No traía suficiente dinero, ni suero, ni comida, ni nadie. No quería llamar a Mauricio. No podía. No después de lo que pasó. Miraba la puerta como si esperara que saliera alguien a decirle que todo estaba bien, pero nadie salía. Las horas pasaban lentas y el celular vibró.

Era un mensaje de un número desconocido. Si necesitas dinero, podemos ayudarte. Tú decides cómo. Julia lo leyó en shock. No entendía qué significaba. Respondió, “¿Quién eres?”, pero no hubo respuesta. Volvió a leer el mensaje y de inmediato pensó en lo peor. “¿Y si alguien le estaba ofreciendo plata a cambio de hacer algo que no quería? ¿Y si era parte del veneno que se había esparcido por los rumores? ¿Y si ya no solo era señalada, sino también usada?” Lloró.

Lloró como no lo hacía desde hacía meses, no solo por su mamá, también por ella, porque sentía que se estaba cayendo de nuevo como tantas veces, pero esta vez dolía más porque había sentido por unos días que estaba saliendo del hoyo y de pronto todo se derrumbó otra vez. Una enfermera salió a las 5 de la mañana, le dijo que su mamá estaba estable, pero que la fiebre estaba muy alta y había que hacerle más estudios. Le dieron una lista de medicinas.

Esto no está cubierto, tiene que conseguirlo por fuera. Julia tomó la hoja, miró los nombres, eran cinco. Uno de ellos costaba más de lo que tenía ahorrado en el mes. Volvió a sentarse, miró su celular, pensó en llamar a alguien, a alguna amiga, a su exjefa, a Mauricio, pero no lo hizo. En vez de eso, marcó otro número, uno que tenía guardado desde hace años, de una mujer que conoció cuando recién había llegado a la ciudad y que siempre le dijo que si un día necesitaba lana rápido la buscara.

Bueno, soy Julia. ¿Todavía haces lo de los préstamos? Sí, claro. ¿Cuánto necesitas? Lo que puedas, pero lo necesito. Ya tienes con qué respaldarlo. No tengo nada, pero puedo pagártelo con el negocio. ¿Cuál negocio? El de los dulces. Eso no vale ni 3000 pes, mi hija. Silencio. Pero te puedo conseguir clientes. Tengo gente que compra seguido. Te puedo dejar parte de lo que me dejen por semana. No sé, no sé cómo hacerlo, pero lo pago. Te juro que lo pago.

La mujer dudó, no porque confiara, sino porque no tenía nada que perder. Te veo en una hora en la estación vieja. Colgó. Julia se quedó mirando el celular. Sabía que no era buena idea. Sabía que meterse con esa gente era como firmar un contrato sin leerlo. Pero su mamá estaba adentro y necesitaba el medicamento. No había más opciones. Salió del hospital con la cara cansada, el alma rota. Y el corazón temblando se fue caminando hasta la estación vieja.

Ahí estaba la mujer con un tipo al lado. Le pasaron el dinero en efectivo, ni le preguntaron nada. “Tienes dos semanas”, dijo ella, “Sería, ni un día más.” Julia solo asintió, volvió al hospital, entregó la receta, compró las medicinas, se las dieron a su mamá y se quedó dormida en la silla de plástico, con los ojos abiertos, sin saber en qué momento su vida se había vuelto eso. Y mientras tanto, en otro punto de la ciudad, Mauricio despertaba en su casa sin saber nada, sin imaginar que la mujer de la que se había alejado por

dudas esa noche se estaba partiendo el alma para mantener a su mamá viva y que estaba sola, más sola que nunca. Lorena siempre supo cuándo era el momento exacto para atacar. No movía piezas a lo loco. Observaba, esperaba, medía. Y cuando encontraba el punto débil, ahí era donde clavaba el dardo. Después del distanciamiento entre Mauricio y Julia, empezó a investigar más. Tenía a alguien siguiendo a Julia a distancia. No todo el tiempo, solo lo justo para saber por dónde se movía, con quién hablaba y cómo iba a la venta de dulces.

Lorena no entendía por qué alguien como Mauricio se fijaba en una mujer así. ¿Qué tiene? Se preguntaba a cada rato. ¿Qué le vio? Pero ahora que el orgullo de Julia estaba dañado, que las cosas entre ellos estaban frías, ella lo vio claro. Era el momento de dar el golpe. Mandó a una mujer, de esas que no levantan sospechas, a ofrecerle un trabajo a Julia. Algo sencillo, venta directa para una empresa que hacía productos naturales. Julia no aceptó, no tenía tiempo y tampoco confiaba en propuestas raras.

La mujer regresó con Lorena y le dio la respuesta, pero eso no era un problema. Lorena no esperaba que aceptara algo así de fácil. Lo que hizo después fue mandar un sobre, no con amenazas ni insultos. Fue más sutil. Le envió una tarjeta de presentación sin nombre, solo un número. Abajo, escrito a mano, una nota que decía: “Podemos hablar sin compromiso.” Julia no entendía nada. Guardó la tarjeta sin llamarla, pero el número se le quedó en la cabeza.

Tres días después, justo cuando iba saliendo del hospital, la misma mujer del No, trabajo falso se le acercó de nuevo. Esta vez sin rodeos. Alguien quiere hablar contigo en privado. No te va a hacer daño, al contrario, quiere ayudarte, pero necesitas ir tú sola. Julia dudó, pero la forma en que se lo dijo, tan segura, tan tranquila, le hizo pensar que no era una amenaza directa y además estaba desesperada. Le debía dinero a esa mujer del préstamo.

No sabía cómo iba a juntar lo que faltaba y su mamá seguía inestable. Esa noche fue, la citaron en un restaurante caro en Minist, una zona donde ella ni siquiera se sentía cómoda. Cuando entró, ya la esperaban en una mesa al fondo. Una sola persona, Lorena. Julia se quedó parada sin moverse. No la conocía personalmente, pero la había visto una vez cuando Mauricio pasó con Camila a saludarla y por el aire que se daba, por la forma en que se sentaba, supo al instante que era ella.

