After My Husband's Cruelty Destroyed Our Love

The surroundings felt empty, missing the little furball who used to wag his tail and curl around me for affection. I closed my eyes, allowing the pain to seep in.

If I could turn back time, I would never have crossed paths with Maximiliano.

The man I always chased brought me nothing but endless sorrow. From start to finish, his heart held only Melany.

The Reyes and Turner families were old friends. Maximiliano and I grew up together, childhood companions without a hint of suspicion. Everyone expected Maximiliano's future wife would naturally be me. I secretly thought so too.

But that all shattered with Melany's arrival.

"Elisa, I've fallen for someone," he said.

It was the first time I saw Maximiliano smile with such genuine joy. His eyes were bright, locked onto the girl holding the camera. Melany, like Maximiliano, was part of the photography club. Their connection was immediate and spirited. According to Maximiliano, it was love at first sight, a soul-stirring experience.

"Elisa, you'll wish us well, won't you?"

I remember that day clearly: the sky was a perfect blue, with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread filling the air—a rare, beautiful day. My legs felt like they were made of lead as I stood there, staring at the perfect couple before me. The words in my heart transformed into a single phrase on my lips. "Congratulations."

For the next four years of college, I chose to fade from Maximiliano's life, only daring to watch from a distance at the happiness that wasn't mine. At that time, I thought I would always be alone.

But I hadn't foreseen Melany ending things with Maximiliano. She left abruptly for a study-abroad program, making a clean break. Maximiliano only found out after she had flown away. That was the first time I saw him completely lose control.

He caused a scene at the airport and was taken away by the police. The Reyes family was furious and decided to arrange a marriage for him immediately. And the bride they chose for him was me.

Marrying Maximiliano was something I was willing to do. At the time, I felt incredibly lucky. After all the twists and turns, I was still the one by his side.

But it was only later that I understood. Happiness that is borrowed isn't meant to last.