The Discovery
But Carmen had doubts. Alejandro’s legs looked too strong. His reflexes were too quick. Once, she’d even seen him move his foot. Then, while cleaning his office, she found medical documents that seemed fake. Late that night, she checked the safe—she had learned the code while caring for the house.
Inside, she found contracts and emails revealing the truth: the accident was staged. The paralysis was a lie. It had all been a test for Isabela.
Her hands trembled. Everything—the long nights, the tears, her growing feelings—had been built on deception. She quietly packed her things, left a resignation letter in the kitchen, and slipped out at three in the morning.
Upstairs, Alejandro lay awake, tortured by guilt. He heard the sound of her taxi leaving and ran to the window—but she was already gone.
The next morning, he called Dr. Herrera, desperate. Carmen had discovered everything. “She’s gone,” he said. “I have to find her.”
For the first time in his life, his power meant nothing. He searched all over Madrid—hired detectives, checked hotels, placed ads—but Carmen had vanished.
Days later, Isabela returned from Milan, surprised to find him walking. She asked nothing about his recovery, only talked about their trip to Marbella. That was enough. Alejandro ended things immediately.
Then he thought of Carmen’s sister. Through contacts, he located Lucía at the University of Santiago. He flew there the next morning.
Lucía looked so much like Carmen it hurt to see her. When Alejandro introduced himself, she glared. “Carmen isn’t angry,” she said. “She’s broken. She cried for days. You used her as part of your game.”
“I love her,” he said quietly.
Lucía’s voice trembled with anger. “Then show it by leaving her alone. She deserves someone who won’t lie to her.”
Alejandro bowed his head. “You’re right. Just tell her I regret everything. I’d give anything to undo it.”
