Two days later, Lucia received the news she had been waiting for since waking up after the birth.
She was being discharged.
Although the quadruplets would remain in intensive care for several more weeks, she could now leave the hospital.
That morning she got up early.
After getting ready, she walked with Adrian to the neonatal unit.
She needed to say goodbye to her babies before leaving.
When she reached the incubators, she felt a lump in her throat.
Mateo slept peacefully.
Gabriel moved his tiny hands slightly.
Sofia seemed to be resting deeply.
And Valentina kept her eyes closed while the machines monitored her vital signs.
"Mommy will come back tomorrow."
Lucia whispered.
"And the day after that, too."
"No matter how long I have to keep coming."
I will always be here.
Tears appeared again.
It still hurt to leave them.
But she knew they were in good hands.
A nurse smiled.
"They're very strong."
I'm sure they'll be able to go home soon.
Lucia nodded.
She hoped so.
Because there was nothing she wanted more than to have all four of her children with her.
Minutes later, they left the hospital.
Reporters were still waiting outside.
Cameras began flashing immediately.
"Mr. Valcarcel!"
"A picture, please!"
"Look this way!"
"Mrs. Valcarcel!"
Lucia startled at hearing that surname.
She still wasn't used to it.
Adrian placed a hand on her back.
A simple gesture.
But protective.
"Don't look at them."
He advised her.
"Just keep walking."
She nodded.
And together they reached the car.
When the doors finally closed, Lucia let out a long sigh.
"I'll never get used to this."
Adrian smiled.
"That's what I said ten years ago."
"And did you get used to it?"
"Not completely."
His answer made her laugh.
The drive took a little over forty minutes.
Lucia watched the scenery through the window.
Trying to distract herself.
Until the car finally passed through enormous black gates.
Her eyes widened immediately.
The property seemed endless.
There were perfectly manicured gardens.
Enormous trees.
Marble fountains.
And a vast white mansion at the end of the road.
"Oh my God."
She whispered.
Adrian watched her reaction.
"Welcome home."
Lucia nearly choked.
"Home?"
"Yes."
"This looks like a luxury hotel."
Adrian burst out laughing.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"How many people live here?"
"Usually just me."
Lucia's eyes went wide.
"Just you?"
"Yes."
"Then this house is definitely too big."
Inside, Lucia was even more impressed.
Everything gleamed.
The marble floors reflected the light from the enormous windows.
The staircases looked as though they belonged in a palace.
And the ceilings were so high they were intimidating.
An older woman appeared with a smile.
"Mr. Adrian."
"Rosa."
He replied.
The woman looked at Lucia.
And immediately smiled warmly.
"So you're the young woman from the news."
Lucia felt embarrassed.
"I suppose I am."
"Don't worry."
No one here will judge you.
Rosa took her hands.
"Welcome."
Those words moved Lucia.
Because it had been a long time since anyone had sincerely welcomed her.
Adrian showed her the room she would use.
And once again Lucia was left speechless.
It was enormous.
It had a massive bed.
A private balcony.
A sitting room.
And a bathroom bigger than the apartment where she had lived.
"I can't stay here."
She said immediately.
"Of course you can."
Adrian replied.
"But this is too much."
"Get used to it."
Lucia shook her head.
"I'll never get used to it."
"That's what I said, too."
He replied.
And they both ended up laughing.
That afternoon, something unexpected happened.
While they rested in the main sitting room, Adrian received a phone call.
His expression changed immediately.
"I understand."
He said.
"I'll be waiting for them."
When he hung up, Lucia looked at him.
"What's wrong?"
Adrian sighed.
"My parents are coming tomorrow."
Lucia felt her heart skip a beat.
"Your parents?"
"And my sister."
"Here?"
"Yes."
"To meet me?"
"Exactly."
Lucia went pale.
"No."
"Yes."
"I'm not ready."
"Neither am I."
Adrian replied.
That didn't help at all.
That night, as she tried to sleep, Lucia couldn't stop thinking about the visit.
Adrian's parents belonged to one of the most powerful families in the country.
Would they accept her?
Would they reject her?
Would they think she was an opportunist?
A thousand questions filled her mind.
But there was something she didn't know.
In a luxurious residence on the other side of the city, someone else was also thinking about her.
A woman watched the news on a huge screen.
Her name was Camila Ferrer.
Beautiful.
Rich.
And obsessed with Adrian for years.
When she saw the photograph of Lucia beside him, she felt anger rising in her chest.
"So you're the woman."
She murmured.
Gripping the remote control tightly.
Her eyes gleamed with jealousy.
Because for years she had believed she would end up becoming Adrian Valcarcel's wife.
And she wasn't willing to give up.
Not that easily.
Meanwhile, at the mansion, Lucia finally managed to close her eyes.
Without imagining that the next day she would meet the Valcarcel family.
And that the visit would change many things.
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