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A Mother's Unbearable Reality
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Mr.X Emerging from Darkness
Two days later, Carlos managed to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist specializing in postpartum depression. Yes, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression, and I was already very ill. I still had a few months of maternity leave from work, but the psychiatrist, me, thought it would be best for me to return to work to occupy my mind and shift the focus away from the situation. My daughter started spending more time with my husband, as the psychiatrist believed it would be better for me to step back from full-time caregiving until I could cope with myself, take care of myself, get better, and become the mother my daughter deserved. I also started running in the morning, taking care of my diet, and taking the medications prescribed by the psychiatrist.Then, on a beautiful Tuesday, after my morning run, I arrived home and noticed that my husband was still asleep, probably having spent the night with Marisol. I could hear her crying in the distance, so I waited for some time, but
Mr.X Crisis
"... This financial crisis is being compared to the one in 2008 that erupted in Spain almost in the same way and for the same reasons as in the United States: the burst of the real estate bubble, which artificially leveraged wealth. At that time, one-third of Spanish workers had temporary contracts. They were massively laid off."That's what the economic commentator invited to the news program Carlos was watching in our living room explained when I got home from work. I left my bag on the hall table, hung my coat in the closet, and then entered the room, stopping behind the sofa where my husband was, turning his head to give me a quick kiss."Can you believe it?" my husband asks, turning back to the television, where the commentator continued elucidating the subject, answering the journalists' questions:"Well, the difference between these crises is that this one is caused by two economic problems that afflict the country the most: unemployment and public deficit. Unemployment jumped
Mr.X A Glimpse into the Past
The next day, I wake up and notice that my husband is not in bed with me, which is no surprise at this point. He probably went to his games in the early hours and stayed up all night. I look at the clock and then decide to get ready in the bedroom. After about twenty minutes, I am already walking towards the kitchen, wearing my wine-colored dress and black stilettos.I pass through the living room and find my children on the rug with their toys. I give each of them a kiss and then head to the kitchen, where I find Carlos looking like he hasn't slept at all, finishing my toast. He smiles at me and serves a generous mug of coffee for me and another for himself."Madame," my husband says, placing the mug and the toast on the counter. "Did you sleep well?""Yes, thank you," I reply, eating my toast while being observed by my husband from head to toe. I raise an eyebrow, looking at him. "What's the matter?""What's the matter, I ask," my husband says, taking his coffee mug and admiring me.
Mr.X A Tale of Past and Present
" No."That is the only thing that comes out of my lips before I turn around and walk in the opposite direction of X. I stride away with forceful steps towards the gardens, but I can still hear his footsteps, undoubtedly following behind me. I reach the garden when I feel my body being spun around and then pushed toward one of the huge bushes. X holds me by the arms, making me face him again, confirming that he is real and present. I push him away with all my strength and continue walking, but he pulls me back again."Dália, please, let's talk," he says."I have nothing to talk to you about!" I shout, releasing my arm."Dália, please," X walks behind me again. "I need to talk to you.""I don't want to know," I reply, walking on. "You lost the right to talk to me when you left me alone at the airport!""Dália, I explained it to you back then," X says, running and stopping in front of me. "I told you...""No need to repeat it, as your words are well-preserved in my mind," I interrupt, p
Mr.X Debt's Dilemma: A House of Secrets
I return to the real estate agency, hand Rúbia's car keys back, and then walk towards Suarez's office. I open the door, and he is on the phone, chatting animatedly. I place my hands on his desk and speak up:"Pass this client to the other girls. I can't attend to him.""Dália, I told you, he specifically asked for you," Suarez says, putting the phone on the receiver. "So, you will be the one attending to him.""I don't care, Suarez. I won't do it.""Listen, let me explain it more clearly. This client gave me 20 million euros in advance so that you could attend to him and choose the ideal house for him. So that's what you're going to do.""Well, then, return the money to him and tell him I have too many clients...""That's not an option. I've already used a good portion of the money to pay off my debts and keep your job secure. So, I can't give back 20 million. Therefore, I'm asking you to do your part. Besides, it's your job, whoever the client is...""Then, you can fire me, or rather
Mr.X Uninvited Encounter
We went to my parents' house in such a heavy and almost silent atmosphere, if it weren't for the children sitting in the back. Any word coming out of my mouth at that moment would be related to our debts, and I wasn't willing to hear a single word from Carlos that wasn't related to that. It was a long few minutes until we finally entered my parents' property, which didn't seem like a simple dinner from the number of cars in the parking lot. I almost regretted wearing that plain moss-green knee-length dress, but I was much more regretful of leaving my loose hair, which was flying everywhere, including my mouth. I get out of the car and pick up Marisol, while Carlos takes Juan. We enter the family house, and Valéria greets us, super excited about the party, or maybe I was just too exhausted with the day."Good to see you all," my sister says, hugging us. "Wow, they're getting so big.""Yes, they're growing at the speed of light," Carlos replies."Where's the nanny?" I ask directly."She