“Hola, Julia”, dijo Lorena con una sonrisa forzada. “¿Qué haces tú aquí? Quiero hablar contigo.” Solo eso. ¿Cómo conseguiste mi número? Eso no importa. Siéntate, por favor. Julia no quería, pero se sentó porque no era tonta, porque ya sabía que cuando alguien así se acerca, no es por gusto, es por algo. Quiero ser clara, empezó Lorena, sin rodeos. No me caes mal. No tengo nada personal contra ti, pero también tengo que proteger a Mauricio. Protegerlo de qué, de ti, de este juego en el que estás metida.

Sé que tienes problemas, que tu mamá está enferma, que vendes dulces y que necesitas ayuda. Lo entiendo, pero no puedes arrastrar a alguien como él en tu drama. Julia respiró hondo. No podía creer lo que estaba oyendo, pero aguantó. No estoy arrastrando a nadie. Él se acercó solo. Claro. Pero tú supiste cómo engancharlo. ¿Quién no se va a enternecer con tu historia? Eres lista. Eso lo respeto. Pero ya fue suficiente. Julia la miró con rabia contenida. ¿A qué viniste?

¿A insultarme? No. Vine a ofrecerte algo. Una salida. Sacó un sobre bolso, lo puso sobre la mesa. Aquí hay suficiente dinero para que termines de pagar tus deudas, para que puedas cambiarte de casa, incluso para poner un local si quieres. No tienes que vender dulces en la calle toda tu vida. Julia no tocó el sobre, solo lo miraba. ¿Y qué tengo que hacer? irte, alejarte de Mauricio, no volver a buscarlo, no responderle mensajes, no dejar que Camila te vea, cortar todo y tú sabes que puedes hacerlo.

Julia no respondió. La cabeza le daba vueltas. No quiero hacerte daño, pero si no aceptas, las cosas se pueden poner complicadas. No es amenaza, es una advertencia. Tú sabrás. Julia se paró sin decir nada. Eso es todo. Sí, pero piénsalo bien. Ella agarró el sobre. No por aceptar, sino por no dejarlo ahí. Salió del restaurante sin despedirse. Esa noche llegó a su casa, encerró la puerta, tiró la mochila en el piso y abrió el sobre. Había dinero, mucho más de lo que había visto en años.

También una tarjeta nueva con otro número y un papel que decía, “Solo mándame un mensaje con la palabra sí y todo se acaba.” Julia se sentó frente a la mesa. Tenía el sobre abierto, los billetes desordenados y el celular en la mano. Se quedó así más de una hora pensando, llorando en silencio, apretando los dientes. Sabía que eso no era ayuda. Era una compra disfrazada. Y lo peor, era la forma más cruel de ponerla entre la espada y la pared.

Mauricio llevaba días sintiéndose mal. No físicamente, era algo más profundo, un remordimiento que no se quitaba ni con trabajo ni con llamadas. ni con música. Era de esos silencios que pesan, de esos que te acompañan en cada rincón, aunque trates de seguir como si nada. Cada noche pensaba en Julia, en su cara cuando se fue, en sus palabras, en cómo lo miró con decepción, con ese dolor que no se puede disfrazar. Y también pensaba en Camila, que ya le había preguntado varias veces por qué no iban a ver a la de los dulces.

¿Se enojó contigo? le había dicho una noche así no más. Mauricio no supo qué decirle, solo contestó un poquito. Camila frunció la cara. Y, ¿por qué no le dices perdón? No sé si quiera verme. Inténtalo. Y eso fue lo que le dio el último empujón, porque en el fondo él también lo sabía. Se había equivocado. Dudó de alguien que no se lo merecía. se dejó llevar por chismes, por papeles, por lo que otra gente decía, sin pensar en lo que él mismo había visto con sus propios ojos.

Esa mujer había estado ahí todos los días aguantando el calor, el cansancio, las malas miradas, todo por su mamá. Nunca le pidió nada, nunca lo presionó, nunca aprovechó el momento y él, en vez de creer en ella, se dejó llenar de dudas. Así que una tarde después de dejar a Camila en casa de su tía, agarró el coche y fue al centro. No sabía si ella iba a estar, no sabía si lo iba a querer ver, pero fue.

Y cuando dobló la esquina, ahí estaba Julia con su mesa, con los frascos acomodados, pero con una expresión distinta, más apagada, más cansada. Ni siquiera lo vio llegar. Estaba mirando al piso como pensando en otro lugar. Mauricio se bajó del coche, cruzó la calle y se paró frente a ella. No dijo nada, solo esperó. Julia lo vio, lo miró directo, sin sorpresa, como si supiera que eventualmente él iba a volver. “Hola. Hola. Silencio. Pesado. ¿Puedo hablar contigo?”, preguntó él.

“Habla, quiero pedirte perdón.” Julia bajó la mirada. No porque no quisiera escucharlo, sino porque dolía. No debí dudar. No debí dejarme llevar por lo que otros dijeron. Yo vi cómo luchas, vi cómo te mueves para sacar adelante a tu mamá, pero aún así dudé y te hice sentir que tenías que justificarte y eso no se hace. Julia lo miró sin lágrimas. Ya no estaba para llorar, solo quería claridad. No sabes lo que dolió, dijo bajito, porque tú eras el único lugar donde sentía que no tenía que explicar nada.

Y de pronto me miraste como todos los demás. Lo sé, respondió él. Por eso estoy aquí, porque no quiero que eso quede así, porque te creo. Porque si hay algo que he aprendido en estos días, es que confiar en alguien vale más que cualquier papel. Y respiró hondo. Y qué vas a hacer con los que te llenaron la cabeza. Mauricio no dudó. Algunos ya los mandé lejos. Y a quien movió todo. Ya la tengo bien medida. Julia entendió de quién hablaba, pero no dijo nada.

No vengo a pedirte que volvamos a hablar como antes ni que me perdones de inmediato. Solo quiero decirte que estoy aquí y que no me voy a desaparecer y que si alguna vez te sientes sola, quiero que sepas que puedes buscarme. Julia asintió. No le respondió con palabras, solo con los ojos. Y Camila preguntó de pronto. Te extraña mucho. Dice que los dulces ya no saben igual si no los compras tú. Eso sí, le sacó una sonrisa a Julia, chiquita, pero real.

