Chapter 2 - A Perfect Family
Carmen’s affection arrived gradually.
At first, she invited Sofia to lunches at exclusive restaurants. Then came spa appointments, dress fittings, and private shopping events.
She introduced Sofia as “the daughter I always wanted.”
Elena was pleased.
“Perhaps you’re finally getting the large family you missed,” she said.
Sofia wanted to believe that.
Carmen had a talent for making attention feel like love. She remembered Sofia’s preferred flowers, ordered her favorite wine, and listened carefully whenever Sofia discussed her career.
But Carmen’s questions slowly became more specific.
How much had the condo appreciated?
Was there a mortgage?
Had Sofia placed it in a trust?
Would she consider using it as collateral for future investments?
Sofia usually laughed and changed the subject.
One afternoon, Carmen visited the condo while Sofia was meeting with a wedding planner.
She walked slowly through the rooms, examining the custom stonework, imported flooring, and panoramic views.
“This apartment will be wasted on two people,” Carmen said.
“It’s our home, not an event venue,” Sofia replied playfully.
Carmen looked toward the skyline.
“Morales Heritage Group could use a property like this when meeting investors.”
“I don’t mix personal property with business.”
“Of course not.”
Carmen smiled.
But Sofia noticed that the warmth had left her eyes.
Javier’s questions began soon afterward.
His family company was preparing a major development near Fort Worth. They needed temporary collateral to satisfy a lender. According to Javier, the risk was minimal.
“We would release the condo after ninety days,” he explained.
Sofia closed the financial proposal.
“No.”
Javier blinked.
“You haven’t read the entire document.”
“I read enough.”
“It would help my family.”
“It would place my home at risk.”
“Our home.”
Sofia looked at him.
“The deed is in my name.”
The change in Javier’s expression lasted only a second, but she saw it.
He leaned back.
“Do you plan to remind me of that after we’re married?”
“I plan to protect property I earned before our marriage.”
He laughed, though there was no humor in it.
“You sound like your father.”
That sentence ended the discussion.
Later that evening, Javier apologized. He brought dinner, poured wine, and said the business pressure had affected him.
Sofia accepted the apology.
She did not know Javier called Carmen from the balcony after she went to bed.
“She won’t agree,” he said.
Carmen’s reply was sharp enough to carry through the glass.
“Then stop asking like a stranger.”
Sofia stepped toward the balcony door.
Javier lowered his voice before she could hear more.
The next morning, he claimed he had been discussing wedding expenses.
Sofia wanted to believe him, so she did.
A week later, Alexander sent her an email containing public records about Morales Heritage Group.
Several properties had been transferred between shell companies shortly before lawsuits were filed against them.
Sofia called him immediately.
“Are you investigating my fiancé?”
“I looked at public information.”
“You had no right.”
“I found inconsistencies.”
“You always find inconsistencies because you expect everyone to be guilty.”
Alexander remained silent.
Sofia continued, “Do not contact Javier. Do not contact Carmen. Stay out of my marriage.”
“You are not married yet.”
“I will be.”
After ending the call, Sofia deleted the email.
May you like
She did not read the final attachment.
It contained a property record bearing the name of an elderly widow whose signature had been used three weeks after her death.
