SHE WAS JUST THE MAID NO ONE NOTICED—UNTIL SHE TOOK THE SLAP MEANT FOR A LITTLE GIRL, AND THE MOST FEARED MAN IN THE HOUSE SAW EVERYTHING

edge. At the family table—between Sofia and Diego.

Mariana felt every gaze on her. Her hands trembled. “Mr. Arriaga, I shouldn’t—”

“Sit,” he said. Not harsh, but final.

Mariana sat.

Sofia immediately slipped her hand into hers beneath the table. Mariana squeezed it once, carefully. Alejandro noticed. He noticed everything now.

Patricia set her cup down.continue reading …