Minutes before the cremation of her only son, who died under mysterious circumstances, a mother places a secret camera inside his coffin to be with him until his final moments. But when the cremation oven fire is lit and she sees something moving inside the coffin on her phone, she is overcome with despair. “Stop the cremation now! Turn off the fire, for God’s sake!” she cried. “Oh, my love, why did you have to leave this way?”
Why are you so young, so small? How will I ever bear to live without you, my son? How? Mariela said, her voice breaking, her hands trembling as she stroked little Enrique’s icy face. He lay there in that white coffin, motionless, without a smile, without a sound, lifeless. It was a sight no mother should ever have to witness, yet she was confronted with the most painful scene of her life. Mariela’s fingers delicately traced the child’s pale face, as if there were still some hope of warming him with the touch of a mother’s love.
But there was no warmth, no answer; it was the end. Mariela then fell to her knees. Her body, overcome by despair, wept as if something inside her had broken, as if each tear were the pain ripping her apart from the inside out. My God, why? What did I do to deserve having my son taken from me? My Enrique is so young. Why didn’t you take me? I’m old, I’ve lived so long, why did you take him?
Why? Her heart-wrenching cry echoed throughout the funeral home, causing some of those present to lower their heads in respect for that indescribable pain. Sadness seemed to engulf the atmosphere like a dense, heavy, suffocating cloud. The silence of the others was the only response. Diego, her husband and Enrique’s stepfather, approached carefully, placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder, and, crouching beside her, enveloped her in a firm embrace. He was trying to calm her.
You have to be strong, my love. You must calm down so we can give Enrique a beautiful send-off. That’s what he wanted, to see you well. Mariela, however, didn’t respond. She stood there paralyzed as if she were no longer in the world. Her eyes remained fixed on her son’s body, as if his soul were also trapped there in that coffin. Diego then discreetly glanced at the master of ceremonies, a man of about 35 named Ricardo, and gave a small nod.
Ricardo understood instantly. It was time to close the ceremony. “I ask that you say your final goodbyes to little Enrique. In a few moments, we will close the casket to proceed with the cremation,” he announced in a firm and respectful voice. Little by little, the guests, one by one, began to approach. Family, friends, coworkers. They all came to say their final farewell to the boy who, just days before, had run happily through the halls of his home. Now his body lay there, motionless, dressed in his favorite clothes, inside a small white casket that seemed too big for someone so small.
And when the last person said their goodbyes, Diego looked at Mariela. She knew what was coming next, but her body resisted. This was the cruelest goodbye she had ever experienced. It was time to say goodbye to her only son and see him for the last time. “Tell him everything in your heart, love. I’m sure that wherever Enrique is, he’s listening to you now,” said the boy’s stepfather, trying to give his wife what little strength she had left.
Mariela took two trembling steps toward the coffin, approached her son’s body, and with a broken voice began, “My son, my son, forgive me, forgive me for not being there when you needed me most. Mommy loves you. I will never, never forget you.” She collapsed onto the small body, clinging to it as if she never wanted to let go. She wept uncontrollably. Her hands shook violently. Diego, realizing that this had gone on for too long, once again wrapped his arms around her and tried to gently but firmly pull her away.
Ricardo and another crematorium employee approached, carrying the coffin lid. It was time. But before they could finish, Mariela pulled away from her husband’s arms and stepped forward. “Wait, I—I need to do something first,” she said, her eyes still filled with tears. Her stepfather approached, trying to intervene. “My love, we have to continue with the cremation. Let’s let Enrique rest now. Please, come with me.” But Mariela interrupted him more firmly this time.
I really need to do something. And then, under the watchful and confused gazes of everyone in the room, she pulled an unexpected object from her small bag: a small but modern video camera. Diego frowned, not understanding what was happening. “But what is this, love?” he asked, confused. She didn’t answer immediately; she simply approached her son’s body, placed the camera in her hands, and turned it on, leaving it recording. Then, with a steady gaze, she declared, “Now you can close the coffin.” The two employees exchanged puzzled glances.
The atmosphere grew even stranger. Some people in the room exchanged silent glances, surprised by what they were seeing, but no one dared to say anything. Diego, however, approached, looking concerned. “My love, why did you put a camera in Enrique’s hands?” “Well, I’m still getting used to the idea of cremation, and I don’t want my little one to suffer, so I’ll be able to watch everything from here. It’s a way for me to find peace,” she replied, showing that she could see everything on her cell phone.
Her voice trembled, but she was determined. Diego tried to argue, choosing his words carefully so as not to seem insensitive or aggressive. He wanted to convince her that it was pointless, but she was emphatic, firmer than ever before. “You convinced me that cremation was the right thing to do, but now I want to see my son until the very last minute. The camera will go with him to the crematorium oven.” Diego took a deep breath, visibly uncomfortable with the whole situation, but realizing that insisting would be useless, he ended the discussion with a curt statement.
Okay, my love. I know it’s a bit heavy, but if that’s what you want, so be it. You can close the coffin. The camera will go with him to the cremation. The master of ceremonies and the other crematorium employee approached with the coffin lid. Slowly, carefully, they fitted it onto the white structure. Little by little, little Enrique’s face disappeared from everyone’s sight. The same face that once smiled and lit up the house. Now it was hidden beneath the cold, heavy wooden lid.
A final tear rolled down Mariela’s face, as if it were a final farewell, the last thread of connection between mother and son. The boy who had been synonymous with joy was now just a memory. The coffin was removed from the hall and taken to the lower floor. The procession began. Friends and family slowly started to leave, each carrying the weight of their loss. Diego, trying to spare his wife any further suffering, approached her and spoke gently.
Come on, my love, I’ll take care of you. But Mariela shook her head, determined, her voice trembling but firm. No, I’m not leaving. I’m staying here until the end. I’m going to witness the cremation. I’m a mother. I have that right. Ricardo, the master of ceremonies, who was nearby and overheard, quickly confirmed with professionalism. Yes, as a mother she has that right. In fact, anyone who wishes to stay can do so as long as they have the family’s permission.
People generally don’t want to witness the cremation, but if they wish to stay, they are welcome. Afterward, we collect the ashes and deliver them in an urn. Diego tried once more. “Come on, love, you’ve suffered enough.” But she didn’t hesitate. “No, Diego, I’ve decided. I’m going to be there. I’m going to see the cremation in person and also follow it on the camera I put in Enrique’s hands.” At that moment, Mariela took her cell phone out of her pocket, unlocked the screen, and showed the image to her husband.
The inside of the coffin was clearly visible through the viewfinder. The recording, made in night mode, captured everything. Diego was visibly surprised by this, but he didn’t question it; he only murmured, “Okay, if that’s what you want.” They followed the crematorium employees to the room where the procedure would take place. Valeria, the housekeeper, also accompanied them. She was a woman who had been there for many years, caring for Enrique as if he were her own son. But at that moment, despite the situation, there were no tears on her face.
Her expression was serious and distant, and her eyes remained dry. Back in the crematorium room, the two employees worked in silence. They carefully removed the metal handles from the coffin and placed it on the oven mechanism. Everything was ready. The warmth of the room contrasted sharply with the coldness in Mariela’s chest. Ricardo, the master of ceremonies, who was also one of those responsible for carrying out the procedure, approached the control panel and announced calmly, “If anyone wishes to say anything more, now is the time.” It was then that Valeria, for the first time
That day, she stepped forward, head bowed, but her voice audible, and said, “I only wish that Enrique finds heaven, that God may receive our little angel with open arms, and that one day in paradise we may all be reunited. Rest in peace, Enrique.” Mariela looked at her, moved, and gave a slight nod of thanks. After that, she took two steps back and sat down in one of the nearby chairs, clearly exhausted. She closed her eyes for a moment and with a painful sigh said, “Can you begin the cremation process for my son?” Ricardo then approached the button that would ignite the flame.
