My daughter married a Korean man when she was 21. – HICAN

Teresa did not respond.

The woman with the folder placed several photographs on the table. In them, María Luisa appeared at dinners, hotels, and meetings.

She smiled next to elegant men. Kang Jun was always nearby, always impeccable, always commanding attention.

“The money you received every Christmas,” the man said, “came from those operations.”

Teresa felt the blood rush to her face.

—No.

Maria Luisa closed her eyes.

-Yeah.

The word was small, but it broke something inside the mother.

For years, Teresa had defended her daughter against gossip and ridicule. She had said that she was hardworking, successful, and good.

And it was. But it was also tied to a dirty truth.

“I didn’t know,” Teresa said, almost voiceless.

“That’s why I sent it to you in December,” María Luisa whispered. “So it would seem like a gift. So I wouldn’t have to think about where it came from.”

Teresa took a step back.

It wasn’t just deception. It was food, shelter, medicine, tiles, clothes, favors, pride.

Everything was tainted by a story that her daughter had endured alone.

The man looked at his watch.

—You have 10 minutes.

Maria Luisa picked up the pen. Teresa saw her fingers trembling.

—What happens if you sign?

“I’m left with nothing,” she replied. “But perhaps you can return to Mexico in peace.”

-And you?

Maria Luisa smiled with unbearable sadness.