Alma, listening from the bed, burst into uncontrollable sobs. She wasn’t barren! She wasn’t sterile! The man who had claimed to love her had humiliated and betrayed her in front of 200 people, all based on a monstrous lie so he could leave guilt-free for a woman of higher wealth and social standing. The news ignited a fierce fire of justice and rage within her. She was no longer the fragile girl who had fled the church amidst jeers; she was a lioness, ready to defend her new family and restore her honor at any cost.
Three days later, they married in absolute secrecy in the small, beautiful village chapel. Leticia and the corrupt judge arrived too late with their absurd demands; Alma was already the lady of the house, Vicente’s lawful wife, and the untouchable mother of seven children. Leticia had to turn away, swallowing her bitterness, leaving humiliated, and never set foot on their land again.
But Alma had one more matter to settle—not out of revenge, but to protect any young woman from falling victim to Leonardo’s lies.
It was Sunday in Jalisco’s bustling main square. Over 500 people strolled among the market stalls, buying fresh fruit, listening to a mariachi band blaring at full volume. Among them was Leonardo, proudly flaunting his new wife—the haughty daughter of a wealthy banker—strutting in his expensive charro suit with silver buttons. Vicente and Alma walked together, hands tightly clasped, toward the plaza’s center, followed by their seven children, heads held high, pride shining in their eyes.
“Leonardo!” Alma’s voice rang out, commanding, so powerful it cut through the music. All 500 heads turned toward her. The suffocating silence of the church seemed to repeat itself, but this time she held absolute power.
Leonardo paled, taking an awkward step back. “Alma… what on earth are you doing here? Leave immediately, you’re making a fool of yourself again.”
Alma placed a hand on her slightly rounded belly, her gaze a deadly lightning bolt. “I came to give you news so the entire state can hear clearly. I’m expecting a child.”
The crowd erupted in shocked murmurs. Leonardo’s new wife gaped in horror and confusion.