¿Te puedo ayudar con algo?, preguntó él señalando la mesa. No, gracias, pero si quieres puedes sentarte un rato. Mauricio sonrió. Se sentó en la banquita de al lado, como antes. No hablaron mucho más, solo compartieron el silencio. Y a veces eso es todo lo que se necesita para empezar otra vez. Después de ese día en que Mauricio se sentó otra vez junto a Julia, ya no se fueron. No volvieron a ser los mismos de antes, pero tampoco se quedaron en el punto de la distancia.

Era como si hubieran roto algo, pero intentaban recoger los pedazos con cuidado, viendo cuáles todavía servían. Mauricio pasó dos veces esa semana. No siempre se quedaba mucho, pero lo hacía. Compraba algo, preguntaba por Luz María, escuchaba si ella tenía ganas de hablar. A veces solo se sentaban en silencio, como dos personas que ya no sabían cómo empezar, pero no querían soltarse del todo. Julia, por su parte, ya no confiaba tan fácil, no porque él le diera razones nuevas para desconfiar, sino porque ya se había hecho a la idea de que todo podía derrumbarse en cualquier momento.

Estaba cansada de ilusionarse. Pero aún así, cada vez que él aparecía, algo en ella se aliviaba. Le duraba poco, sí, pero era real. Una tarde cualquiera, cuando el calor empezaba a bajar y el centro se llenaba de gente que salía del trabajo, Julia estaba acomodando los frascos cuando vio a Mauricio llegar sin Camila. Tenía una cara diferente, no parecía cansado ni triste, solo decidido. ¿Tienes tiempo?, le preguntó. Depende, respondió ella sin mirarlo del todo. ¿Me puedes regalar media hora?

Julia dudó, pero asintió con la cabeza. Él sacó una bolsa de papel de su coche. Es café y pan, de ese lugar que te gusta. Ya sabes, el de las conchitas de vainilla. Julia no respondió, pero agarró la bolsa. Lo miró por primera vez en todo el día. Gracias. Se sentaron en la banquita, comieron en silencio los primeros minutos hasta que él habló. No quiero que esto se quede así. Así como como esta cosa rara que tenemos ahora, donde nos hablamos, pero no.

Donde parecemos cercanos, pero seguimos con los frenos puestos. Ya me cansé de no saber qué somos ni qué queremos. Julia bajó la mirada. ¿Y tú qué quieres, Mauricio? Respiró hondo. Quiero poder hablarte sin miedo a que pienses que tengo intenciones escondidas. Quiero pasar tiempo contigo sin que creas que te estoy observando para juzgarte. Quiero que confíes en mí como lo hiciste al principio. ¿Y qué te hace pensar que puedo? Nada, pero me gustaría ganármelo otra vez. Julia se quedó callada.

Luego lo miró con los ojos más firmes que nunca. Yo no soy perfecta. Nunca lo he sido. Tengo problemas, errores, cosas que me avergüenzan. Pero todo lo que te dije desde el primer día fue verdad. No te mentí en nada. Ni cuando me contabas de Camila, ni cuando me hablabas de tu esposa, ni cuando te dije que me hacías bien y que alguien como tú con el lugar en el que estás me haya dudado. Sí, me partió.

Mauricio la escuchaba sin interrumpir. Y sí, también sé que el mundo no es justo, que tú cargas con cosas también. que tienes tu historia, tu dolor, tu presión. Pero si un día te acerqué, no fue por interés, fue porque me hiciste sentir vista, no como vendedora, no como alguien necesitada, sino como mujer, como persona. Él se acercó un poco más. No mucho, solo lo justo. Tú me hiciste sentir algo que no sentía desde que murió Sofía. Julia lo miró sorprendida.

Tú fuiste la primera persona con la que pude reír sin culpa. La primera a la que le conté cosas que no digo ni en casa. La primera que no me veía como el millonario o el viudo o el papá ejemplar. Solo como yo. Julia apretó los labios. Estaba sintiendo mucho y lo sabía, pero no quería llorar. No ahí, no otra vez. Entonces, ¿qué hacemos con todo esto? Mauricio se encogió de hombros. Podríamos empezar por no tener miedo.

That’s difficult, I know. But I don’t want to keep what I feel to myself anymore. And what do you feel? It took him a few seconds to respond. That I want you close, that I care about you, that I respect you, that what hurts you hurts me, that I want to help you. Not because I see you as fragile, but because I know you would do the same for me. Julia was speechless. “And what do you feel?” he finally asked. Julia swallowed. “That I’m scared, but when I’m with you, that fear subsides a little.”

I don’t understand how we got here, but the thought of this ending pains me, that I care about you more than I thought I would allow myself to. Mauricio smiled. So, with that, we have something. Julia smiled a little too, as if she were allowing herself to feel for the first time in weeks. They stood there eating bread, watching people walk past them, unaware of what was happening, unaware that two people were breaking down the wall they had put up for themselves.

There was no kiss, no hug, just two people finally telling each other what they’d been carrying around for a while. And that was enough. Lorena couldn’t take it anymore. She tried everything: gossip, rumors, pressure, manipulation, and nothing worked. Mauricio not only didn’t walk away from Julia, but he was closer than ever. He went to see her, he defended her, he no longer listened to anyone, and that drove her crazy. It was as if all the control she’d had for years was slipping through her fingers, and she wouldn’t allow it.

So that night, sitting in her apartment filled with luxuries she no longer enjoyed, she prepared her final move, the dirtiest, the lowest, but also the most effective, because she knew Mauricio’s weak spot perfectly. Camila knew that if she touched on the subject of family, he would crack; she knew him; she knew that for his daughter, he was capable of falling apart, of changing course, of sacrificing anything. And there, right there, she planned to deliver the blow. So she went all out.

She sought out an old acquaintance, a gynecologist who worked in a discreet clinic. She paid him well, asked for what she needed: a fake ultrasound, a fake report, a well-crafted lie, and two days later she had everything. All she needed was the perfect moment. Mauricio received her at his office on a Friday afternoon. He was in a good mood, tired, but calm. He had spent the morning with Camila and then gone to the hospital to drop off some medication for Luz María. Everything was going well until he saw Lorena come in.

