Ariadna sat in her cell, arms wrapped around her knees. Tears streaked her face, no longer radiant as it once had been. She couldn’t stand another minute in that place; she’d rather be dead than keep living in that hell.She missed her small but spotless apartment—her bed, her sheets that carried a sweet scent. She missed the satisfaction of looking at herself in the mirror wearing her favorite clothes; she missed her breakfast and the black coffee from the office.Ariadna also missed going out to lunch with her coworkers, laughing at their gossip and jokes. She longed for the feeling of self-sufficiency and power when she got her paycheck, went shopping, and filled her refrigerator at the supermarket. She missed her freedom. She missed everything she had once complained about.***Jimena got up early that day, got Adrián ready, put him in the car, and set off. She was thrilled that, finally, Pablo would be leaving the rehab center and returning to his job at the company.Just before

It was Saturday, and Pablo had taken Adrián to his parents’ house for the whole weekend, so Jimena took the opportunity to attend a sleepover at her sisters’ apartment. They’d invited Laura and Lisa.“Okay, Jim, spill it,” Cecilia pressed, curiosity gleaming in her eyes and a mischievous smile curling on her lips. The look made Jimena nervous—she could already guess what this was about.“Spill what?” she asked, feigning innocence as she narrowed her eyes.“Oh, don’t play dumb, I saw you,” added Claudia, pointing a teasing finger at her. “So? How does the hot dancer kiss?”Jimena nearly jumped at the bluntness of the question. She knew there was no escaping them, so she decided to tell them. With a long sigh, she smiled wickedly.“Okay, fine, I’ll tell you.” She sighed again, defeated. “He’s an expert. I swear I melted when he kissed me. But…”“But?” Claudia prompted reproachfully, already suspecting that the “but” had something to do with Pablo.Jimena understood the tone. Claudia was

Pablo arrived at the institution and headed straight to the gym. That day, he was scheduled for the afternoon, coming directly from the office. Two days a week, he taught in the mornings, and two in the afternoons, almost until nightfall.“Hey, Pablo,” Jimena greeted him with a bright smile and shining eyes, then kissed him on the cheek.“Hi,” he replied curtly.Lately, Pablo had been distant, his attitude toward her cold and detached. Jimena couldn’t understand the reason for his change, and he gave her no chance to ask. He’d arrive, warm up in silence, teach his class, and leave without saying a word.By the time Pablo finished his class, night had already fallen, and everyone had gone except him. He was taking a shower in the gym’s bathroom. When he came out, Jimena intercepted him.“Don’t go yet. I need to talk to you.” She stepped in front of him. Pablo looked at her with weary impatience.“Say whatever you have to say—make it quick. I’m tired,” he said harshly.“Are you mad at m

Some time later…As the institution gained recognition, Jimena began to establish herself as an influential figure in society. Several magazines and television programs interviewed her, praising the immense and generous work she and her team were doing.That recognition brought even more prestige and fame to the Mars and Gutiérrez company, as well as to Kevin’s gallery, which soon ranked among the top in the country. With that success came even greater wealth.Jimena’s social circles expanded, as did her workload, and it became increasingly difficult for her to keep up with Bruno, who demanded something more serious than teenage-style encounters. But Jimena wasn’t ready for that kind of relationship—at least, not with him.And so, she ended things.“I’m a mess…” she whispered as she walked past Bruno’s classroom and saw him flirting with another teacher. “I can’t believe I’m jealous of someone who was nothing but a burden to me. I need to learn to be alone… being in a relationship isn

In those days, Pablo went back and forth between his apartment and work—nothing more. He had even arranged for a temporary substitute at the institution; he wasn’t ready to face Jimena.She had tried to talk to him, but every time she reached out, all she got were vague excuses whenever Pablo came by to pick up the boy.That night, Pablo had just stepped out of the shower when the doorbell rang.“Who could it be at this hour?” he grumbled, not in the mood for visitors.He quickly dried off and threw on a pair of lounge pants and a fitted T-shirt that emphasized his muscles. His hair still damp, he hurried to the door.The moment he saw who was standing there, he froze. His mouth fell slightly open, his eyes locking on his unexpected visitor as if he were seeing a mirage.“Good evening, Pablo,” Jimena greeted, amused by his reaction. She walked in without waiting for an invitation, exuding a confidence that held him captive with just a glance.It wasn’t only her ease and self-assurance