“It is an honor to introduce Mrs. Mariana Ortega, founder of the 'Phoenix of Fire' brand and principal investor in this exclusive collection launching tonight.”

Alejandro took a step back, completely shocked.

The red dress with rubies behind Mariana, the same one he had despised, bore his name.

Mariana turned to him.

And he smiled.

But it was no longer the fragile smile of the woman of seven years before.

“Seven years ago you said I wasn’t good enough for you.”

“A few minutes ago you said I could never touch this dress.”

He raised his hand. The staff opened the window.

Mariana touched the red fabric gracefully.
The lights made the hall seem ablaze.

“What a shame…” she whispered. “Because the one who no longer has the right to touch any of this… is you.”

At that moment Alejandro's phone began to vibrate incessantly.

Message from your secretary:

"Sir, the strategic partner just withdrew its entire investment. They signed an exclusive contract with... Mrs. Mariana Ortega."

Before he could react, Camila abruptly let go of his arm.

“Weren't you supposed to be vice president? Was it all a lie?”

She turned and walked away, her heels clanging like hammer blows on Alejandro's shattered pride.

Mariana passed him by.

She didn't look at him.

He left only one sentence hanging in the air, light as the wind:

“Thank you… for letting me go that day.”

Alejandro stood still in the middle of the hall, surrounded by luxury, lights, and whispers, trapped in a reality he never imagined he would face.

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