What are you doing here? Can I talk to you? It’s important. Mauricio hesitated. He didn’t feel like seeing her, but something in her tone made him say yes. Lorena sat down without waiting for the invitation, opened her purse, and took out an envelope. She placed it on his desk. “I need you to read it before you say anything.” Mauricio opened it, took out the paper, read it, and froze. “What’s this? I’m pregnant.” He looked at her as if he’d heard a language he didn’t understand.

What? You and I had a night recently. You can’t deny it. It happened. And I didn’t plan it. I’m not using it as an excuse either, but it’s real. Here are the studies. Mauricio dropped the paper as if it was burning his hands. Are you crazy? You’re not making this up. You’re sick. I’m pregnant, Mauricio. And what you do with that information is up to you. I just wanted you to know. He stopped abruptly. You and I have nothing.

We never had anything. No. So what was that night at the Minis dinner? The company anniversary. You were drunk, and so was I. And you knew what you were doing. Mauricio remained silent. For a second, he hesitated. It had been a strange, confusing night. He had drunk more than he should have. He remembered her approaching him, hugging him, sneaking into his apartment without inviting her, but he didn’t remember crossing that line. That didn’t happen, he said firmly.

Believe me, it did happen. Lorena stood up, straightened her blouse as if she already knew she’d won. “I don’t want anything from you. I’m not going to ask you to be together, but the least I expect is that you be responsible.” And she left. Mauricio stood there, gasping for air, his head racing. Everything came crashing down on him. Julia, Camila, his life, the chaos, everything. And just at that moment, Julia sent him a message. “I’m bringing walnut bread today.”

Are you coming by? Mauricio looked at his phone, felt a knot in his stomach, couldn’t answer. No, not knowing now that he’d just received that bombshell, and didn’t reply. Three days passed. Julia waited for him at the stand, he didn’t arrive, he texted her, didn’t answer, sent her a note with Camila when he saw her with her aunt. Nothing. And then the doubts began again. Luz María asked him if they were fighting. I don’t know, he just disappeared. Julia didn’t understand what had happened.

Everything was going well. They were getting closer again. They’d already said things that aren’t easy to say. And now, silence until Lorena reappeared. Yes, she arrived at the stand as if she were just another customer, dressed as always, perfect, elegant, confident. Julia saw her coming from afar. Her whole body tensed. She didn’t know what she wanted, but it couldn’t be anything good. Hello, Julia. What do you want now? Nothing, I just wanted to give you some news so you don’t waste any more of your time. What are you talking about?

Lorena looked at her straight, cold. “I’m pregnant.” With Mauricio. Julia stood motionless, as if the floor had been pulled out from under her. “It’s a lie, it’s not real. There’s proof, and I don’t want to compete with you or argue. I just came to tell you that there’s no point in continuing this story. He has a family to take care of, a daughter, and now a baby on the way.” Julia felt her stomach churn. She didn’t respond; she couldn’t. She just grabbed her backpack, lowered her head, and walked to the corner.

Lorena left, but she left behind more than just a lie. She left a hole in someone’s heart that no longer had room for another wound. Julia didn’t return to the stand for two days. After Lorena showed up with that news, with that satisfied face, as if she’d won something, Julia simply didn’t have the strength. She couldn’t pretend. She couldn’t stand with her table again as if nothing had happened. Not after feeling like she’d been played badly.

She didn’t cry much. She wasn’t crying anymore. She was too tired for that. She just stayed home with her mother in silence. The woman noticed something was wrong, but Julia didn’t want to tell her anything. Mauricio, on the other hand, was living in a mental turmoil. He hadn’t slept well since the day Lorena showed up at his office with the news. And worse, he had stopped seeing Julia right after that, with no explanation, no message, no face.

And he knew it. He knew he was behaving like a coward, but something inside him was in disarray. He had a thousand tangled thoughts, none of them clear. He shut himself away. He didn’t tell anyone what was happening, not even Diego. But the more time passed, the more his head itched. Something didn’t add up, something didn’t make sense. So he started reviewing everything. He began to recall that supposed night Lorena had mentioned.

He knew there was alcohol. Yes, that she had approached him too, but he couldn’t remember being with her, not like that. And that’s when he thought it over. If something so delicate had really happened, why hadn’t she said anything before? Why until now? Why just when things with Julia were going well? Then he decided to confirm. He went straight to Diego. He told him everything, absolutely everything. Diego opened his eyes like, “Platos, she’s saying that Lorena told you she’s pregnant.”

Yes. And that the child is mine. Diego remained silent for a few seconds. Do you think it’s true? No, but I need to be sure. I’ll investigate. Diego didn’t take long. He knew where to go. He had friends in key places. He got into the clinic where the tests were supposedly done, and that’s where everything came out. The doctor who signed the ultrasound had a strange history. He had already been accused of falsifying certificates, and when they pressured him a little, he ended up spilling the beans.

She paid me. She told me it was a test for her partner, that she just needed the document. I didn’t think it would cause such a fuss. Mauricio stood there holding the file, his heart racing, but not from nerves, from rage. Quickly, he ordered a medical test from an independent laboratory. Of course, the results were clear. Lorena wasn’t pregnant by him or anyone else. It had all been a lie, a dirty manipulation, a game she played just when she knew he was vulnerable.

Y lo peor, lo logró porque Mauricio cayó. Dudó de Julia, la hizo sufrir, se alejó y eso le dolía más que cualquier otra cosa. Al día siguiente fue directo a buscarla. Ya no le importó si ella quería verlo o no. Sabía que le debía una explicación, una disculpa, lo que fuera. tenía que mirarla a los ojos y decirle todo. Ya no podía quedarse con eso. Julia estaba en la calle, sentada en una banquita del parque a unas cuadras del hospital.

Tenía el cabello suelto, una sudadera vieja y la mirada perdida. Cuando lo vio venir, no dijo nada, pero no se levantó. Lo esperó. Mauricio se sentó a su lado sin decir palabra por unos segundos. Luego la miró. Te mentí por no hablar, por quedarme callado, por dejarte sola justo cuando más necesitabas saber la verdad. Julia no lo miró, solo dijo, “¿Está embarazada?” No. Ella parpadeó lento. Entonces, ¿por qué me dejaste? Porque me lo creí. Porque me agarró en frío.

