I was going to ticket him for driving 142 km/h, but when I saw that scar on his temple, my blood ran cold. It was him. The man who saved me 12 years ago… and now fate was asking me to return the favor.

But it wasn’t just peace that existed between them. It was an unbreakable bond, forged in fire and sealed with blood.

A few minutes later, a small figure appeared in the hallway, rubbing its eyes.

—Dad? Carmen? Why are you crying?

Diego quickly wiped his face and stretched out his arms toward his daughter. Luna ran toward them and jumped onto the sofa.

“We cried tears of joy, Princess,” Diego said, gazing at Carmen with boundless adoration. “Do you remember when I told you about the angel who gave you his blood to heal you?”

Luna nodded gravely.

“Yes.”

Diego took Carmen’s hand and placed it on top of Luna’s

—Well, the angel has been here the whole time. It’s Carmen.

Luna’s eyes widened. She looked at Carmen as if she were seeing a superhero. And then, with that overwhelming naturalness, she threw her arms around her neck and hugged her tightly.

—Thank you, Mama Carmen —whispered the girl.

Carmen’s heart stopped, then began beating stronger than ever. That word, spoken by mistake or by intuition, sealed her fate.