The flame that would destroy everything, the flame that would turn Enrique’s body to ashes. The mother, however, felt the need to observe from another angle, perhaps to ensure there was no mistake, perhaps out of pure instinct. She unlocked her cell phone again, opened the camera feed, and fixed her eyes on the screen. But as soon as the images appeared, a thunderous scream tore through the air. “Wait, for God’s sake, wait! Don’t press that button!”
Ricardo froze, his hand hovering just inches from the button. Everyone in the room, without exception, turned to look at Mariela. Diego whirled around, startled, and ran to her. “But what happened, love?” he asked, visibly alarmed. Mariela was pale, her breathing rapid, her eyes wide, as if she had seen something impossible. With trembling hands, she raised her cell phone and showed the image. I placed the camera in her hand, in Enrique’s hand.
It was pointing at his little face. I saw it. I checked again after they closed the coffin, but now it’s pointing the other way, at his feet. Diego came over, took the phone, and looked. Valeria also came closer, staring at the screen. The silence that fell was thick, almost suffocating. And before anyone could say anything, Mariela exclaimed, her eyes filled with tears, “We need to open the coffin. My son, my son moved in there.” Diego took a deep breath, bent down, and held his wife’s shoulders.
Calmly, looking directly into her eyes, he spoke, “My love, stop torturing yourself.” Sadly, Enrique is gone. What happened was that the coffin shifted when they brought him down here. The camera fell from his little hands. It’s normal, since he can’t move anymore. What’s in that coffin is just an empty, lifeless body. Our Enrique, he’s in heaven with God now. Valeria nodded, trying to remain calm despite the tension of the moment.
Her voice came out calm, but firm. That’s right, Doña Mariela. The coffin must have moved, and the camera ended up changing position. It came out of her hand. The best thing is to end this once and for all. You don’t deserve to suffer like this. Mariela remained silent for a few seconds. The words made sense. She knew it, but a disquiet inside her wouldn’t subside. Her mind still echoed with doubts, and with her gaze fixed on nothing, she finally said aloud, “What if all this isn’t a coincidence?”
What if it’s a sign, a warning, a way for us to cancel this cremation? What if it’s to have a normal burial in a cemetery?” Diego sighed deeply and patiently replied, “Honey, we already talked about it and we came to the conclusion that cremation was indeed the best option. Our child is in heaven, but we’re going to keep his ashes in a beautiful urn to always remember him.” After that, he turned firmly to Ricardo. “Can you begin the cremation?” The crematorium employee looked in Mariela’s direction.
Sensing that she still hesitated, the woman, overcome by conflicting emotions, murmured, “I… I think I want to see him one last time, to touch my son just one more time.” Diego took a deep breath, now with a tone of evident exhaustion. His face showed impatience, as if he were about to lose control. “Mariela, my love, the inevitable can no longer be delayed. It is God’s time. We can’t keep opening and closing Enrique’s coffin. Let’s let him go in peace.”
Mariela felt the weight of those words and for a moment seemed to surrender. She simply nodded, almost automatically. Silently, she took the phone with trembling hands and stood there, still, staring at the screen. Ricardo looked at Diego and Valeria, who exchanged a quick glance and nodded. Everything seemed settled. The master of ceremonies then turned and walked back toward the button that would ignite the flames. But this time what stopped him wasn’t a shout, it was an impact.
Mariela stormed off from Diego and Valeria’s side and shoved Ricardo hard, enough to knock him away from the panel. “Excuse me, but my son, my son isn’t going to be cremated!” she exclaimed, her voice thick with despair. Diego rushed toward her, shocked by her outburst, while Valeria bent down to help Ricardo to his feet. “Mariela, are you crazy?” Diego shouted, his voice trembling. “What happened now?” It was then that Mariela held up her cell phone for everyone to see.
On the screen, the camera’s image had changed again. The camera, which had been pointing at the boy’s feet, now showed Enrique’s pale face, as if it had returned to its original position in his hands. Diego swallowed, feeling his heart race. Valeria took a step back, her eyes wide. Ricardo, still sitting up, raised his eyebrows in horror. Then Mariela cried out, her voice breaking with urgency. “My son, my son is alive in there!”
We have to get him out of there now. Diego tried to take control of the situation, stepping back slightly and taking Mariela by the shoulders again. “Honey, you’re not okay. You need help.” Valeria approached, trying to appear sympathetic. “If you’d like, I have a sedative in my bag. You need to calm down, Mariela.” But Mariela refused. Her voice rose again, growing more desperate. “They’re not seeing right now. You can’t say the coffin moved because it was still. My son moved in there.”
I need to get him out of there immediately. Ricardo tried to intervene, attempting to maintain order amidst the chaos. “Ma’am, we all saw your son. He’s dead.” “No, he’s not. I don’t know what happened, but I feel like he isn’t. We need to get him out of there now. My son can’t be cremated. He can’t,” she screamed at the top of her lungs. The atmosphere was thick with suffocating tension. The situation became unbearable. Diego exploded. “Enough, Mariela, enough. You’ve crossed every line.”
I’m going to take you home, and Valeria will witness the cremation alone. I knew you shouldn’t have stayed to see this. But as soon as he tried to hold her, Mariela broke free with agility. No, no one is stopping me. I need to see my son. My son is crying out for help. Driven by a force she didn’t even understand, she ran to the stove where the coffin lay. With fury and desperation, she pulled the structure out by herself. It was as if the pain gave her the strength of a lioness protecting her cub.
Valeria, observing the scene in a low voice, murmured, “She’s completely out of her mind. There’s no way that child is alive, is there?” Diego just looked at her. A strange, quick glance exchanged between them. There was something there, a complicit silence that no one else noticed. Immediately, Diego approached Mariela and, with cold eyes, held her arms tightly. “I didn’t want to use brute force, Mariela, but it’s for your own good. You can continue with the cremation; I’m taking her home.”
But Ricardo, now more resolute, took the lead. “Unfortunately, we’re not going to continue. If Mariela feels uncomfortable about anything, if she wants to see her son one more time, she’s the mother. I can’t proceed with the cremation without her consent.” Diego, irritated, retorted through gritted teeth. “My wife isn’t in her right mind. You can continue with the procedure.” Mariela once again pulled her hands away from her husband, her eyes fixed on him, her voice breaking but firm.
I am in my right mind. Yes, I am just a heartbroken mother, and I feel from the depths of my soul that I shouldn’t cremate my son. She then narrowed her eyes, looking intently at Diego. And you, you should be supporting me, Diego. What happened? Why are you doing this? Why don’t you want me to see Enrique one last time? Is there something you don’t want me to see?” The words cut through the air like a knife.
Diego looked away for a second and faced Valeria, who discreetly nodded. He then took a deep breath, running his hand over his wife’s face, trying to regain control of the situation. “My love, I was just prioritizing your well-being. Forgive me, you’re right. If you want to see Enrique one last time, let’s go see him. You’ll notice the camera moved with the swaying of the coffin, and then, when you’ve confirmed everything is alright, we’ll proceed with the cremation.”
