Prologue
It all started in April, one year ago. Back then, she had established herself as a powerful lawyer within one of the law firms in the city. She lived happily with her family in an affluent area, enjoying all the comforts any family could wish for. Her name is Alejandra, an elegant woman if there ever was one.
She was one of the top-performing students in her faculty, which allowed her to enjoy one of the scarce and prestigious scholarships at Harvard during her last year of college.
Years later, she embarked on an adventure and, along with two other partners, founded a law firm. The first few years were tough, as is the case with any fledgling company, but year after year, their popularity and worth increased. They took on better and more significant cases, and gradually, the firm began to bear fruit.
It was in the final years of college when Alexandra met her future husband, IvΓ‘n. One could say there was that special connection seen in romantic movies. He was studying industrial engineering, and during those tough years of study, they supported each other until my father began his professional career in the electrical sector. Their commitment and mutual support strengthened their relationship even more. They trusted each other, leaned on each other during difficult times, and all of it began to bear fruit in their partnership. A few years after graduating, Alexandra became pregnant with what would be her first and only child.
With IvΓ‘n's invaluable help, she juggled her professional life and taking care of me, and I must say she handled it all wonderfully.
Today, she is 46 years old, with a brunette, bordering on chestnut, medium-length hair. It's the perfect length for her to be both comfortable and elegant, which is necessary for her daily work. Her naturally tanned complexion, which she maintains throughout the year (and accentuates to almost exaggerated levels in the summer), complements her outfits very well. She never wore overly revealing necklines or too short skirts, but that didn't mean that her poise, elegance, and beauty didn't catch attention. Her silhouette is that of a woman who takes care of herself through constant gym routines and a well-balanced diet. This allows her to wear all sorts of outfits that may not suit everyone, but they suit her perfectly. From pencil skirts with shirts, blazers, tight jeans, blouses, and a long etcetera, always accompanied by the best earrings, necklaces, and shoes that she knew how to match perfectly.
We have always been a model family, achieving whatever my parents set out to do. But everything changed when we decided to buy a new penthouse in one of the city's neighborhoods.
My father had always wanted to buy a penthouse and enjoy all the comforts that such a property offers. He had the idea in his mind for a long time, and he eventually convinced my mother to look for one that met his demands. It took a while, but eventually, my parents found one that fulfilled all their wishes, and we moved in. A spacious terrace, many bedrooms, a cozy living room, and a long list of amenities that would make our family one of the happiest in the city. But that was one of the biggest mistakes we could have made, and it was going to cost us dearly.
Chapter 1
I still remember that fateful day as if it were yesterday.
I was coming home after a very tough morning of classes, the kind that makes you question if it's really worth finishing the degree and, above all, if you'll be able to do it. The bus ride distracted me with the thousand and one assignments I had to submit, presentations, problems, and especially the dreaded exams. I was so lost in thought that I didn't realize I had reached home until I heard my own keys opening the lock. From the hallway, I could hear the bustling sounds from the kitchen, a sign that my mother was at home. The metallic clinking of pots and cutlery, the background noise of the TV--all those familiar sounds brought back a sense of calm.
I followed the trail of those sounds and saw my mother pacing back and forth in the kitchen, the agitated clicking of her heels indicating that she was in a hurry. The sunlight streamed in through the glass door, partially revealing her silhouette.
"Hello, Mom, good morning," I said, leaving my backpack on one of the kitchen chairs. "How are you?"
As I turned towards her, I noticed how perfectly put-together she looked, even for being at home. The apron covered her front, surprisingly matching the slightly tight blue jeans that hugged her figure, along with a loose beige blouse. She had her hair tied up, though it was evident that she had done it hastily, as a rebellious strand kept escaping and bothering her.
"Hello, sweetheart! I'm fine, just preparing something for lunch. And how about you? How are your classes?" She barely glanced at me as she continued bustling around the kitchen. Her voice sounded affectionate, and a smile adorned her face.
I approached the pot that was boiling to smell what she was cooking. "Good, though very tired... The semester exams are just around the corner, and we have so many assignments to finish," I said, lifting the lid curiously to see what she was preparing.
"Cheer up, dear! I know you can handle everything. Your father had no problem completing his degree year by year. And think that once you finish, he might be able to arrange something for you to start your professional career in the same company. Being the head of sales, I don't think they'd mind having you onboard as well."
"Sure, Mom, but it's not the same! When Dad was studying, he had you to help him. I'm all alone!" I couldn't help but look down and avert my gaze.
"Don't worry, my love, we can fix that," she replied with a smile.
"How?" I looked at her, not understanding.
"By finding yourself a girlfriend, don't you think?" She said, gently ruffling my hair. "Besides, a handsome guy like you shouldn't have any trouble finding a girl."
"But what are you talking about, Mom?" I got a little nervous. "I-I don't want a girlfriend!" I couldn't help but look away.
"Relax, dear, find her when you truly feel like it." She gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead, trying to be understanding.
That made me turn around and go back to the chair where my backpack was. I was used to my mother's affectionate nature, especially behind closed doors. She had realized that in recent years, I didn't like it as much when she did it in public, so she learned to reserve it only for home.
"Aren't you working today?"
"Is this work not enough for you?" Her response caught me off guard, thinking I had put my foot in it big time. But when I turned around and looked at her, she was smiling. "I have plenty of paperwork and things to prepare for next week, but I'll do it here at home. I won't go to the office today."
"O-Okay, Mom... I know you work hard. I didn't mean to underestimate what you do..." I tried to make it sound like an apology. "Will Dad come for lunch?"
"I know, my boy." She cupped my face with both hands, accidentally smudging it a bit while planting a kiss on my forehead. "No, you know he's visiting some clients, and he won't be back until tomorrow. He'll be just in time for Uncle Luis's birthday."
"That's right! Although it's one day we could have had lunch together... But well, it's okay..."
Calmness prevailed in the house, everything moved on like any other day until suddenly, the repeated loud ringing of the doorbell echoed throughout.
Chapter 2
DING DONG!! DING DONG!!
"Who is it?" I glance towards the door, completely disoriented. "Are you expecting someone, Mom?"