The mistress arrived at the house to cause a scene with the wife, but what the wife did next left the mistress in shock…

-No.

The word fell like a stone.

—From today onwards, everything that is said will be said with witnesses. And with lawyers.

From outside, Javier banged on the door with his fist, not violently, but in frustration.

—Mariana, please!

« If you shout here again, I swear I’ll call the police, » she replied, without raising her voice. « I’ve had enough of this show. »

Upon hearing « police, » the neighbors moved as one. The guard crossed his arms. Doña Rosa settled herself in the doorway as if she were the guardian of a temple.

Javier understood the message: he wasn’t in charge today.

An hour later, an old car pulled up in front of the house. Mariana’s mother got out, a small, dark-haired woman with a hard gaze; behind her was her brother, tall and serious, with the kind of silence that intimidates.

Mariana opened the door just enough to let them in. When she saw her daughter, the mother didn’t ask any questions first. She hugged her.

« Breathe, my child, » he whispered. « I’m here now. »

For a second, Mariana let her strength crumble. Just a second. Then she composed herself.

—Mom… he’s outside.

The mother looked out the window and saw Javier, huddled on the porch, like a punished child. She didn’t feel pity. She felt anger.

He left with Mariana’s brother. Doña Rosa and the guard also approached. Javier stood up abruptly, nervous.

—Ma’am… I—

« Don’t call me ‘ma’am’! » his mother interrupted. « Call me ‘mother-in-law.’ The one who took care of your wife when you were ‘busy.’ »

Javier froze.

Mariana’s brother spoke for the first time, in a low voice:

—Who was that woman? Why did she know where we lived?

Javier opened his mouth. He closed it. Then he whispered:

—Valeria… She… I—

« Don’t give me that nonsense, » said the brother. « My sister is pregnant. If something happens to her today, I won’t swear to anything. »

The guard raised a hand, calming the situation.

—Look. No threats. But let’s be clear: no one here is going to allow another scene. If that woman comes back, she’ll be reported immediately.

Javier swallowed hard, defeated.

—I… I’m going to talk to her. I’m going to tell her not to come back. I… I’m going to break up with her.