Let’s let Enrique rest, okay? Mariela took a deep breath, trying to contain the anxiety that still consumed her. Okay? she replied. But there was something new in her eyes, a growing distrust. Something about Diego’s demeanor now made her deeply uncomfortable. Ricardo approached cautiously and called over the other crematorium employee. Help me here, he asked, beginning to lift one side of the coffin lid. But to understand what was really happening in that crematorium, the true reason that led Mariela to place a camera inside the coffin, and yes, in fact, something had moved in there.
Or if all that remained was a mother’s anxiety, it was necessary to go back in time. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon. The dining room table still bore traces of lunch, and the atmosphere was peaceful. Mariela, Diego, and Enrique had just finished eating when the boy, his eyes shining with excitement, said, “Mom, we can go to the mall later. There’s a really cool movie there, the Spider-Man one.” Mariela smiled, affectionately running her hand through her son’s hair.
Of course, my love. Let’s go. Yes. You’re coming too, right, Diego? Diego smiled back with a light expression. Of course, Enrique knows I love superhero movies, and what I love most is the company of the two of you. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The three of them laughed together in a moment of apparent harmony while Valeria, the mansion’s maid, cleared the table. She wore a slight smile on her face, but her eyes seemed to conceal something, a forced, restrained smile.
At first glance, they were a happy family. Mariela was the heiress to a large automotive parts company, an empire built by her father, who had died in a tragic car accident—the same one that had taken the life of her first husband. She was left alone with little Enrique, who was only five years old at the time. That’s when Diego came into her life, a kind, helpful man who provided true emotional support during her loss.
Over time, he took over managing the family businesses, earning her trust and her heart. They married and began living together in the mansion, where Valeria had also worked for years. In Mariela’s eyes, Diego was the ideal man, someone who helped honor her father’s legacy, managed the company competently, and cared for their son with apparent dedication. Even after so many tragedies, she believed she had finally found peace. Hours after lunch, Valeria appeared in the living room, holding a neatly ironed white T-shirt.
Diego’s shirt, Doña Mariela. I ironed it because I know he likes this one. I heard you talking about going to the mall. I hope I’m not being nosy. Mariela smiled gently. Oh, Valeria, of course you’re not nosy. Thank you very much, but you should be resting. Today is Sunday. I already thought it was too much that you served lunch. Valeria gave a small smile, adjusting the shirt in her arms. Oh, ma’am, you know how much I love being here. My joy is working, taking care of this house, of you, of Enrique, and of Mr. Diego.
“But you have to enjoy yourself in other ways, Valeria,” Mariela replied lightly. “You could even go to the mall with us, buy clothes, have some fun. Come on, all on me. You know I consider you family, and I’ve told you a thousand times I don’t want you just working.” Valeria smiled, but shook her head firmly. “No, Doña Mariela, never. I know my place, and my place is here, taking care of the house, not out partying with the bosses.”
I wouldn’t even feel right, but I’m truly grateful. I prefer to stay like this. Mariela sighed, touched by the employee’s humility. Anyway, I’m going to bring you a gift, a perfume. I know you like it. It’s the least I can do to thank you for the kindness you show us. I could say it’s unnecessary, Valeria replied with a slightly more relaxed smile. But I know you’ll bring it anyway, so thank you. You really know how to make me happy.
I love perfumes. Now, if you’ll excuse me, may I take the shirt to your Diego? Mariela smiled gently. Of course, he must be in the room. Take this opportunity to tell him, please, that I’m going to take care of a few things at the office and that I’ll be ready to leave in an hour. Yes, ma’am, the employee replied, accepting the request with a discreet gesture. With the carefully ironed shirt in her arms, the worker walked away while Mariela continued toward the office, confident that she would have a little time to organize her schedule.
But as soon as the mistress disappeared down the hall, the maid’s expression changed completely. Her eyes, once submissive, now held a glint of contempt, and her lips curled into a mocking smile. Her voice dripping with venom, she muttered, “I’m going to get you some perfume. I know you like it.” “Oh, please, you insufferable fool.” Those words sounded like a pent-up frustration. Then, with purposeful steps, she entered the couple’s bedroom without even knocking. The sudden noise startled Diego, who stepped back at her sudden entrance.
“Valeria!” he exclaimed in surprise. The maid gave him a look full of irony, raising her hand with the T-shirt. “I came to bring you your T-shirt, boss. I ironed it for you, since you’re going out today.” Without any care, she threw the garment onto the bed, revealing her anger. Diego, sensing the tension emanating from her, quickly approached and cautiously closed the door, making sure Mariela didn’t suddenly appear. “What’s wrong?” he asked in a low voice. Valeria sat on the edge of the bed.
Her shoulders were heavy and her breathing was ragged. After a deep sigh, she blurted out, “What’s wrong?” “I’m just tired, Diego, or rather, exhausted.” He, still standing by the door, raised his eyebrows as if he already knew the source of this outburst. “I know, you’re upset because I’m going out with Enrique and Mariela.” “Honey, you know I had no way of saying no?” She snorted contemptuously, crossing her arms. “You can never say no, Diego, never.”
I don’t have a single moment alone with you anymore. I’m starting to think she’s giving up. And you’re going to stay in that marriage forever. Enrique’s stepfather closed his eyes for a moment, trying to control his tone. Then he asked seriously, “Where’s Mariela now?” Valeria replied mockingly, her irritation barely concealed. “She’s at the office. She said she’d stay there for a while until later when the happy family goes out to enjoy the mall.” Diego took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension.
He took a few steps to the bed and, with practiced gentleness, ran his hand over the young woman’s face. “My love, stop this silly jealousy. You know I only have eyes for you. Mariela is just a stepping stone to get everything we want.” But Valeria wasn’t convinced. She stood up abruptly, pushing his hand away, and in a voice thick with impatience replied, “No, I don’t know. It was never the plan to stay married this long. You said you’d take care of that idiot Mariela right away, just like we sent her father and ex-husband to hell, but so far, nothing.” It was at that moment that their true colors were revealed.
The masks of loyalty and servitude fell away, exposing the rot that bound that pair of lovers. Diego let out a cold, almost demonic smile and replied, “What I want most is to send that stupid woman to her coffin and keep the whole fortune for myself. But what’s the problem? Everything goes to the brat. We’re not married under a community property regime. We have a contract that says if we separate or she dies, I don’t get anything. I’ve spent years trying to gain Mariela’s trust so she’ll give me total control of the company.”
But it’s not easy, my love, it’s not easy. And without having total control of Mariela’s estate, I can’t just leave her or send her to her grave. Because if I do that now, I’ll have put up with her and that brat for nothing, and you and I will end up empty-handed. That’s why I do everything she and the boy want, to gain their trust and achieve everything we’ve always dreamed of, my love. His words sounded calculated, revealing a meticulous plan sustained by years of pretense.
But Valeria didn’t seem satisfied. She narrowed her eyes impatiently and retorted, “I’m tired of hearing that story. The truth is, you’re going too slowly. We need to find a way to end this right now. And I know how we’re going to do it. How to make her hand over control of everything to you once and for all.” The villain looked up, intrigued by her certainty. “Like this? How?” he asked curiously. The employee smiled maliciously, her lips curving in a wicked gesture.
