Chapter 7 - Breaking the SilenceWith the court proceedings underway, life at the Pedregal estate transformed completely. The brutalist, cold marble house began to fill with color, warmth, and sound.
Roberto removed the sterile medical equipment and replaced the austere decor with soft rugs, family paintings, and toys.
Leo, now fully healed and thriving, returned to school. For the first time in years, he raised his hand in class, made friends, and smiled radiantly when Roberto and María picked him up together at the school gates.
One evening, during a quiet dinner, Leo looked up at Roberto and María.
"Dad?" Leo asked softly, swinging his small legs on the chair.
"Yes, buddy?"
"Can María live with us forever? Not just for work... but like a real family?"
May you like
Roberto stopped his fork mid-air, looking across the table at María. A subtle blush crept up her cheeks, but she didn't look away.
"Leo," Roberto said gently, reaching across the table to place his hand over María's. "That is the best idea you've ever had."
