The security staff told him she had instructed them not to let anyone in without her permission.
He asked them to call her.
After several minutes, one of the staff members returned.
“Madam Raquel says she doesn’t wish to see you.”
Raúl felt his chest tighten.
“Please tell her I need five minutes.”
The man looked uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry, sir.”
Raúl remained outside until it grew dark.
Finally, his phone vibrated.
It was a message from Raquel.
“Thank you for everything you have brought into my life. I wish you well, but I cannot continue this relationship. You can keep what I gave you. Please respect my decision and stay out of my life.”
Raúl read it once.
Then again.
He sat in his car, unable to move.
For months, he had feared that Raquel might one day decide he was only interested in her money. He had worried about the doubts inside himself and the judgment of strangers.