Simple, darling. You always say you have to do Mariela’s bidding, but by pleasing her, all you’re doing is making her happy. And when she’s happy, she’ll never relinquish her position at the head of the company and the business. For Mariela to give you everything, she has to be in a bad way, a really bad way. We have to break her mentally. Only when she’s down will you have complete control. Diego watched her intently. Little by little, he was beginning to understand where his accomplice was going with this.
Even so, she showed some hesitation. “Are you telling me we should drug Mariela so she’ll sign documents giving me everything? Is that it? Look, that’s very risky because if she later tests positive and it proves she was drugged, the judge will invalidate everything, and besides losing everything, we’ll go to jail.” Valeria raised her eyebrows as if she already had the answer ready. “And who said we need drugs to mentally break that stupid woman?”
My love, the key to gaining access to ultimate wealth is right before your eyes. The key is Enrique. Diego’s eyes widened, his heart racing with the revelation. “Enrique!” he exclaimed, unable to believe what he had just heard. Valeria pursed her lips, her face twisting into a grim, malevolent expression. “Yes, Enrique, he’s everything to Mariela. That woman loves the boy more than anything in this world.”
Listen carefully to what we’re going to do, my love. With slow steps, the maid approached her lover and placed her hand on his shoulder, smiling wickedly. Her voice, sweet on the surface, concealed poison in every syllable. We’re going to poison the brat little by little, make him sick, weaken him, and then let him die. I know a woman who works with certain potions, and she has a concoction that leaves no trace. Mariela will be more and more destroyed while the child is sick.
She ran her fingers along her lover’s chest, smiling maliciously, and continued. “And you, you’re going to be the shoulder she cries on. You’re going to be there, caring, attentive. You’re going to take care of everything while the lady is desperately looking after the child. Then, then we’ll increase the dose, and the boy will go to the coffin when she dies, my love. That’s when Mariela will fall into such deep mourning that she won’t have the strength for anything. It’s at that moment that you get her to sign the papers we need and transfer all control to your name.”
And then, then we thought of a convenient accident to send her to hell too. She laughed loudly, a harsh laugh, comparable to the sound of a hungry henna. The room was invaded by that horrendous sound, as if it were the soundtrack to a demonic pact. Diego felt an icy chill run down his spine. He swallowed and stammered hesitantly, “Kill Enrique, but Valeria, he’s just a child.” Immediately, the maid’s smile vanished. Her face hardened into a cruel expression.
Ah, no, Diego, don’t come at me with that softie now. You’re not going to show the brat any mercy. This is the only way to get everything. So, how’s that going to work? Enrique’s stepfather ran his hand over his anguished face. Deep down, he knew he was worthless. He’d already gotten his hands dirty before, along with his lover, by plotting the deaths of Mariela’s father and her first husband. All in the name of fortune. But now, faced with the proposal to end the life of an innocent child, a flicker of humanity tormented him.
“Are you sure there’s no other way?” he asked, his voice cracking with doubt. Valeria didn’t hesitate. “If we keep waiting with that pathetic plan of yours to coddle Mariela, we’re going to end up old and empty-handed. I already said it, the boy is the key. We’re going to put the brat in the coffin.” The scoundrel bit his lip. With each word, he felt cornered. He tried to raise one last argument. “What if they find some substance in his body?”
If they suspect anything. But the villain broke into a wide, confident smile. I already told you, that concoction leaves no trace. There’s no test that can detect it. And what’s more, we can convince that stupid Mariela to choose cremation. That way, the child’s body turns to dust and any trace disappears forever. Diego’s heart was racing. There was still a part of him that resisted crossing that line, but the desire for wealth spoke louder.
She took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and admitted, “Fine, we’re going to get rid of that brat. I don’t even like him. It’s his mother’s fault for refusing to marry him under a community property regime.” The words came out heavy, and Valeria trembled like someone who had just won a war. She walked over to her lover, grabbed him tightly, and kissed him passionately, sealing the macabre pact. Then she pulled away with a triumphant look. “We’re going to be rich and powerful, my love.” Seconds later, she smoothed her hair and headed for the door.
Now get ready. Give that stupid Mariela and that brat one last day of happiness. As soon as they leave, I’m going to see the witch. I’m going to get the potion today. She left the room with firm steps, her eyes shining with victory. Diego, alone, stood for a moment staring at the closed door. The silence of the room weighed on him like a curse. He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and began to get ready. Nearly an hour later, dressed and ready, he found Mariela and Enrique in the living room.
The boy smiled, excited by the promise of going to the mall. Mariela adjusted her purse, attentive to every detail, unaware of the shadow looming over her family. Before leaving, the millionaire turned to the employee watching them at the door. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us, Valeria? It would make me so happy to see you have fun too.” Valeria, with a well-rehearsed cynical expression, replied with feigned sweetness, “I’m sure, ma’am. You just relax, go and have fun.”
I’ll wait for you here. And she finished with a smile dripping with insincerity, waving as the three walked away toward the luxury car parked in the garage. As soon as the car door closed and the engine started, the employee’s mask slipped again. Her eyes flashed with hatred, and she muttered under her breath, “That’s it. Enjoy my man, daddy. Enjoy him because this is your last night of happiness.” She watched the car disappear over the horizon.
So, without wasting any time, she went inside, changed out of her maid’s uniform, and put on an elegant white dress. She applied bright red lipstick, fixed her hair, and grabbed her phone. She ordered a ride through an app. A few minutes later, the driver stopped, and they headed toward their destination. “Is this it, ma’am?” he asked as he parked in front of an isolated, old building at the end of a poorly lit street. The residence looked like something out of a nightmare, a real-life horror movie house with broken windows and walls stained by time.
Valeria lifted her chin and replied firmly, “Right here. Can you wait for me? It’ll be quick. I’ll pay you for the waiting time.” She got out of the car without looking back, went through the rusty gate, and pushed open the front door, which creaked loudly. The smell of incense filled her nostrils. Heavy, nauseating. Candles were scattered across the dusty floor, illuminating the room with flickering flames. Suddenly, a deep voice echoed in the room. “Well, look who we have here.” From the back of the room emerged a woman with a terrifying appearance.
She was about sixty years old, with matted hair, skin weathered by time, and long, dark, dirty nails. Her piercing gaze seemed to pierce right through you. Valeria took a deep breath, as if she had been expecting this encounter, and said respectfully, “I need you, Auntie.” The woman slowly settled into a creaking chair next to an old table covered in the marks of time. Her yellowed smile revealed worn teeth, and her voice was dripping with sarcasm. “Of course you need me. You only show up when you want something.”
Come on, spill it, Valeria. What do you want this time? Diego’s lover crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows, letting out a mocking little laugh. Stop the drama, Auntie. You know very well that our family has always been like this. One hand washes the other. She paused briefly, smoothed her reddish hair, and continued in a direct tone. But I’ll be brief. I need a concoction. One of those poisons that only you know how to make. One that kills slowly without leaving a trace.
I want one of those. The old witch, with her piercing gaze and slow movements, narrowed her eyes, fixing her niece intently. “And who do you plan to kill, Valeria?” The maid gave a crooked smile and replied firmly, “I’m not thinking, I’m going to do it, but you don’t need to know who it is. That way you won’t complicate things, or go around blabbing with that gossipy mouth of yours.” The comment made the old woman burst out laughing. “Always so insolent,” she responded, shaking her head.