Porque me llenó de culpa, de dudas, de miedo. Pensé en Camila, en todo lo que podía perder. Me metí en mi cabeza y me olvidé de ti. Me olvidé de lo que tú significabas. Julia soltó el aire como si hubiera estado aguantando una respiración de días. ¿Y ahora vienes a qué? A decirte que fue una mentira. que tengo pruebas, que Lorena armó todo, que ya la enfrenté, que ya no va a molestar más. ¿Y crees que con eso se arregla todo?

No, pero al menos ya no quiero vivir con la culpa ni con el silencio. Julia lo miró por primera vez. Ya no estaba rota. Ya no tenía odio. Tenía algo peor. Decepción. ¿Sabes qué es lo más triste? que si tú me lo hubieras preguntado, si me hubieras mirado a los ojos ese mismo día, te habría creído, habría esperado contigo cualquier prueba, te habría defendido, pero ni eso me diste. Mauricio bajó la cabeza. Te fallé, lo sé. Sí, me fallaste.

El silencio los envolvió. Mauricio la miró con los ojos rojos. No de llorar, de aguantar. No vine a pedirte que volvamos a lo de antes, solo vine a decirte la verdad, a darte el respeto que no te di cuando más lo necesitabas. Julia asintió, guardó esa frase, le iba a doler, pero se la iba a quedar. Y entonces se levantó, gracias por decirlo. Y ahora, ahora no sé, pero al menos ya no cargo con eso. Y se fue caminando sin correr, sin mirar atrás.

Mauricio no la detuvo porque entendió que a veces pedir perdón no es para recuperar algo, es solo para no seguir perdiendo más. Mauricio no se tragó el coraje. Lo que hizo Lorena no solo fue una traición, fue una jugada baja que casi lo hace perder a la única persona que le devolvió las ganas de seguir. Y eso no se iba a quedar así. No iba a explotar como loco ni hacer drama frente a todos. No era su estilo, pero sí iba a moverse.

And quickly, the following Monday, he arrived at the company earlier than usual. Not even Diego knew he was already in his office. He reviewed files, made a few calls, prepared documents, and requested an urgent meeting with the legal department. No one understood a thing. Mauricio didn’t say a single unnecessary word; he just gave orders. By noon, he had everything he needed on his desk. He had reviewed every document Lorena had signed in the past few months and found everything there.

Mismanagement of resources, decisions made without consulting him, phantom purchases, favors in the company’s name for outsiders. He had taken advantage of her trust and meddled in matters that weren’t his responsibility. And worst of all, all while playing the victim. Mauricio didn’t need any more. The legal aspects were in his hands, and the personal aspects as well. At 3 p.m., Lorena walked in as always, firm, with perfect hair, with a look of, “I’m in control, but I wasn’t.” “Did you ask for the meeting?” she asked him as if she hadn’t suspected.

Yes, sit down. She sat down without losing her pose. Mauricio placed a folder on the table for her. And this, your exit. Lorena laughed. That sarcastic laugh she used every time someone tried to stop her. My, your exit from the company today. Final. Are you crazy? No, I’d be crazy if I let you stay here one more minute. Lorena looked at the folder then at him. You can’t kick me out like that. No, without proof. Mauricio took out a second folder. Here they are. You signed contracts without authorization.

You moved money without justification. You did personal favors using the company’s name. I have backup copies of everything. And if you want, I can also file a formal complaint. Lorena remained silent. For the first time in years. She didn’t have to respond; she just glared at him. This is all because of her. Not me. For not seeing everything you were doing while I was down, for letting you act like this was yours, but above all, for realizing that you don’t care about anything or anyone but yourself.

I was always here, Mauricio. I took care of you when Sofía died. I was with you when you didn’t even want to leave your house. And you took advantage of every moment to stick your nose in where no one wanted you. You feigned loyalty when all you wanted was control, but that’s it. Lorena took a deep breath, looked at the folder, knew there was no way out, and yet she didn’t break. You’re going to regret it, she said softly. Maybe, but I’d rather regret taking you out than continue to put up with your poison. And the other one, the one about the sweets.

“What? Is she moving into your house already or something?” Mauricio leaned closer. “She, with all her difficult history, is worth more than all your lies combined.” Lorena grabbed her purse, stood slowly, looked at him as if she wanted to spit on him, but held back. She left without another word. As soon as she left, Mauricio called the management team. As of today, Lorena is no longer with this company. Block her email, remove her access, and clean up everything she left behind.

I’ll take care of the pending matters. That same day, he began organizing everything she’d messed up, not just at the company level, but also in his own life. Because after all that, he understood something. He had trusted those who wanted to control him more than those who just wanted to be good to him. That night, back at home, he sat down with Camila to have dinner. The girl talked and talked about school, but at some point, she blurted out, “We won’t see Julia anymore.”

Mauricio looked at her. I don’t know. They had a bit of an argument. “Do you love her, Mauricio?” He swallowed. “Yes, a lot.” Camila remained silent for a few seconds. “So, don’t be an idiot.” Mauricio let out a short laugh and knew she was right. Now that she had cleared away what was bothering her, all that was left was to face what she really wanted to fix. Luz María couldn’t take it anymore. Her fever rose and fell, the pain became unbearable, and from one day to the next she stopped getting out of bed.

Julia noticed it right away. Her mother’s voice wasn’t the same anymore. It was muffled, almost powerless. She barely spoke. “I don’t want you to take me to the hospital,” she told her with her eyes closed. “I don’t want any more needles. Mom, don’t ask me for that. I’m not going to leave you like this.” Julia didn’t know whether to cry or scream. She felt trapped every time things seemed to be getting better. A new blow would come, and this one was different. This one really scared her.

She called the doctor at the General Hospital, who was already familiar with her case, explained how everything was, and asked for an urgent consultation, something, anything. The doctor told her they needed to perform surgery immediately; if they didn’t, the infection she had could spread to her bloodstream, and if that happened, there was no turning back. “How much does it cost?” Julia asked, already knowing the answer would hurt. “It depends on the hospital, but if you want to operate on her in a public one, there aren’t any free operating rooms for another eight days, and if it’s a private one, you need at least 120,000 pesos.”

