Chapter 38 - The First Birthday
Alejandro's first birthday was a celebration of life, survival, and absolute luxury.
The sprawling gardens of the Villalobos estate were transformed into a magical wonderland, filled with hundreds of vibrant flowers, string lights, and soft music.
There were no fake investors to impress, no arrogant mothers-in-law to appease, and no abusive husbands lurking in the shadows.
Valeria was surrounded by genuine loyalty. Her trusted executives, the elite legal team that had protected her, and her fiercely devoted mother all gathered to celebrate the healthy, happy boy who was the future of their dynasty.
Alejandro laughed joyously as Valeria helped him smash his small, chocolate birthday cake, his dark eyes sparkling with pure, unadulterated happiness.
"He is perfect, Valeria,"
Elena smiled, wiping a smudge of chocolate from the boy's cheek.
"He is safe,"
Valeria replied, kissing her son's forehead.
May you like
She looked around the beautiful, sunlit garden, listening to the genuine laughter of her guests. She remembered the dark, suffocating dining room in Monterrey, the horrific crack of her hip against the table, the sheer terror of thinking she had lost him.
But out of that darkness, she had built an empire of light for him. He would never know fear. He would never know pain. He would only ever know love, and the terrifying, protective power of his mother.
