Chapter 7: The Weight of Ambition
As they walked down the quiet sidewalk, Mateo listened as Lucia talked about her life over the past few months. She spoke without bitterness, describing her small apartment, her routine, and her plans for the baby's nursery.
"I was so focused on building an image," Mateo admitted, looking straight ahead. "I thought success meant expensive suits and grand impression. I lost sight of what actually mattered."
"Ambition isn't a crime, Mateo," Lucia said softly. "Concealment and abandonment are. You hid your struggles until they exploded, and then you ran."
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"I know," Mateo said quietly. "I face that every day now."
They arrived at the bus stop. Lucia turned to face him. "Acknowledging it is a start. But trust takes time to heal, Mateo. Words aren't enough."