Mr.X Under the Surface
"What are you doing here?" I ask, angrily."I'm here to check on you, as I was concerned about your sudden exit from the table," he replies calmly, hands in his trouser pockets."What are you doing at my family's dinner? How dare you show up here like this?""Your father invited me. I told you that Ramón and I are close. I couldn't refuse an invitation from such a dear friend like him.""What do you want? To harm me? Do you want everyone to find out about us? For my husband to discover what happened between us?" I shoot, nervous, looking around, afraid that someone might see us. "Do you want to destroy my marriage just because yours didn't work out, you think you have the right to ruin mine?" I finish, walking past him."Dália, I've already told you that I'm here to help you," X says, holding my arm and turning me to face him. "I'm trying to do you a favor...""Here's a favor for you, X: stop talking to my father and leave me and my family alone. Go away from here!" I say, irritated,
Mr.X Desperate Decision
I feel my body being violently pulled out of the water, forcing me to cough uncontrollably. I feel slaps on my face, and then I turn and find Carlos looking at me in desperation, touching my face."Dália, are you okay?" my husband asks desperately."Yes..." I say, a bit weak. I push my wet hair away from my face and then ask, "What happened?""Love, you fell asleep while bathing in the tub," Carlos says. He dries me slowly and then wraps a towel around me, saying, "Come on, let's go to bed."We lie down on the bed, but I can't sleep. I hear Carlos's breathing becoming stronger and deeper, indicating that my husband has fallen asleep. I turn towards my window and watch the night slowly turning into day. I close my eyes for a few moments and then feel Carlos's hand touch my breast, massaging gently. I place my hand on top of his, forcing him to stop."Good morning, Mom," my husband says, kissing my cheek before getting out of bed.I hear him getting ready in the bathroom, but I have no
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Mr.X From Now On...
BRAZIL, MARCH 31, 2015.I'm engrossed in my phone, just a few lines away from finishing the book I'm reading, which, as incredible as it may seem, resonates with many aspects of my marriage. I'm so engrossed in the plot that I disconnect from everything else:"Dália!" my husband calls, drawing my attention. I look towards the wooden door from which he emerges with his charming smile. "Come see."I put down my phone and walk to the door, stepping outside where my husband stands on the sidewalk, looking at the facade. I join him and also start to admire the bold letters:Carlos's Delicacies"It's perfect!" I compliment, admiring the front of our restaurant.Yes, a lot has changed in my life... in our lives. After flying to Paris, we made some decisions. The first was Carlos quitting his job. He insisted on throwing his phone from the top of the Eiffel Tower when he finished his call with Rubens. I did the same with the real estate agency. However, I didn't throw my phone because we need
Mr.X FINAL
"Passengers of flight 357 to Lisbon, boarding will take place at gate C... Attention, passengers of flight 357, bound for Lisbon, boarding will take place at gate C..."This was what the announcement was saying when I arrived at the airport just a few minutes before my husband's flight was due to depart. Unlike what you see in movies, buying a ticket to enter the departure area isn't as difficult as it seems, because there wasn't a huge line in front of me, to begin with for buying a ticket."Good morning, ma'am, how can I assist you?""I need a ticket for any international flight departing right now.""Right now? Ah, well..." the young man starts, opening his screen.However, the clerk who attended to me wasn't very fast."Young man, I need to enter the departure area in thirty minutes," I say, looking at the departure and arrival display screen.Knowing my husband, it was unlikely he bought a first-class ticket or even a VIP one. As he always used to argue: at the moment of death, t
Mr.X Love's Unwavering Pursuit
After leaving my children with the nanny and taking a shower, I head to the address of the summons, which happens to be Elson's office address. I press the elevator button that takes me to the penultimate floor in a matter of seconds. The panoramic view of the city welcomes me, and then I approach the receptionist:"Good morning, I'm Dália Penedo Salazar and I received a summons for today.""Good morning, Mrs. Salazar. Just a moment to inform Dr. Elson that you're here" says the receptionist.She smiles in my direction, raises her index finger, and then turns to speak on the phone. The receptionist exchanges a few words amid fake giggles and hair tosses, then turns to me, saying:"Dr. Elson is waiting for you in the conference room. Please follow me."She stands up from her seat, adjusting her tight but elegant purple dress, making me question my choice of wearing wide-legged pants and a white shirt. The receptionist says a few things, but I don't retain anything in my mind because al
Mr.X Eternal Echoes of X
