Chapter 15: The Confrontation
I walked straight toward him.
Rosa grabbed my arm.
"Mariana, don't—"
"Let go."
She did.
Andrew saw me coming.
His smile didn't waver.
"Mariana. I'm so glad you came."
"Who's the blonde?"
He glanced at her.
"Oh, this is Victoria. My new partner."
"Partner?"
"Business partner. She's been helping me get back on my feet."
"With what money?"
Andrew's smile tightened.
"I've been making some smart investments."
"You have no investments. I froze everything."
"Not everything."
I felt the first flicker of doubt.
"Explain."
"Turns out, your lawyers missed a few accounts. Small ones. Offshore. Nothing you'd notice."
I stared at him.
He was lying.
He had to be.
But there was something in his eyes.
Something that looked like truth.
"Mariana," he said softly, "I'm not here to fight. I'm here to make peace."
"Peace?"
"I know I messed up. I know I hurt you. But I've changed. I'm different now."
"You're wearing the same suit you wore to our wedding."
"That's a coincidence."
"Is it?"
"I just want to start over. I want to apologize. Properly. In front of everyone."
I didn't believe him.
But I also didn't walk away.
And that was my mistake.
Andrew raised his glass.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention."
The room quieted.
"I'd like to make a toast. To my ex-wife, Mariana. The woman who gave me everything. And then took it all away."
The guests murmured.
"I know I did wrong. I know I hurt her. And I know I don't deserve her forgiveness."
He turned to me.
"But I'm asking for it anyway."
He knelt.
Right there, in front of everyone.
"Mariana, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
The room went silent.
Everyone stared.
I felt Rosa's hand on my shoulder.
"Don't do it," she whispered.
But I didn't do anything.
I just stood there.
May you like
And Andrew stayed on his knees.
Waiting.
