Eventually, he started feeling powerful again and began telling a different story.

He told his mother that he was the one who “had given me the life I had.”

That night, Beatriz, my mother-in-law, called me.

“Ricardo told me about Monterrey. You need to be understanding. That man works like crazy so you can live like a queen.”

I looked at the photo of Fernanda wearing my necklace.

“Of course, Beatriz.”

“And when he comes back, welcome him properly. A good wife knows how to appreciate her husband’s sacrifices.”

I smiled.

“Don’t worry. I’m preparing a surprise for his return.”

I hung up and called Lucía Moreno, my lawyer.

“Revoke all of Ricardo’s access to my accounts, credit cards, and properties today. And I want to sell the penthouse.”

“What did he do?”

“He’s in the Maldives with his assistant. Wearing my anniversary gift.”