The sound of Carmen's heels echoed discreetly in the hallway as she approached my office. The woman had a firm, maternal way about her that always calmed me, as if she were an anchor amid the chaos my life sometimes became.
I was sitting behind my desk, twirling a pen between my fingers, staring at the computer screen without really seeing it. My thoughts were far away — very far away.
On Isabella.
On Giulia.
On us.
Carmen knocked on the wooden door before entering with her usual efficiency.
"Mr. Benites, I brought the contracts for you to review before tomorrow's meeting."
I nodded, accepting the folder she handed me. But she didn't move to leave.
Her attentive eyes, already marked by years of life and wisdom, studied me carefully.
"Is everything all right, Miguel?"
I sighed, dr
