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

and pulled out a photo. Lucía sat in a hospital bed holding baby Diego, Sofia curled against her side. Alejandro stood behind them, younger, softer, smiling in a way Mariana had never seen. On the back, in blue ink, Lucía had written: My whole world.

Mariana touched the edge gently. “They miss her.”

“I know,” Elena said. “And I should have fought harder continue reading …