Julia hung up without another word. She sat in the hospital hallway with her back against the wall and her hands over her face. She didn’t have anywhere near that amount. She had no one to ask. She had nothing. Again. And that’s when she did something she didn’t want to. She texted Mauricio. “I don’t want to upset you, but my mom needs an urgent operation. I’m not asking you for anything. I just wanted to let you know that if you don’t see her anymore, that’s why.”

Mauricio read the message twice. He felt a blow to his chest. He didn’t hesitate. “Where are you?” Julia didn’t answer. 15 minutes later. He was at the hospital. He found her sitting in a plastic chair, staring into space. “Why didn’t you tell me before? Because I thought you didn’t want to know anything anymore.” “Don’t say that.” Julia didn’t cry. She couldn’t even cry anymore. “What do you need?” he asked. “120,000 pesos.” Mauricio didn’t blink. “I’ll get them for you. I don’t want you to give them to me.”

I’m not going to give them to you. I’m going to pay for her surgery. Now. Julia looked at him. Why are you doing this? Because I can. Because I don’t want you to sink alone. Because it’s not fair. She called the private hospital where they’d seen her before. She spoke directly to the director, explained the situation, and paid the deposit over the phone. She told them they’d be there in two hours. Everything moved quickly. Julia didn’t understand how it was happening. She was in the ambulance with her mother, holding her hand and not letting go.

Luz María barely opened her eyes, but she managed to say, “Did you call him?” “Yes, how nice.” They arrived at the private hospital. Everything was different, from the treatment to the white sheets. She had surgery that same afternoon. Mauricio was there the whole time. He didn’t leave. He waited next to Julia outside the operating room without saying much. “Are you hungry?” he asked her. “Don’t you want water?” “No, but he went for water anyway.” He placed it in her hand. She took a sip. Two hours later, the doctor left.

It turned out well. It was complicated, but we managed to stabilize her. She needs observation, but the worst is over. Julia broke free, not with tears, but with a sigh that seemed to have been held back for a whole year. She sank down onto the bench and closed her eyes. Mauricio sat down next to her. He didn’t say anything, just put his hand on her shoulder. She didn’t take it away. “Thank you,” he said without opening her eyes. “Don’t thank me. It hurt me to see you carrying everything alone, and the least I can do is be here.”

Julia opened her eyes and looked at him. You’re not here out of obligation. You could not be. And yet, here I am. They stood there looking at each other. Not much more needed to be said. The next day, the media found out. Some hospital worker leaked the information. A well-known businessman pays for expensive surgery for a street vendor’s mother. In seconds, it was everywhere. Mauricio didn’t see it coming, but when Neó received messages, calls, and interview requests, he understood he’d been exposed.

Julia also found out from a nurse who showed her a note on her cell phone. She swallowed, unsure of how to take it. That same night, when they saw each other in the hospital ward, she was blunt. You made it public. Never, it was leaked. And now nothing, let them say what they want. And if this affects you, Mauricio shrugged. I’d be more worried about losing you again. Julia looked at him as if she were seeing someone for the first time.

I’ll never forget what you did. I didn’t do it so you’d remember, I did it because I want your mom to live. She took a deep breath. And that makes you different from everyone else. He smiled. So, we’re doing well. Julia leaned closer, didn’t kiss him, just rested her head on his shoulder and stayed there. And for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel alone. At first, it was just a small note on a local website. A well-known businessman is paying for an urgent surgery for the mother of a young downtown vendor.

Nothing special, no names or photos, just a story that seemed nice, like those shared on Facebook with comments like: “There are still good people, but in a matter of hours the story grew. An older reporter retweeted it, then another. Then a digital magazine picked up the entire thread and put it on its cover. Who is Julia Ramírez? The woman who conquered the most coveted widower in the country and that’s when everything broke loose. They searched for her name on social media, dug up old photos, found her old Facebook page, posts from years ago with sad phrases, with complaints, with innuendos, they took out

A screenshot of a story where she asked for help paying for medicine, and they used it as proof that she’d always looked for someone with money. In less than two days, Julia received dozens of messages. Some with support, but most filled with venom. Of course, she messed with the rich guy and now she has a private hospital. These are the ones who know how to get around, not like someone who studied for five years. Poor Camila, how awful of her dad to bring that woman into his life.

Julia couldn’t believe it. Everything she had kept quiet, everything she had lived in silence, was now on everyone’s lips. And worst of all, no one knew the truth. No one knew how many sleepless nights she had spent, how much she had cried, how much she endured so her mother wouldn’t die in the waiting room of a public hospital. Photographers began arriving at the hospital. One posed as a patient, another bribed a nurse. Julia noticed them.

She started walking around wearing a cap and face mask, not for her health, but out of fear. Until one day, a guy approached her shamelessly in the parking lot. “You’re Julia, right? I just want a picture. Just one. Go away,” she said quietly. “Why are you hiding? Everyone already knows you’ve become the millionaire’s girlfriend. Go away.” The guy backed away, laughing. “Someone else will come who won’t have you. Too bad!” That night, Julia locked herself in the hospital bathroom and cried out of rage, of helplessness, of feeling that once again she was being dragged along without having done anything.

Mauricio also learned about the chaos. Not from the internet. He didn’t use social media, but because Diego brought the tablet straight to his office. “It’s gotten out of control,” he said. Mauricio read the headlines one after another, all pointing at Julia as if she were some kind of gold digger who had manipulated everything from the start. He felt angry. He called a friend of his, a serious journalist. “I want to talk about the real ones.” “No interview,” a statement. Just one direct one. Days later, it was published.

It’s not a story of interest, it’s a story of dignity. Mauricio Álvarez. In the article, he told everything. How did he meet Julia? How moved he was by the efforts of a woman who, instead of giving up, sold candy on the street to save her mother? How he approached her without expecting anything, how he made a mistake, and how she forgave him without asking for anything in return. The interview was a direct blow. For many, it was enough to let their guard down, but for others, it was just more fuel for the fire.

