Valeria's POV
The days in Sardinia had been a healing balm, but there were still lingering shadows in my heart. I had made progress, sure, but I knew deep down that I had to address the hardest part—the part I had been avoiding. The choice to move forward with Mateo's future meant facing Alejandro again.
I hadn't made the decision lightly. For so long, I had believed that cutting Alejandro out of Mateo's life entirely would protect him. But now, in this moment of clarity, I understood that forcing an absolute divide would only create more tension, more confusion, more pain for Mateo.
I took a deep breath as I sat on the terrace, overlooking the horizon, feeling the warm breeze brush against my skin. The sun was setting in the distance, and there was a strange calmness settling over me.
I had to be the one to make peace with the past.
"Lewis," I said softly, calling him over from where he was lounging nearby. He turned to face me, his brow furrowing slightly as he saw the serious look on my face.
"Everything okay?" he asked, walking over to where I sat.
I nodded, my hands folding in my lap. "I've made my decision," I began, my voice steady but firm. "I'm going to make a proposal to Alejandro. I won't continue with the charges."
Lewis blinked, the surprise flashing in his eyes before he quickly masked it with a calm expression. "Valeria," he started, kneeling in front of me, his hands gently cupping mine. "Are you sure?"
"I have to be," I said, my voice soft but resolute. "I've spent so much time focusing on what's been done to me... on everything that's been ripped from me. But it's time for me to focus on what's best for Mateo. He needs a relationship with his father. I've realized that I can't take that from him, even if it hurts."
Lewis looked at me for a long moment, searching my face for any trace of doubt. "So, you're willing to put all of that behind you? The pain, the fear... the case? You'll let it go?"
"I won't let it go, not entirely. The past won't just vanish, but I need to make peace with it for Mateo's sake. This is the hardest decision I've ever made," I whispered, the weight of it sinking deep into my chest. "But I'll propose co-parenting. I want to share custody, with him seeing Mateo twice a month. I'll take full custody, but I think this is the only way for Mateo to have balance in his life."
Lewis nodded, his fingers squeezing mine gently. "If that's what you believe is best... then I'm with you. But, Valeria, this is your decision. No one can make it for you."
I looked at him, grateful for his understanding. "I know. And I've thought about it long and hard. It's not just about me or Alejandro. It's about Mateo's future, and I want him to grow up in a healthy environment, without being torn between us."
He sighed, his thumb brushing over my knuckles, and I could see the concern still lingering in his eyes. "And if Alejandro doesn't agree?"
"I don't know," I replied, feeling a wave of uncertainty rush over me. "But I'm going to offer it to him. I'll try to reach some kind of agreement with him for Mateo's sake. And if he doesn't agree, then we'll figure it out. But I won't carry this burden anymore. I can't keep fighting him and carrying the weight of everything else."
"I understand," Lewis said quietly. "I'll support you, whatever happens. But you're not doing this alone, okay? You've got me, Valeria."
Tears welled up in my eyes again, but this time, they weren't from fear or doubt. They were from the overwhelming sense of love and gratitude I felt for him.
"I don't know what I'd do without you," I whispered, my voice trembling slightly.
"You'll never have to find out," Lewis said softly, his gaze unwavering. "I'm not going anywhere."
I smiled at him, the tension in my chest easing ever so slightly. With his support, I knew I could face whatever came next. Whether it was the difficult conversation with Alejandro or the emotional rollercoaster that was sure to follow, I wasn't alone anymore.
"I'll talk to my lawyers when we get back to Madrid," I said, my voice regaining some strength. "I'll make sure that everything is set up for the meeting with Alejandro's team."
Lewis gave a small nod. "And no matter what, I'll be right here with you."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everything still on my shoulders, but also feeling lighter than I had in a long time. There were no guarantees, no easy answers, but for the first time, I felt like I was making a step forward—on my terms, for my family, and for my peace of mind.
Would you like to focus on the developments in Madrid or explore more of Valeria and Lewis's relationship during this period of recovery?