Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 515

(Mia)

The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them.

My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.

I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.

I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile.

“Come in,” I say as I open the door.

Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded.

Gabriel brings up the rear, his presence as arrogant as ever. He looks me over, his jaw tight, before stepping past me without a word.

I close the door and turn, forcing the tension from my voice. “Mamá, you look beautiful. I’ve missed you.”

She doesn’t respond, instead crossing her arms. “I have much to say. You have brought shame on me. On our whole family. You have dealt with the devil.”

I stiffen. “If you’re talking about Abuelo—”

“Who else?” Maria interrupts, her voice angry. “Mía, I begged you to never have ties with him. I begged you. I took my children away from him. And now, he’s under your skin… You aren’t strong enough to resist him....”

“I am Mamá, I gave everything to the authorities,” I say, my tone calm but firm. “My testimony built their case against him. He’s finally been arrested because of me.”

Mama steps closer, her face etched with pain. “You told me you’d never let him brainwash you. But look where we are, Mía. He’s conned you. You don’t know what you’re doing. You’re young, naïve. How can I believe you’re not still listening to him?”

“I haven’t seen or heard from him since his arrest,” I lie, my voice steady even as guilt claws at my insides. “I’m done with him, Mamá. I swear.”

Mama doesn’t believe me. I see it in her eyes.

“Dios mío,” she whispers. “You’re still lying for him. I can see it, even now. Please, Mía. Please stop believing anything he says. He will turn on even you.”

“I’m not lying,” I insist, my heart pounding. “I know I was wrong. I’m sorry. Forgive me. I’ve fixed what I’ve done.”