Of course, now he’s defending her because he’s already caught her. Whatever they say, she’s already won the lottery. Julia read that last sentence pasted on a post with her photo and broke down again. “I don’t want to go out anymore,” she told Mauricio that night. They were in his apartment sitting on the couch. Luz María was sleeping. Camila was playing with a tablet in the other room. “I feel like they’re going to spit on me in the street, that they’ll see me as if I were a thief.” “You didn’t steal anything,” he replied.

“But everyone thinks so, that I messed with you because of what you have. And you, why did you mess with me? Because I felt seen, because you made me feel worth something too. Because you took care of me without touching me. Because you listened to me when no one else would. So, stick with that.” Julia looked at him. “And if this doesn’t stop, it won’t stop, but it will leave us alone if we don’t give it more power.” Julia took a deep breath, wiped away her tears.

I don’t know if I can. I’m with you. And Camila too. It’s not enough. She didn’t respond, but she came closer, and they stayed hugged without resolving everything, but together everything seemed calm. After the media scandal, Mauricio lowered his profile. Julia did too. Camila returned to her routine. Luz María was in recovery, more stable now. Julia started selling candy again, not out of necessity, but because she liked it. It was her way of feeling like she still had control over something in her life, that she was still herself.

Mauricio offered to help her set up something more formal, a storefront, a small candy shop. Julia said yes, but calmly. She wanted everything to happen without rushing, without pressure, and he respected that, because the important thing wasn’t the store, but having her close by. Everything was going well until he stopped coming. One morning, when Mauricio arrived at his office, Diego was waiting for him at the door. He seemed strange. He didn’t say, “Good morning.” He wasn’t his usual demeanor. What happened?

Diego closed the door behind them. We have a problem. What kind of problem? A surprise official audit came in, straight from the SAT. Mauricio looked at him, uncomprehending. And why is that? That’s what’s strange. It wasn’t random, it was an anonymous report. Mauricio remained silent. What did they find? Diego swallowed. Missing documents. Unjustified cash movements. Electronic signatures activated at odd hours. Accounts you never approved. Mauricio ran his hand over his face.

He felt like a bucket of ice water had fallen on him. It wasn’t just a review, it was a bomb. How much are we talking about? If everything isn’t cleared up in the next three days, they can freeze accounts, impose multi-million-dollar fines, and potentially evasion charges. Mauricio sat down. All he could think was, “This can’t be happening. And what do you think happened? I think someone got into the system from the inside. Someone who already knew how to move things around without you noticing.”

Mauricio knew it instantly. Lorena, although no longer with the company, had been around for too long. She knew how the access points worked, she had friends inside, and, above all, she had reasons for revenge. We can prove it was her. If they give us time, yes, but the problem is that they’ve already made noise outside. There are media outlets that already have the story and are linking it to what happened with Julia. How do they say you started moving money from the company to pay for her things?

That his mother’s surgery, the shopping, the favors, everything came out of the business funds. Mauricio stopped dead in his tracks. That’s a lie. I paid for everything out of my personal account. Yes, but that doesn’t matter if someone else had already altered the information. That’s when everything came crashing down for him. They weren’t just tarnishing his name, but Julia’s as well. Again, and worse, this time with something legal. That afternoon, she found out. A friend sent her a screenshot on WhatsApp.

A gossip page reported scandal. A businessman accused of embezzling funds by a young man selling candy on the street. Julia froze. She called Mauricio instantly. “What’s this? I don’t know how it happened. They’re accusing me, but nothing they’re saying is true. I’m in your mess again. They’re not using you. They’re trying to bring me down, and you’re the easy target.” Julia sat on the edge of her bed. “Mauricio, I don’t know if I can handle this again.”

They’re calling me a thief, a climber. That I bewitched you, that I ruined your life. You didn’t do anything. But I’m the one they’re pointing the finger at. It doesn’t matter if I did it or not, people have already crucified me. Silence. You believe me more than anyone. So fight. I’m on it. Mauricio hung up and went straight with Diego to find a way out. They had to prove that Lorena was behind it. They looked for cameras, access histories, digital signatures. There was one in particular, a transfer of 250,000 pesos to a foreign account in the name of Ramírez J.

supposedly made by himself. When he saw the document, Mauricio got angrier than ever. That signature isn’t mine, I know, but it’s perfect. They even forged the authorization code. Mauricio sat in front of the screen, closed his eyes, and then something caught his eye. Can you see what computer they used? Diego logged into the system. Yes, wait for me. Here it is. It was from an internal IP address. 7th floor. That was Lorena’s office. Diego looked at him. Do you want us to get on his case? No, I want us to do it right.

We’re going to gather all the information. We’re going to put together the legal package, and then we’re going to blow it up. Julia, meanwhile, stopped going out, closed her social media accounts, asked her mom not to answer calls, and felt like she was back to her old self, trapped in a life she didn’t choose. But this time she wasn’t going to run away. She just hoped Mauricio wouldn’t let her go this time. Mauricio couldn’t sleep. He spent three nights in a row reviewing emails, recordings, files, and testimonies, trying to put the pieces together.

What was happening wasn’t just a legal issue, it was a malicious trap, and he wasn’t going to let Julia get dragged into it. Diego was also with him constantly. He never left his side. “This is worse than we thought,” he told her one morning as he opened a folder of evidence. “Lorena had access to accounts that should have been closed by now. She had passwords you never signed for. And how did she get them? Someone gave them to her. Who?”

That’s what it took me a while to find, but now I have it. Diego pulled out a printout. It was an email from someone named Luis V, a company accountant who had never caused any problems, someone discreet, quiet, who did his job without raising suspicions. “Luis,” Mauricio said, confused. He was indeed Lorena’s accomplice. He gave her access, signed as if he were you, even made sure other people didn’t see any strange movements. But what they didn’t know was that the system kept an automatic backup with the date and device name.

There it was. The transfers to fake accounts, the editing of internal documents, and, most seriously, the foreign account in Ramírez J.’s name didn’t exist. It was a fake file created to simulate the diversion of funds to Julia. Mauricio was stunned. It wasn’t just an accusation; it was a lie fabricated from scratch using his name, and on top of that, using hers. “So what do we do?” Diego asked. “Let’s bust them.” He answered without hesitation. That same afternoon, Luis was summoned to an empty conference room.

