Her second husband had enjoyed her money and connections, but she eventually discovered that he had been unfaithful.
Her third marriage had been a battle of egos. Every disagreement became a competition, and every act of generosity came with an expectation attached.
Her fourth husband had seemed different.
He had spoken gently, listened carefully, and convinced her that he loved the woman behind the public image.
Then, on their wedding night, he disappeared with valuables and access to accounts he had persuaded her to trust him with.
By morning, he was gone.
So was much of her trust.
Since then, Raquel had built walls around herself. She could negotiate a complicated business deal without hesitation, but she struggled to believe a man who told her she was beautiful.
She had an adopted daughter, María, whom she had raised from childhood. María was twenty-three now, independent and intelligent, and the closest thing Raquel had to a confidante.
