Chapter 4 - The Web of Deceit
Three days later.
The morning light streamed through the window of Room 304 at Hospital Civil. Mariana sat propped up against several white pillows, her complexion returning to a healthy pink glow as an IV line slowly dripped vitamins into her arm.
Adrián sat beside her bed, holding her hand delicately, resting his cheek against her fingers.
"I called a moving company yesterday," Adrián said softly, his voice full of solemn determination. "I hired a crew to pack everything in our bedroom at the Atemajac house. I rented a two-bedroom apartment in Zapopan, near your sister's home. We are never stepping foot in that house again."
Mariana looked at him, her dark eyes filled with a mix of deep sorrow and profound tenderness.
"Adrián..." she murmured gently, running her fingers through his dark hair. "How are you holding up?"
"I feel like I spent thirty-one years living in a house of ghosts," Adrián admitted, tears welling in his eyes. "I let my mother walk all over you, Mari. I told you to 'be patient,' to 'understand how she is.' I was so blind. I almost lost you and our baby because I was too cowardly to stand up to a woman who was a monster."
Mariana squeezed his hand tightly. "You came home early, Adrián. You listened to your gut. You broke that lock and called the police even when she begged you not to. You saved my life."
The door to the hospital room opened, and Claudia Montes, a sharp, highly respected victim’s advocate attorney hired by Mariana’s family, stepped inside holding a briefcase.
"Good morning, Mariana. Adrián," Claudia said warmly, placing her briefcase on the bedside table. "I just came from a briefing with the State Prosecutor."
"What's the status of the case?" Adrián asked, stepping forward.
Claudia pulled out several legal filings. "Teresa Salgado’s legal defense team attempted to petition for home confinement due to her age, claiming she suffers from hypertension. The judge denied the motion instantly. Given the severity of the charges—attempted femicide against a pregnant woman, thirty years of unlawful imprisonment, aggravated torture, and financial fraud—she will remain in pre-trial detention at the Puente Grande Women's Penitentiary."
"What about Bruno?" Mariana asked softly.
"Bruno was interrogated thoroughly by the Attorney General's team," Claudia explained. "Forensic digital evidence and bank records confirm that Bruno had no knowledge of the underground chamber or the captivity of Gustavo. He was genuinely ignorant, raised in the same web of lies you were, Adrián. However, he is completely devastated and has offered full cooperation with the state prosecutors."
Claudia turned to look directly at Adrián. "There is one more matter. Gustavo Salgado is currently recovering in the specialized geriatric unit at the same hospital. His physical health is frail, but his mind is sharp. He has retained legal counsel to reclaim his original estate."
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"He should have everything," Adrián said immediately, without a second's hesitation. "The house, the property, whatever money remains in those accounts. None of it ever belonged to my father or mother. It belonged to him."
Claudia smiled warmly at Adrián's instant, principled response. "That declaration will help immensely in the civil probate court, Adrián. Your cooperation proves that you and Mariana had no part in the conspiracy."
