Chapter 14 - The Deal Behind My Back
The settlement wasn't really from Mauricio.
It was from Rivas.
He wanted the apartment because he no longer trusted Mauricio to repay anything.
"So my husband is offering my property to his lender in exchange for peace," I said.
Elena nodded. "And hoping you are tired enough to accept."
I wasn't tired.
I was awake for the first time in years.
We rejected it.
Two days later, Mauricio's company filed for insolvency.
The numbers finally told the full story.
He had lost contracts, borrowed to cover payroll, hidden losses from me, then used new loans to cover old ones.
Ofelia's debts had started the fire.
Mauricio had poured gasoline on it.
When we met for divorce mediation, he looked ten years older.
"I never meant for this to happen," he said.
"Which part?"
"Any of it."
"Did you forge my signature?"
He looked at his lawyer.
"Answer me."
"I signed it because I knew you would say no."
"That's called forgery."
"I was going to pay it back."
"With what?"
He had no answer.
Then I asked about my father's watch.
His face changed.
"Mom sold it."
"You told me you did."
"I was protecting her."
I laughed softly.
There it was again.
His entire life in one sentence.
Protecting her.
At the end of mediation, his lawyer handed Elena a sealed envelope.
Inside was the name of the person who had bought my father's watch.
May you like
And a note from Mauricio.
YOU WANT THE TRUTH? ASK HIM WHAT MOM GAVE HIM WITH THE WATCH.