Without blinking, the woman stood up, opened a drawer hidden under the table, and took out a small, colorless glass bottle. Inside, an almost transparent liquid shimmered in the flickering candlelight. “Here it is. But be careful, the sap I prepared is very strong. A few drops can kill an elephant. If you want to kill slowly, just one drop a day.” Valeria reached out and grabbed the bottle anxiously, a devilish gleam lighting up her face. “Okay, thank you, Auntie.”
She turned to leave without another word, but the old woman was quick. She grabbed her arm with surprising strength for her age. “Wait, where do you think you’re going? That stuff costs a fortune, girl. It’s not free.” The redhead huffed indignantly. “Seriously, she’s going to charge her niece, Auntie?” The old woman’s smile widened, revealing yellowed teeth. “She’d charge the Pope for it. Come on, that’ll be 10,000 pesos.” Valeria’s eyes widened. Incredulous. 10,000 pesos? She’s crazy. 10,000 for a little bottle with a few drops of liquid.
The witch pulled the bottle toward her, away from her niece. “This is priceless. Anyone would pay anything for a poison that kills without a trace. My wisdom has a price, my dear. And just look at this. I just remembered that inflation is high. Now it’s 15,000 pesos.” “What? 15,000?” Valeria cried incredulously. “You must be delirious. I don’t have that kind of money, Auntie. I work as a maid.” The old woman let out another laugh, shrugging her shoulders. “Try fooling someone else, Valeria. I know you better than anyone.”
I know very well you have more than you let on. You’ve always lived off scams. And if you’re working as an employee, it’s because there’s a bigger plan. And something tells me this preparation is the missing piece in your little game. So, are you going to pay, or should I sell it to someone else? Decide now, because tomorrow it could cost even more. Valeria was breathing heavily, consumed by rage. She grabbed her cell phone hurriedly, opened the bank app, entered her aunt’s information, and made the transfer with trembling hands.
She flashed the screen angrily. “There, happy now, you’ve left me with nothing.” The old woman took the phone to confirm, a triumphant smile spreading across her wrinkled face. She handed the bottle back and said sarcastically, “Very satisfied, my niece, it’s always a pleasure doing business with you. Come back soon.” Valeria snatched the bottle from her hands and turned sharply, huffing with hatred. “You old hag.” She snarled before storming out, her footsteps pounding on the wooden floor. In the ride-hailing car, she slammed the door and ordered, “Let’s go to the mansion where you picked me up.” The driver, already annoyed by the long wait, responded curtly.
“That’ll be 500 pesos for the trip and the wait.” Valeria almost lost it. 500 pesos. Everyone’s decided to rip me off today. It can’t be. Still, she paid because she had no choice. When she arrived at the mansion, she got out of the car huffing and puffing, but when she looked at the bottle in her hand, her eyes lit up. “Relax, Valeria, relax. Soon the whole fortune will be yours. Diego’s going to cheat on that idiot Mariela, and when he’s alone with me, if he doesn’t behave, I’ll send him to hell too,” she muttered to herself, laughing softly.
Shortly after, Mariela, Diego, and Enrique returned from their family outing. The boy was beaming, thrilled with the movie. “Wow! That part where the three Spider-Men appeared together, jumping side by side. It was awesome!” he exclaimed with typical childlike energy. Diego, forcing a smile, agreed with rehearsed enthusiasm. “It was incredible, really.” Mariela shook her head, still amazed. Even I, who was never a fan of superhero movies, ended up loving it. Valeria was already waiting for them in the theater.
She had put her maid’s uniform back on as if she’d never left. The millionaire frowned when she saw her standing there. Impeccable. “Valeria, my dear, what are you still doing up in your uniform?” The worker smiled with feigned sweetness, as if she were merely a devoted servant. “Waiting for them, of course. I couldn’t sleep without being sure they arrived safely. You know how I am, ma’am. I even took advantage of having nothing to do and made a chocolate mousse. I don’t know if they ate anything at the movies.”
Enrique’s eyes sparkled. “What a delicious chocolate mousse. I love chocolate mousse.” Valeria crouched down to the boy’s eye level, stroking his golden hair. “That’s exactly why I made it, Enrique. I know how much you like it.” Mariela, touched by the gesture, smiled warmly. “You’re perfect, Valeria. I really don’t know what we’d do without you, do I, Diego?” The stepfather glanced quickly at the maid, and in that brief moment, they exchanged a silent sign of complicity. Then he answered in a firm voice.
Of course, Valeria is perfect. Mariela immediately took a bag and handed the promised gift to the employee. The redhead’s face lit up with calculated insincerity. She hugged the boss with feigned affection. “Oh, ma’am, it wasn’t necessary, but I loved it. I loved it so much. How did you know I wanted this particular perfume?” Shortly after, everyone was seated at the dining room table, waiting for the dessert that promised to end the evening on a joyful note. Valeria, in her immaculate uniform and with a forced smile on her face, announced sweetly, “I’m going to the kitchen to get the chocolate mousse and I’ll be right back.” Diego, however, stood up immediately.
Her eyes held the anxiety of someone who already knew what was about to happen. “Let me help you get everything, Valeria, and this time don’t even try to say no, because I’m happy to do it.” Mariela, innocent, suspected nothing. To her, her husband’s gesture seemed merely a show of kindness toward the maid. She believed Valeria was once again doing her usual good job. She remained seated beside her son, tenderly stroking little Enrique’s hair. In the kitchen, the tone of the conversation changed immediately.
The scoundrel spoke in a low voice, barely able to contain his euphoria. “So, did you get it?” The redhead broke into a triumphant smile, pulled the small, clear bottle from her uniform pocket, and held it up in front of him. “It’s right here. This is our passport to fortune. But I’m warning you, it cost me. The old woman charged me 15,000 pesos. You’ll have to transfer it to me later because she left my account empty.” The rascal took the bottle carefully, turning it between his fingers as if he were holding a treasure.
Her gaze no longer held any trace of compassion for the child. If this truly puts Mariela’s entire fortune in our hands, 15,000 is nothing. A cruel smile spread across her face. It’s time for Enrique to leave this world. Valeria snatched the bottle back, opened it with practiced ease, and without hesitation dropped a single drop into the glass that would be served to the child. The liquid dissolved imperceptibly into the mus.
With a cold stare, she declared, “It’s about time, my love. The brat’s going to hell, and then it’ll be his mother’s turn.” The two exchanged a knowing glance, heavy with malice. It was as if they were sealing a silent pact with themselves. Moments later, they returned to the dining room. The red-haired witch, with the demeanor of a devoted servant, distributed the dessert cups. When she handed over the poisoned cup, she bowed to Enrique and spoke with feigned affection. “This one with more [poison] is for the cutest boy in this house, so he grows up strong and plays lots of soccer.”
The little boy smiled brightly and eagerly took the cup. The family began to savor the dessert. Mariela relished every spoonful, unaware of the poison hidden in her son’s treat. Diego maintained the expression of a watchful stepfather, but inwardly he was counting down the minutes until the plan would take effect. Enrique, innocent, devoured each spoonful, oblivious to the fact that his fate was being sealed right there at his own dinner table. Valeria, standing, watched every move with cruel attention, convinced that in a few days the boy would be dead.
That same night, the first symptoms appeared. A few minutes after finishing dessert, the boy began to squirm in his chair, clutching his stomach and groaning. “Mom, I think something I ate didn’t agree with me.” Mariela leaned toward him, concerned. “It must have been the snack from the mall, son. After all, we all ate the mousse. And Valeria is always so careful with her food.” Diego hurried to his feet, feigning genuine concern.
