Chapter 7 - Sanctuary of Shadows
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By the next morning, Rafael’s legal team had tracked down Laura, who was now living under her maiden name in a quiet coastal town in southern Spain.
With Laura’s consent, a secure video link was established between her living room and Elena’s hospital suite.
When the screen flickered to life, Elena saw a woman in her late thirties with kind, tired eyes and short dark hair. Laura looked at Elena’s bruised face, then at the baby sleeping in the bassinet beside the bed.
“Hello, Elena,” Laura said softly, her voice filled with a deep, haunting empathy.
“Laura,” Elena breathed. “I… I don't even know where to begin.”
“You don't have to explain anything to me,” Laura interrupted gently. “When your father’s lawyer called me last night, my heart stopped. I prayed every day that Alejandro wouldn't do to another woman what he did to me.”
Elena leaned closer to the screen. “Victoria gave us the papers. The NDA you signed.”
Laura let out a hollow laugh. “That piece of paper was the price of my life. I didn't take their money because I was greedy, Elena. I took it because Alejandro told me that if I went to court, his family’s lawyers would destroy my name, brand me as insane, and make sure I never found work again.”
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Laura paused, taking a deep, shaky breath before continuing.
“Listen to me carefully, Elena,” Laura said, her eyes locking onto Elena’s through the monitor. “Alejandro doesn't just want a wife. He wants a possession. The moment you show independence, he perceives it as a threat.”
