CHAPTER 9

The penthouse was unnaturally quiet as Marisol and Santiago returned from the hospital. She paused in the doorway, her heart hammering when she spotted a familiar silhouette sitting regally in their living room. "Luciana," Marisol said, her voice tight. "This isn't a good time." Santiago's mother rose elegantly, her critical gaze sweeping over both of them. "I imagine not, considering what I've discovered." Santiago stepped protectively toward Marisol. "Mother, whatever this is can wait until tomorrow." "No, it cannot." Luciana extracted a folder from her designer handbag. "Your wife deserves to know who she really married." Marisol's exhaustion gave way to sharp attention. "What are you talking about?" "Did you ever wonder how you and Santiago actually met? Such a coincidence that he appeared at that gallery opening." Luciana laid out printed emails on the coffee table. "Nothing in my son's life happens by coincidence." Santiago moved forward. "Mother, stop this now." "These a