A Fresh Start
Mariana transferred her savings to a personal account to better safeguard her financial future.
For the first time in a long while, she felt she was regaining control of her life.
She packed a small suitcase, took her passport, and booked a one-way ticket to Rome—a destination she had dreamed of visiting for years.
Before leaving, she placed her wedding ring on the table along with a brief note for her best friend, then decided to distance herself from everyone involved in order to find some peace of mind.
As the plane took off, she felt a mix of anxiety and immense relief.
In Rome, she took the time to wander the narrow streets of Trastevere, visit historic squares, change her hairstyle, and—little by little—smile again.
A week later, she posted a simple photo with a caption:
“A new life. This time, I choose to move forward.”
Meanwhile, financial preparations for the reception continued. Certain last-minute expenses forced the organizers to revise the budget, sparking several family discussions.
Javier realized then that many decisions made over the years had gradually undermined his marriage.
As he grappled with the consequences of his choices, Mariana was savoring a coffee on a Roman terrace—her phone turned off—convinced that a new chapter had just begun.