Mauricio confronted him head-on. “How much did she pay you, Lorena?” Luis, a thin man with a shaky voice, tried to feign surprise. “Sorry. I have the records, the passwords, your signature, everything.” Luis swallowed. “I was just following orders. That’s not going to save you.” Luis knew I was in trouble. She said it was for the good of the company, that they just wanted to correct your mistakes. And you believed her? Luis looked down. He gave me money, a lot of it. And he promised that if you went down, she would keep part of it and give me a higher position.

Mauricio took a deep breath. Not out of patience, but out of restraint, trying not to explode. You’re going straight to the deposition, and if you don’t spill the beans, you’ll be left alone. Luis didn’t say anything else; he nodded. The next day, the official complaint was filed, backed by legal evidence, technical evidence, cross-signatures, everything. The media quickly found out. They revealed an internal conspiracy within Mauricio Álvarez’s company. It was all a setup, fake documents, fake accounts, and a plan to discredit him. That was the attempt to bring him and her down.

Julia read everything in the hospital room. Her mother was already asleep. She was holding her cell phone, reading the notes over and over again. She couldn’t believe it. She cried, but not out of fear, this time out of relief. Finally, someone had spoken. Finally, the truth had a name and surname. Mauricio went to see her that same afternoon. He didn’t say anything; he just placed the cell phone in her hands with the latest published article. Mauricio confirmed it. Julia had never received a single peso from the company.

I did it all by my own decision, as a man, as a father, and as someone who truly loves her. She looked at him. Did you say that? Yes. Why? Because it’s how I feel. Julia took a deep breath. She hugged him without thinking. I don’t want to run away anymore. You don’t have to anymore. In that hug, something closed. The pain, the doubts, the guilt. And although there was still a long way to go, that truth finally let them breathe. It seemed like everything was finally falling into place.

The company was clean. Lorena faced fraud charges. Luis had declared everything. The media had grown tired of the gossip and began looking for something else. The pressure eased. Julia was once again going out without being looked at with suspicion. Mauricio had regained the respect of his people. Camila was happy. Everything looked like it was going to close well. But then that call came, an unknown number. Julia answered without thinking. Okay, silence. Hello. A broken woman’s voice. You’re Julia Ramírez. Yes. Who’s speaking?

I’m Monica. I work at the San Miguel Clinic. I have something to tell you, but not by phone. What is it about? About your mother. Julia froze. What happened? Please, come here. I’m waiting for you. Without saying anything to anyone, Julia took a taxi. She arrived at the clinic alone. It wasn’t a hospital, it was some kind of therapy and care center. She didn’t understand anything. Monica was waiting for her at the reception desk. A plain woman in her fifties wearing a white coat and a serious expression.

“Thanks for coming,” she said. “Where is my mom?” “Is she okay?” Monica looked down. It’s not what you think. “Come with me.” She led her down a narrow hallway. There were small rooms, people on stretchers, others asleep. At the end, she opened a door. Julia entered and froze. There, sitting in a wheelchair, was another pale, thin woman with a headscarf. It wasn’t her mother, but she looked just like her. Julia looked at her, uncomprehending. Who? The woman looked up.

There were tears in her eyes. “Hello, Julia.” Monica looked at her from the doorway. “She’s the true light, Maria Ramirez.” Julia took a step back. “What are you saying? The woman you think is your mother isn’t.” Julia gasped. “That’s impossible.” Monica sighed. “Six years ago. This woman came in here with memory loss after an accident. No one came to claim her. She had no papers. She only wore a pendant with a name, Julia.” Julia put her hand to her chest.

A pendant with a photo of you as a child. We recognized it by coincidence, that’s why we looked for her. We thought it was her daughter, but she was so confused, she couldn’t remember things properly. And then, seeing your story on social media, everything started to fall into place. Julia approached, trembling. “It can’t be.” The woman in the wheelchair stretched out her hand. “My daughter, my Julia.” “No,” Julia said, backing away. “No, no, no. My mom is home. She’s alive. She just got out of the hospital.”

Her name is Luz María. That’s her. Mónica nodded. Yes, but she’s not your mother. Julia didn’t know whether to cry, scream, or run. So who is she? A woman who found you alone as a child, who raised you, who cared for you as if you were her daughter, but you weren’t. Julia slumped into a chair. No, that doesn’t make sense. It can’t be. The woman in the wheelchair took something out of her pocket, a small chain with a round pendant. Julia recognized it instantly.

“I gave it to you,” she whispered. “Julia.” She grabbed it. She opened it. There it was. A photo of her as a little girl with two braids and crooked teeth. That, I lost that when I was 8. You were wearing it the day of the accident.” Monica spoke again. “We’re not here to take anything from you or to make a scene. We just wanted you to know the truth because she’s dying. She’s only a few days old.” Julia froze. “And the other one, the one who raised me, probably did it because you were alone too.”

Or maybe she was too, but she did it right. She saved you, made you strong, never lied to you, just gave you a new story. Julia didn’t know how to react. When she left that room, the world was visible. She had turned upside down. She didn’t know who she was. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know whether to cry for the one who was dying or for the one who raised her without being her mother. She went straight to her house, entered without saying hello. She found her on the couch watching television.

I need you to tell me the truth. The woman looked at her fearlessly. You know that, right? Julia felt her heart tremble. Why? The woman stood up with difficulty. She walked toward her. Because she was alone. Because I was alone too. And when I saw you crying in that alley, I understood that if I didn’t hold your hand, you were going to die. I couldn’t have children. I had lost everything, and you appeared. And you made me feel like I was still good for something.

Julia cried, not out of rage, but out of confusion. So, was it all a lie? No, never. I loved you with everything I have, more than if you were my own, because you saved me. Julia hugged her tightly, with everything. She didn’t know if she had two mothers or none, but she did know something. That love was real. And in the midst of the most difficult turn of her life, she understood that sometimes blood doesn’t define anything. Actions do, the heart does.