It must just be a minor upset stomach. I’m going to the pharmacy to get some medicine for your stomach ache. You’ll be fine in a little while, champ. You’ll see. Valeria, as part of the act, prepared some tea and brought it in a steaming cup. My mother always made this tea when I had colic. You should feel better, Enrique. The boy drank the tea, and the combination with the medicine brought him temporary relief, but it was all part of the plan. While watching from afar, the clerk whispered to her lover with a sadistic smile.
It has to be this way. He can’t die suddenly. His body has to shut down little by little. That’s how we’re going to destroy Mariela from the inside out. Diego, still hesitant, murmured, “I confess I’m still afraid they’ll find something out.” She, however, remained calm. “Stop being a coward. I already told you, no one’s going to find anything out. Everything’s going to be fine. I guarantee it.” And indeed, the next morning, Enrique seemed better. He’d regained some of his energy, played, laughed, and ran around the house as if nothing had happened.
But that night the plan was repeated. During dinner, Valeria took advantage of a moment of distraction to drop another drop of the poison. This time she disguised it by mixing it into the juice meant for the child. It wasn’t long before Enrique clutched his stomach again, crying. “Mommy, it hurts again. It hurts so much.” Mariela hugged her son, distraught. Diego tried to remain calm, but suggested the same thing as before. “Let’s give him another pill just like yesterday’s.”
And Valeria, make another cup of tea. The redhead, however, quickly interrupted, changing tactics. “No, it even helped yesterday, but we can’t keep medicating him like this without knowing what it really is. The best thing is to take Enrique to the hospital. He needs to see a doctor, Doña Mariela.” The millionaire nodded immediately, convinced by the logic presented. “Valeria is right, you don’t play around with health. I’m going to take Enrique to the hospital right now.” Diego forced a smile, but his displeasure was obvious.
Okay, I’ll fix it, love. I’ll get the car ready in the garage. As Mariela hurried upstairs to find a change of clothes and bundle up the boy, the man turned on his mistress, gritting his teeth. “Are you crazy? How could you poison the brat and then send his mother to the hospital? If they find any drugs in the tests, we’re done for.” Valeria barely smiled, with the calm of someone who already has everything under control. “My love, when I said I know what I’m doing, I wasn’t joking.”
They won’t find anything, I guarantee it. Inducing Mariela to take the child to the hospital will only make us look even more innocent. Take my word for it. Trust me, Diego. No one will ever suspect us. Even so, the scoundrel went to the hospital, gripped by fear. Deep down, he was afraid the plan would be discovered, but once there, he realized his mistress was right. After hours of waiting, the doctor appeared with a serious expression, carrying the test results.
So, Mrs. Mariela, we ran a full battery of tests and couldn’t find anything at all. Not even the endoscopy revealed the cause of this stomach pain. The suspicion is that your son may have suffered food poisoning, but the truth is, I can’t draw any definitive conclusions. Since he’s not in critical condition, I’m going to discharge you. I prescribed some medication to relieve the pain. Now we just have to wait, but if the symptoms persist, please bring him back.
Mariela took a deep breath. The lack of answers only made her more anxious. “Okay, doctor, thank you so much,” she replied, her voice trembling. Back in the car, Enrique groaned, slumped in his mother’s lap. “It still hurts, Mom,” he complained weakly. Diego, more disingenuous than ever, tried to sound optimistic. “Everything’s going to be alright, Enrique. You heard the doctor. It was probably just something you ate. You’ll be perfectly fine very soon, champ. You’ll see.” Mariela wanted to believe those words, but her mother’s heart screamed otherwise.
Something deep in his soul told him it wasn’t just food poisoning. When they got home, Valeria was already waiting for them with a fresh cup of tea. The boy drank a few cups and for a moment seemed to improve. So he was left alone with Diego. The villain chuckled and declared coldly, “I told you so. I said I wouldn’t find anything in his body. You need to learn to listen to me more. I know what I’m doing. That brat is going to hell, and no one will ever suspect the two of us.”
The following days became a torment. Enrique grew increasingly ill. His body was utterly drained. He could barely get out of bed. Constant nausea overwhelmed him. Stomach pains made him writhe, and now an unbearable headache emerged as yet another torment. Mariela, in despair, quit her job and left all the administration in Diego’s hands, believing he was the support she needed. She spent her days running after doctors, tests, and specialists, but nothing, absolutely nothing, was discovered.
No trace, no clue. Even when the boy needed to be hospitalized, Valeria always found a way to discreetly drop the daily dose of poison. Whether in water, juice, or fruit. Nothing stopped her. Diego watched it all with a cold smile. “It’s going exactly as planned. Mariela has already left everything under my control. If I manage to keep the investments, the money, and the stocks, that’s it, we’ll have the fortune in our hands. Maybe it won’t even be necessary to kill Enrique.”
Valeria, however, was adamant. Of course it’s necessary. We have to push Mariela to the bottom of the well. Because if we give her any chance to get back up, even though we’ve already stolen everything from her, she’ll try to take it all back. We can’t take that risk. The red-haired woman narrowed her eyes and finished with a macabre smile. In fact, I think it’s time the brat died once and for all. He’s hospitalized, but that doesn’t change anything. I’m going to the hospital tomorrow and giving him his final meal.
I’m going to bring one of those chocolates he loves so much. With 10 drops of our poison. That will be Enrique’s goodbye. Diego felt a chill run down his spine, but he didn’t react. He just remained silent, a prisoner of the pact he had made with his lover. Meanwhile, at the hospital, the pain was relentless. Enrique, tired of so much suffering, took his mother’s hand and made a heartbreaking request. “Mom, I want to go home. I’ve been here for several days now, and nothing is getting better.”
If it’s to continue with this pain, with this weakness, or even if it’s to die, I want it to be at home. I don’t want to die in a hospital room. The boy’s words pierced Mariela’s heart like daggers. She covered his face with kisses, weeping. “Don’t say that, my love. You’re not going to die. You’re going to get better. We have to have faith in God. You’re still going to get better, my son.” The boy looked at her with the seriousness of an adult.
I just want you to be okay, Mom. No matter what happens, promise me you’ll keep living and be happy. Promise me. Mariela couldn’t hold back her tears. Her face was soaked, but she still sobbed, “I promise, my son, I promise.” That same night, determined to fulfill her son’s wish, she signed the papers and got him discharged. She took Enrique back home, though fear still gnawed at her. When they arrived, Diego and Valeria didn’t hide their surprise.
The redhead was the first to speak, with a forced, affectionate smile. “Enrique, my love, you’re back. I knew you’d soon overcome that pesky illness.” But the boy didn’t share the same enthusiasm. He remained dejected and discouraged, making it clear that the pain persisted. He had simply decided he preferred to face the suffering at home. Mariela quickly explained, “A doctor and nurses will be with him here. If necessary, we’ll return to the hospital for treatment. But for now, Enrique will stay home.”
Valeria crouched down in front of the boy, stroking his hand with feigned tenderness. “Well, we’re going to take care of you, champ. And soon, with faith in God, you’ll be alright.” Diego added, forcing a smile. “Of course, Enrique.” But when Mariela left the room to tidy up the boy’s things, the charade completely crumbled. Away from her, Valeria narrowed her eyes and whispered to her lover. “Things just got even easier. We’ll finish off that brat tomorrow right here at the mansion.”
