The late afternoon sun streamed through the large windows of Cristine’s living room, casting long shadows across the plush carpet. She sat on the edge of the sofa, her hands trembling as she clutched her phone. Catalina’s ultimatum replayed in her mind like a relentless drumbeat. Her mother’s cold words had been simple yet devastating:
“If you truly love him, you’ll let him go. Break up with Andrei, and I’ll withdraw my accusations. Otherwise, he’ll rot in jail.”
Cristine’s breath hitched, and her vision blurred with tears. The thought of Andrei—the man who had shown her unwavering love and devotion—suffering in a cold, unforgiving cell because of her mother’s vendetta was unbearable. Yet the idea of breaking his heart, shattering the life they had been building together, was equally exc
