Chapter 30 - The Unexpected Encounter
The work to renovate the boarding house into 'The White Line' shelter consumed my days. I was at a local hardware store, pushing a cart full of paint and heavy-duty locks, when I heard a familiar, unwelcome voice.
"Valeria? Is that you?"
I froze. I turned slowly and saw Roberto, one of Diego’s former business partners. He was a man who used to come to our house for dinners, a man who had undoubtedly seen my bruises and chosen to look the other way.
"Hello, Roberto," I said coldly, keeping my hands firmly on the cart.
"You look... different," he said, eyeing my casual jeans and the confident set of my shoulders. "I heard about what happened with Diego. It’s a tragedy, really. He was a good businessman. You ruined his life, you know. He’s rotting in there."
The old Valeria would have lowered her head and apologized. The new Valeria felt a surge of cold, unyielding fire.
"Diego ruined his own life, Roberto," I said, my voice loud and clear, not caring who in the aisle heard me. "He is exactly where monsters belong."
Roberto scoffed. "You always were dramatic. Doña Carmen is sick in prison because of your lies."
"If you miss them so much, I highly suggest you go visit them during visiting hours," I replied, stepping closer, forcing him to take a step back. "But do not ever approach me in public again. I am not the quiet little wife you used to ignore. If you speak to me again, I will have you arrested for harassment."
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Roberto’s arrogant smirk vanished. He looked at my hard eyes, realizing I was entirely serious. He muttered a curse under his breath and hurried away down the aisle.
I took a deep breath, my hands steady. I paid for my locks and walked out into the sun.