Look at the irony. At least he’ll die in the little room he loves so much, not in a hospital bed. Diego just smiled. The smile of a man already corrupted, complicit in evil. But before we continue and find out what will really happen to Enrique, click the like button, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications. That’s the only way YouTube will let you know when a new video is released. Now tell me, are you for or against cremation?
Do you think only common burials should exist? Tell me in the comments. And while you’re at it, tell me what city you’re watching this video from, and I’ll mark your comment with a cute heart. Now then, back to our story. The next morning, the sun was barely illuminating the mansion’s gardens when Valeria was already up. With hands trembling with anxiety, yet firm with cruelty, she took the bottle of poison and dropped 10 drops into a chocolate. Calmly, she closed the candy and held it up to her eyes like someone admiring a trophy.
The smile on her face was icy. Here’s a simple little sweetheart, and with him, everything I’ve always dreamed of with Diego will finally come true. Shortly after, Mariela appeared in the hallway with her husband. The mother’s face was tired, but her posture still conveyed determination. Enrique is still sleeping, so I’m going to take advantage of this to go to the office to sign some papers they need me for, but I’ll be back soon. I don’t want to be away from my little one for too long.
Diego, always playing the role of devoted husband, quickly offered his help. “If you’d like, I can go and sign for you, love.” Mariela gently shook her head. “Unfortunately, those documents need my signature, but I’ll soon prepare a power of attorney so you can sign on my behalf as well. That way, I’ll be more at ease taking care of Enrique, and even when he’s better, you’ve already proven yourself so reliable. I think it’s time for you to perhaps take over the company and the business permanently.”
I know you’ll do what’s best for our family. The scoundrel could barely hide his joy. “Always, my love, always,” he said, inwardly celebrating like someone who had just won a prize. As soon as the millionaire left, the commoner turned to his mistress, his eyes shining with triumph. “Did you see that? She’s going to put everything under my control. That idiot is going to hand over the fortune on a silver platter.” Valeria burst out laughing, approached him, and kissed him passionately.
“Everything is ours now,” he murmured with malevolent laughter. Meanwhile, in the room, Enrique was waking up. His frail body gave him no rest. He got up with difficulty, leaning on the furniture, and groaned in despair. “This pain never goes away. I can’t stand it anymore. My God, what’s happening to me?” Weakly, he decided to walk to the kitchen. “I’ll go. I’ll ask Valeria to make me some tea. Maybe that will help a little.” But when he arrived, what he saw left him in shock.
Before him, Diego and Valeria were kissing, completely lost in each other. The boy’s eyes widened. “What? What’s going on here?” His stepfather, Canaya, recoiled in terror. “Enrique, I… I can explain.” The boy’s voice was weak, but filled with indignation. “Are you cheating on my mother, Diego? Is that it? And with you, Valeria, of all people, you, whom my mother loves so much?” The redhead tried to compose herself, speaking quickly. “It’s not what you think, Enrique.”
But the boy shook his head. Determined. “I’m going to call my mother and tell her everything right now,” he said, turning to go back to the room. Diego put his hands to his head in despair. “We’re lost. We’re lost.” Valeria, however, took the lead coldly, as always. “Shut up, we’re not lost at all. We’re going to solve this the way we always do.” She took the poisoned chocolate and pressed it firmly into the lover’s hand. “Go on, make up any excuse, but make that brat eat this chocolate.”
Come on. The ordinary man took a deep breath, too afraid to refuse. He ran to the boy’s room. He found him sitting on the bed, already holding his cell phone, about to call his mother. The stepfather spoke first. “I’m not going to stop you from calling, Enrique, but at least listen to me first, please.” Enrique, still panting, replied, “You cheated on my mother. I have nothing to hear.” Diego feigned indignation. “I didn’t cheat on her, I swear. I don’t know what happened to Valeria.”
She lunged at me, grabbed me. I didn’t want to. If you don’t believe me, look at the security cameras. I’ll show them to you myself. I would never betray your mother. With each word, he reinforced the lie with conviction. Enrique still didn’t believe him, but his tear-filled eyes showed confusion. The stepfather continued, handing him the carefully poisoned chocolate. Look, I was making some chocolates for your mother and you. Do you really think I don’t love them? Do you think I would trade my family for just anyone?
I love you, Enrique. Valeria went crazy. That’s what happened. The boy, weakened by his illness and the situation, began to convince himself. His childish mind wanted to believe he was wrong, that his stepfather was telling the truth. Diego sensed his hesitation and insisted. Believe me, please, believe me. It was at that moment that Enrique made the worst mistake of his life. He took the chocolate and bit into it. As he chewed, he looked up and saw his stepfather smile in a strange, different way.
As soon as he swallowed it, Valeria entered the room with a triumphant air. “That pest ate the chocolate,” Diego replied, smiling. “She just ate it.” The pain came almost immediately. Enrique clutched his stomach, groaning in anguish. “What? What did you do to me?” he asked, his voice trembling, realizing he had fallen into a trap. Valeria let out a cruel laugh. “A little poison, darling, but don’t worry, in a little while you’ll stop suffering and rest in peace. And your mother, that idiot, is going to lose not only you, but her entire fortune as well.”
Tears streamed down the boy’s face. He looked at Diego as if still searching for hope. But he received only the final verdict. “I’m sorry, Enrique, but it had to be this way.” Within minutes, the boy began to writhe. He vomited, felt searing pains. His body trembled in agony until, exhausted, he collapsed unconscious onto the bed. The silence was broken only by Diego’s ragged breathing and Valeria’s nervous laughter. Shortly after, Mariela rushed in. Seeing the scene, she found the boy in his husband’s arms, who was now weeping, feigning despair.
He fainted, love. I can’t feel his heartbeat. We have to rush to the hospital now. The millionaire tore the boy’s body from his arms and hugged him tightly. Touching her son’s skin, she felt the cold, the absence of life. Her heart stopped along with his. She fell to her knees on the floor, her scream tearing through the air like a knife. No, my God, no, my son, no. A few hours had passed since the tragedy, and Mariela was still clinging to her son’s body, kneeling on the floor, unable to let go.
The tears dried and returned in an endless cycle of pain. It was then that Diego, in a fatherly and insincere tone, approached and tried to convince her. “You have to let it go, Mariela. I know it’s difficult, but we need to face the most painful part. We have to prepare the funeral.” Mariela, sobbing, replied in a broken voice, “I’m not going. I can’t prepare anything. I can’t.” The TV channel, as always pretending to be the solicitous husband, knelt beside her, placed his hand on her shoulder, and said, “I’ll take care of everything, my love.”
“We’re going to give our boy a beautiful funeral. He’ll rest in peace, and we’re going to scatter his ashes in nature, just like he wanted.” The word “ashes” echoed in the mother’s mind. Her body trembled. She had never heard such a wish from her son. Before she could react, Diego reinforced the lie. “He told me. Enrique was smart. He knew, and my love, he knew he was going to die, and he asked me for that. He didn’t want to talk to you because he didn’t want to see you suffer.”
Mariela shook her head in confusion. Something in her heart screamed against the idea of cremation, but Valeria’s presence only complicated matters further. The redhead, feigning passion, approached and finished. “Doña Mariela, we have to fulfill Enrique’s wish.” The mother remained silent, exhausted, without the strength to reply, and finally gave in. And so, a few hours later, little Enrique was placed in a coffin prepared for cremation. But a disquiet lingered within Mariela, an inexplicable premonition.
