After she gave birth to our daughter, I stepped away from work and devoted myself entirely to raising Claudia, so Regina could return to the career she loved.
For ten years, I gave everything I had to Regina and the Seco family. Now… I had lost my daughter. The only gift the Secos ever gave me was gone.
I looked at Gloria, tears streaming down her face and slowly shook my head.
“I gave her ten years of my life. My marriage. She didn’t deserve to throw that away like it meant nothing.”
“I repaid my debt to the Secos ten years ago. Now it’s time Regina repaid hers, to me.”
With burning eyes, I carried Claudia to the morgue.
The moment the mortuary attendant left after returning Claudia’s personal belongings, my whole body trembled.
“Claudia,” I whispered, “Daddy will make this right. I swear I’ll get justice for you.”
Gloria couldn’t stop crying.
“I’ve caused you so much pain... I have no right to stop you now. But Luciano, if Gina ever comes to her senses — if she truly changes — could you find it in your heart to give her another chance?”
I wiped away the last tear from my cheek and looked her straight in the eyes.