We reviewed the security footage again. You need to see this yourself. Please come alone… and don’t tell your husband.”
My name is Lucía Hernández, and I had been Álvaro Ríos’s wife for barely twenty-four hours. The wedding had been flawless: an elegant reception hall in Madrid, smiling families, music until dawn. I assumed it was a simple mistake—forgotten paperwork, a lost item—and agreed to meet him.
At the restaurant, the manager, Don Manuel, led me to a small office with no windows. Without a word, he turned on the screen.
“This was after the toast,” he said quietly.
The footage showed a side table away from the crowd. I immediately recognized Sofía—my closest friend since college. She was leaning toward Álvaro, closer than necessary. At first, I thought they were talking. Then I saw him take her hand beneath the table. Brief. Clear. Sofía smiled in a way I had never seen before.
My stomach tightened.
“Is there more?” I asked, even though part of me hoped the answer was no.
Don Manuel fast-forwarded. Minutes later, Sofía stood and walked toward the hallway near the staff restrooms. Shortly after, Álvaro glanced around and followed her. Another camera caught them entering a restricted area.
“There’s no audio,” Don Manuel said, pausing the video, “but they were inside for almost fifteen minutes.”
I went still. At that exact moment, I remembered dancing with my father—laughing, unaware that my husband was gone.
“Why are you showing me this now?” I asked.
The manager exhaled slowly.
“Because your husband came here this morning. He asked us to delete that part of the recording. He offered money.” If this happened to you, what would you do? Would you face the truth—or choose not to know? Share your thoughts in the comments. Talking about it helps us heal.
