She remembered all her daughter’s strange behavior. One morning she decided to act. She checked the house’s security cameras, called her technician, “I want to see all the recordings from the last few days.” And there she saw everything: the dress that was too short, the looks, the entrances to the room, the provocations, and, above all, she saw the exact moment Maria kissed Raul before screaming.
Raquel broke down and called her daughter. “Come here, sit down, watch this.” And she showed her the videos.
Silence. Then Maria broke down. “Forgive me, Mom. I was jealous. I didn’t want to lose you. You took away my happiness, my dignity. Get out of my house. I adopted you with love, but what you’ve done I can’t forgive. You’re not my daughter anymore.”
Raquel changed the locks, blocked her number, and made a decision. She picked up her phone and dialed Raul’s number. No answer. She sent him a message, then another, then called again, nothing. And then she received information. Raul was at the airport, leaving the country with tears in his eyes. Raquel ran as fast as she could to the airport.
She ran with tears in her eyes. At the gate, she saw him. Raul shouted. He turned around, his suitcase in hand. “Raul!” she cried. He stopped, turned around, and saw her crying, breathless, trembling. She ran to him and threw herself at his feet. She knelt. “Please, don’t go. I’ve discovered the truth. I saw the videos.” It was her, it was Maria. Raul said nothing. He looked at her, hurt and hesitant. Then, Raquel took out a small box and opened it.
