“Pretend You Love Me, Please…” — Powerful CEO Begged Single Dad Right In Front Of His Ex.

You disappeared without saying anything. I know, he said sadly. And I’m sorry. Why did you do it? Because I was afraid. He ran a hand through his hair. Afraid of dragging you into my world, of Sofia suffering, of not being enough for you. Lucía took a step toward him. I never asked you to be enough, just not to leave me alone.

The silence grew thicker, more sincere. Miguel looked at her tenderly. “Lucia, I’ve followed in your footsteps. I’ve seen what you’ve done with the foundation, what you’ve built. It’s beautiful. You inspired me,” she replied. “All of this was born from you, from Sofia, from what I learned from knowing you.” He smiled for the first time. Then it wasn’t in vain.

Nothing was, she said, not even the pain. They decided to walk together through the park. The air smelled of damp earth and freshly watered flowers. Children ran, couples strolled hand in hand. It seemed like any other day, but for them it was a new beginning. Miguel spoke slowly, as if measuring each word. Lucía, when I left I thought I was doing the right thing, but I soon realized I wasn’t running away for you, but for me. And now? she asked.

Now I know that no one can truly love if they live in hiding. Lucía listened to him silently. His words were simple, but they held the force of truth. I was afraid too, she confessed. Not of the scandal or Derek, but of losing myself if I lost you. Miguel stopped, and for a few seconds all that was heard was the sound of the wind in the trees.

So, is there still something going on between us? I don’t know, she whispered, but I want to find out. They had dinner that night at the same Alameda bar where they met. The waiter recognized them and smiled knowingly. Menudo de Yabú, eh, he said, serving them two coffees. Lucía and Miguel laughed, but deep down, they both felt the vertigo of destiny, as if a life full of its comings and goings had brought them back to square one.

“And Sofia?” Lucía asked. “She’s fine, she misses you.” Miguel lowered his voice. He continued drawing rainbows. “She says that when it rains you’re sad, and when the sun comes out you smile again.” Lucía smiled excitedly. “She’s a wonderful girl. Just like you,” he said. Lucía’s eyes filled with tears. “Why are you like this, Miguel?” she asked, laughing through her tears.

You always know how to say exactly what I need to hear, because I learned to listen to you with my heart, not my ears. As they spoke, Lucía’s cell phone vibrated on the table. It was an unfamiliar number. She hesitated for a moment and answered, “Yes.” On the other end, a familiar voice. “Lucia, it’s Derek. We need to talk.” Her body tensed. We have nothing to talk about.

You’re wrong. The voice sounded cold and calculating. I’ve obtained proof that part of your foundation is funded by shady donations. If you don’t want this to come to light, we’ll see each other tomorrow. Lucía felt the floor give way beneath her feet. That’s a lie. You’ll find out tomorrow at 10 in my office, and if you don’t come, I’ll publish it. She hung up.

Miguel looked at her worriedly. “What’s going on? Derek wants to blackmail me again. And what’s he going to do?” Lucía took a deep breath. “This time I’m not running away.” The next day she showed up punctually at Derek’s office. He greeted her with his usual smile, a mixture of mockery and fascination. “I knew you’d come. Not for you,” she replied, “for me.” He placed some papers on the table.

Look, suspicious transfers, fabricated names. Your beloved foundation could end up in court. Lucía reviewed them one by one. They were real, but manipulated. What do you want? Nothing you haven’t wanted before. Power. She observed him calmly. “I’m not surprised. You never understood that power without a soul is just misery in a suit.” Nice phrase for headlines.

I don’t care. Lucia stood up. Publish whatever you want, Derek, but remember this. When the mud dries, the only thing that’s clear is who tried to dirty whom. Derek looked at her, bewildered. For the first time, Lucia wasn’t trembling. “You’re not afraid,” he said incredulously. “I’ve been there, and I survived.

“She turned and left the office, leaving behind a thick silence, the same silence that precedes inevitable defeats. That night she went to see Miguel. She didn’t need words. He already knew everything from the news. Lucía told him the truth, without embellishment, without fear. Derek tried to bring me down again, but he can’t anymore. Why? Miguel asked.

Because I have nothing to hide anymore. He looked at her for a few seconds and then hugged her. That’s what I always saw in you, Lucía. Not the businesswoman, but the brave woman who doesn’t give up. She rested her head on his chest. Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t. I didn’t believe you, he said. I felt you. Lucía closed her eyes.

In that hug, there were no promises or explanations, only the silent certainty of two people who had found each other again without masks. Outside, the rain was starting to fall again. Sofía, half asleep, watched them from the hallway door. Dad, are you sad or happy? Miguel smiled. Happy, darling. Very happy.