Selene Alvaroz’s POV
5 years later…
“Mom, I don’t want to wear this.”
Rafael stands in the middle of our tiny living room, arms crossed, scowling at the stiff button-up shirt I forced him into. His dark curls are a mess, and his expression is pure six-year-old rebellion.
I exhale sharply, adjusting the pearl earring that I haven’t worn in years—because today matters.
“Rafa, I swear to God, if you take that shirt off, you’re grounded for life.”
Rosalie snickers from the couch, already dressed in her neat little dress, her hair in braids. My laid-back twin, kicking her feet as she watches the drama unfold.
“Life is a long time,” Rafael mutters under his breath, still pouting.
“Exactly,” I say, giving him a pointed look.
He groans dramatically, but submits as I adjust his collar. A small victory. Today is too important for tantrums. Everything rides on this interview.
Castellano Holdings. One of the biggest corporations in the country. A job there means stability, security, and a future for my kids—one where I’m not constantly barely making it.
I have my final interview today, and I can’t afford to screw it up. The opportunity at Castellano Holdings is everything I’ve worked for, and it feels like the chance to finally break free from the weight of my past. I grab my purse and check for the twentieth time that my resume is inside. My hands are already trembling, a mix of nerves and fear settling in my chest.
Then my phone buzzes, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glance at the screen.
Babysitter: Hey, I can’t make it today. Sorry!
I dialled her number, but it went straight to voicemail.
My stomach drops. I glare at the phone, my pulse a drumroll in my ears, each heartbeat echoing louder than the ticking clock. I can’t reschedule—not for Castellano Holdings. People would kill for this job.
I have no backup plan and no one else to call. For the past six years, it’s just been me and the kids. My world has been small, quiet—no distractions, no risks, no men. Now, I’m backed into a corner with no way out.
I turn my gaze towards the twins, perched on the couch, their wide eyes fixed intently upon me. I can feel their energy, their innocence, their curiosity. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
“Change of plans,” I say, forcing my voice to stay calm despite the anxiety clawing at my insides. “You’re coming with me.”
The elevator ride to Castellano Holdings headquarters feels both too long and too short. The tension in the air is almost unbearable.
Rafael and Rosalie stand on either side of me, gripping my hands with tiny fingers. I can feel their excitement, their curiosity, their trust in me. But I’m not sure if I can trust myself right now.
“Mom,” Rosalie whispers, her voice small and unsure. “Are we gonna meet the boss?”
“Hopefully not,” I murmur, glancing at the polished steel doors in front of us. My heart is racing, but I keep my gaze focused ahead, doing my best to push down the fear that threatens to rise up. I can’t afford to fail now.