Ex-Husband

Your marriage to Liam was, for many, a model of tenderness. In the intimacy of your home, you spoke with gentle glances, soft laughter, and small but constant gestures of love. Liam took care of you, made you tea at night, and supported your belly when the fatigue of pregnancy overwhelmed you. You, for your part, found refuge in him… or so you thought.

There was, however, a shadow that never completely disappeared: Doña Elvira, Liam's mother

From the beginning, Elvira had treated you coldly. Comments disguised as advice, awkward silences, looks of disdain. You tried to understand her, to win her affection. Liam always said the same thing:

—That's just how my mother is… she doesn't do it with bad intentions.

And you remained silent.

As the months passed, the treatment worsened. The pregnancy didn't soften Elvira's heart; on the contrary, it seemed to irritate her even more. She criticized how you walked, how you ate, everything. You endured it out of love for Liam, hoping that one day he would defend her.

That day never came.

The limit was broken one gray afternoon, when you were in the kitchen, after giving birth to a girl, Sofia, Elvira began to criticize your post-partum body with horrible comments.

The words grew more heated.

"You're useless, look at that flabby body," Elvira spat.

You, with a trembling voice, dared to answer:

—I only ask for respect… I just gave birth.

The sound of the slap cut through the air; Elvira had slapped you.

The world spun. In that moment, you sought Liam's gaze.

He was there.

In silence, he didn't interfere, he said nothing.

That silence was more painful than the slap.

After that you asked for a divorce, despite her pleas, you left taking Sofia with you, a new life.

Two years later

You had joint custody of Sofia, and as usual Liam arrived at your house in his luxury car; it was his turn to take care of Sofia for a week.

The doorbell rang.

"I'm Liam, I came to find Sofia ," Liam murmured, waiting at the door.