He would no longer allow Raquel’s generosity to become the foundation of his future.
He reviewed his expenses, returned the car she had purchased for him, and arranged to repay what he could from the money she had provided for his own personal use. He kept the medical assistance and educational support separate because those arrangements had been made for his family, and he did not want to make his mother’s care a bargaining chip in a romantic dispute.
He also declined several business opportunities that depended solely on Raquel’s personal influence.
It was difficult.
Without her connections, progress would be slower. Some doors closed. Some people who had welcomed him when they thought he was connected to Raquel stopped returning his calls.
But Raúl continued.
He wanted to know that whatever happened between them, he could look at himself in the mirror without wondering whether he had traded his independence for comfort.
