I had just arrived at Barajas Airport. My suitcase was still in my hand when my body suddenly stiffened. All the exhaustion from the flight disappeared in an instant

“This isn’t your fault,” I told her honestly. “Just remember—someone who betrays once usually does it again.”

Álvaro opened his mouth, but the moment had passed. I walked away, back straight, knowing that for the first time, I was the one holding the pen.

That afternoon, as I presented my project to the board, I thought about the woman I had been when Álvaro left—afraid, insecure, convinced I was nothing without him. If someone had told me then that I’d be leading negotiations shaping entire companies, I wouldn’t have believed it.

The meeting went perfectly. We signed a preliminary agreement and laid the foundation for a major expansion.

As I stepped outside, I didn’t feel euphoric—just quietly proud.