X...As always, the night with you was wonderful and unforgettable. Your touch, your scent, your kiss, and the way you make love to me will always be etched in my mind. As well as your words...You were very important in my life. I tried to fight the desire I felt for you all these years, and lost the battle several times. You are a part of me; my life didn't make much sense until you appeared, and I'm grateful to you for being my friend, confidant, my lover...It's undeniable that we are perfect for each other, that we have harmony and chemistry... in bed.Our relationship boils down to the bed, to sex, and it has always been that way...A few years ago, I would have given anything to live this relationship beyond the bedroom door, but today I understand that it's not possible, and I know you will understand that too.When you said that you wanted me and couldn't live without me... I didn't feel what I wanted to feel when I heard those words. I know the first thing that came to your
Mr.X Veil of Truth and Desire
My eyes search X's face for any trace of falsehood. His jaw is relaxed, and his eyes are serene... He turns towards the table where he tossed the envelope and retrieves it. Then he turns towards me, holding it up in my direction.“Open it, so you can confirm what I'm telling you,” he says.I take the envelope while taking a deep breath. My trembling hands struggle to tear the paper... or some greater force didn't want me to discover the truth. I press harder, and finally, it gives way, allowing me to see the report that I unfold calmly. There it is: according to the examination conducted using Carlos's blood, Juan was his son. I breathe a sigh of relief, but then the feeling of regret hits me. I could have avoided the dinner with Carlos if I had opened that damned envelope.“So? Am I right or not?” X asks.“You are,” I whisper as I let my body slide into one of the chairs. I stare at X and then ask what came to my mind. “How is that possible?”“I was born with a lack of reproductive d
Mr.X Unraveling Hearts: Tears, Truths, and Choices
Carlos wipes away his tears as he looks at the paternity test. His hands smooth the paper before he places it back on the table, taking a deep breath. His brown eyes lock onto mine, and then he says:“I don't want to know.”“Carlos, please,” I whisper.“Juan will always be my son, and no piece of paper will say otherwise,” Carlos says, pressing his index finger against the paper repeatedly. He hands me back the envelope, wiping his face. “He has been my son for four years, and he always will be. Juan Carlos is my son, he is a Salazar, and he always will be.”“Whatever you say,” I agree, putting the envelope away once again.“Does he know?” Carlos asks, looking at me seriously. His gaze is a sea of disappointment that I can't bear to meet.“No,” I reply, wiping my face. “He has no idea.”“If I were in his shoes, I'd want to know if I have a child out there,” Carlos claims.“Carlos, please...”“He has the right to know, Dália,” Carlos argues. “Tell him.”“Alright, I'll do that,” I affir
Mr.X When Secrets Unfold
“What? How? When?”The sommelier approaches with our waters, pouring them into our glasses while pretending not to notice my tear-streaked face and the tense atmosphere. How did my husband know everything? How? I couldn't comprehend...“Africa,” Carlos reveals, withdrawing his hand from mine and then sliding his fingers through the cutlery without looking at me. “You always had the terrible habit of leaving your things open. When you traveled, I decided to use the home computer for work... I saw it all. Your conversations, your emails, you're asking him to call you...”“Why didn't you...?”“Why didn't I tell you? Or why didn't I leave you when I found out?” Carlos questions, thoughtful. “Simple, I loved you, Dália. When I read everything, I felt guilty. I threw you into his arms, but I wasn't ready to lose you... Give up on you. I was sincere when I showed up in Africa. I really wanted to be the husband you deserved, because if I could manage that, I knew I'd forget that man once and
Mr.X Confessions Beneath the Barcelona Night
La Barca looked as beautiful as that day when we came for the first time; that's what I was thinking as the concierge led me to the reserved table on the terrace. He pulls out a chair for me, and I sit down promptly. He steps away, and I find myself admiring the nighttime view of Barcelona while my mind wandered, considering the possibilities. There were chances Carlos might not come or might come with someone else. Even the possibility of being followed, and X showing up there. Regardless, I tried to convince myself to see it through. I place my hands in front of my face, repeating to myself: I needed to put an end to this, I needed to...“Dália?” Carlos calls, standing in front of me. “Is everything okay?”“Hi, Carlos,” I say, adjusting my hands on the table. “Yes, it is.”“Would you like something to drink before choosing your dishes?” the sommelier asks.“Just water, please,” I say, nervously unable to look at the young man.“Wow...”“What?” I ask quickly.“For you to order water,
Mr.X Unveiling Truths and Facing Deceptions
I spun the envelope in my hands. I had buried that desire to know who Juan's father was many years ago, even now with everything that's happening. However, as they say, the truth always comes out. My fingers would glide over the edges in a simple gesture, and everything would be revealed. All it would take is my fingers coming together and tearing open the edge, and that's it. Simple... easy... Yet, I didn't feel like I was the one who should open the envelope. I didn't feel entitled to do so. I take a deep breath and then place it on my coffee table. Furthermore, I stand up and walk to the hallway, where I grab my purse, open it, and take out my cell phone. I scroll through my call list until I reach a specific number—the number of the person I believe has the right to know. After a few rings, the line is answered.“Hello?”“Hi, Carlos,” I say calmly.“Is something wrong?” Carlos asks, concerned.“We need to talk...”“Dália, if it's about the summons, know that it's for the best this