Following that instinct, she made a strange decision. She placed a small camera inside the coffin. And it was at that point that the story came full circle. We were back to the beginning. The mother, desperate as she watched the cell phone footage, swore she had seen something move inside the coffin. It was then that she demanded Ricardo, the funeral home employee, lift the coffin lid. Mariela was in complete panic. Her heart pounded as the employees slowly removed the lid.
Diego seemed uneasy, though he tried to hide it, and Valeria, as firm as a stone, approached the lover and whispered in his ear. “Relax, everything will be alright. She’ll see the dead child and then she’ll agree to the cremation.” But what happened next chilled everyone to the bone. As soon as they lifted the lid, Ricardo gasped, his hand going to his mouth in shock. The other employee took a step back, stunned. Mariela, for her part, clutched her heart as if the world had stopped.
There, inside the coffin, Enrique seemed to be asleep. His pale face still betrayed his frailty, but something unexpected happened. His fingers moved. Touching the camera, Diego paled. Valeria’s eyes widened in disbelief. Mariela leaned over the coffin, tears cascading down her face. “Son, you’re alive.” And to everyone’s surprise, Enrique slowly opened his eyes, as if struggling against an invisible weight. The millionaire burst into tears of emotion, nearly fainting with joy. Diego murmured in despair.
This isn’t possible. It’s impossible. Valeria, consumed by fury, thought, unable to contain herself. That brat should be dead. How is he alive? My aunt’s poison never fails. How is he alive? Terrified, she took a step back and pulled Diego with her. With a hateful look, she whispered in her lover’s ear, “We have to finish off that brat once and for all. He has to die before he opens his mouth.” Meanwhile, Mariela hugged her son tightly, lifting him from the coffin.
She screamed desperately, pleading, “Help! We need to get Enrique to the hospital right now. My God, I almost cremated my son alive.” Diego, once again donning the mask of a concerned husband, shouted, “Get him in the car! Let’s go right now.” Valeria, feigning support, added, “I’m coming too. I want to help.” But before they could get out, Enrique, still very weak, gripped his mother’s arm with unexpected firmness. Mariela stopped. Diego and Valeria shouted for her to get in the car, but the boy, gathering his strength, murmured, “Don’t get in, Mommy, no.” The millionaire was intrigued.
Her heart raced. She didn’t understand why, but there was truth in her son’s eyes. The wicked lovers, on the other hand, increased the pressure. Doña Mariela Enrique awoke from the depths of despair. She doesn’t know what’s happening. “If you want to save him, he has to come with us,” Valeria shouted. “That’s right, love. Let’s go quickly. We don’t have time to lose,” Diego insisted, feigning desperation. But Enrique, slowly regaining consciousness, raised his voice more clearly. “They, they’re going to kill me.” The words struck Mariela like thunder in her heart.
She stammered, shocked. “What are you saying, my son?” The boy took a deep breath, fighting back the pain, and finally revealed, “I saw them. I saw them kissing. They want to steal everything that’s yours, Mom, and kill me.” Diego, desperate, shouted, trying to silence Enrique. “That’s not true. That boy doesn’t know what he’s saying. He’s confused.” Valeria, trying to reinforce the lie, added with a tone of mock indignation, “Exactly. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He’s delirious.” But Mariela was already looking at them differently.
Her eyes, once filled with sorrow, now held distrust and rage. A mother’s heart knew no doubt. What her son said was true. Diego approached and tried to grab Mariela by the arms, attempting to drag her and Enrique toward the car, but the woman began to scream, resisting with all her might. It was then that Ricardo, the funeral home employee, rushed toward them, pushed Diego back, and freed the mother and son from his grasp.
I don’t know what’s going on here or how this boy came back to life. But if he and his mother don’t want to go with you, then they won’t. Respect their decision. Diego froze for a moment, but when he turned, he saw Valeria running toward the car. “Valeria, what are you doing?” he shouted in a panic. The witch, her eyes wide with fear, replied, “Can’t you see we’ve already lost, Diego? I’m not going to stay here and watch everything explode.” It was then that Mariela understood once and for all that her son was telling the truth.
Those two were monsters, and they were confessing everything without realizing it. Diego lunged at Valeria, furious. “How dare you say that out loud? Didn’t you say the poison was foolproof, that it would never fail?” Valeria, equally out of control, replied, “And it had to be foolproof. You were the one who waited for us, in a hurry, and kissed me in the kitchen.” And we had to rush to give him the poisoned chocolate. I bet he didn’t even eat it all. You ruined everything.” Diego spat the words out with hatred.
Shut up. If it weren’t for your witchy ideas, none of this would have happened. You set me up in this. Valeria advanced, shouting. You wanted the fortune too, you idiot. Don’t pretend you’re innocent. You betrayed your wife, killed her father, killed her ex. Now you want to blame it all on me. Mariela, incredulous, put her hand to her mouth. The confessions came out like daggers. Each word revealed crimes she never could have imagined. Ricardo, shocked, didn’t waste a moment; he took out his cell phone and called the police.
Hello. We have a serious situation at the crematorium. Someone tried to kill a child. He revived inside the coffin. Two suspects are confessing to crimes right now. Come quickly. The red-haired witch tried to start the car, but the engine wouldn’t respond. With each failed attempt, she pounded on the steering wheel in despair. No, no, this can’t be happening. The stepfather, seeing that he couldn’t escape that way, ran out onto the patio, but Ricardo was faster. He ran after him, grabbed his arm, and threw him to the ground hard.
You’re not going anywhere. Seconds later, sirens wailed. A patrol car that had been circling the area arrived quickly. The officers got out and pointed their guns at the two of them. Diego and Valeria were handcuffed while still shouting, trying to blame each other. Diego yelled, “It was her. She made it all up. I was just obeying.” Valeria was no different. “Lies. He was the one who wanted the fortune. He’s the one who killed Mariela’s father and ex-husband. I only obeyed out of fear.”
He was threatening me. Accusations flew through the air like snakes trying to devour each other. Mariela watched the scene, paralyzed, still clutching her semi-conscious son. Then she pleaded desperately, “Please, take my son to the hospital now. He has to live.” Ricardo helped place Enrique in the family car, and they rushed to the emergency room. At the hospital, Mariela explained everything between sobs. “Doctor, they poisoned my son. I saw it with my own eyes. They confessed. Please, save him.” The doctor examined the boy and immediately took him to the UC.
Hours passed before she returned, her expression still serious, but relieved. It was a miracle this child survived. We discovered traces of a strange substance. I can only conclude that the dose in the chocolate was so high that his body reacted by trying to expel it, and the fact that he vomited immediately saved his life. If it had been different, he wouldn’t be here. Mariela wept with relief, falling to her knees and thanking God. Enrique, though frail, was beginning to show signs of improvement.
Meanwhile, the police raided the mansion and found the bottle of poison hidden among Valeria’s belongings. The missing piece of evidence. The following days were a slow recovery. Enrique gradually regained his strength. Each smile from the boy was a rebirth for Mariela. Behind bars, Diego and Valeria continued their spectacle of accusations. At the trial, they blamed each other. Amidst their arguments, they revealed even more crimes: the death of Mariela’s father, the murder of her first husband, and the frauds committed over the years.
Now everything came to light. Justice showed no mercy. Both were convicted and ended up rotting in prison, consumed by their own wickedness. Mariela, for her part, found the strength to start over. She cared for Enrique with all her love and promised never again to let anyone near him to hurt him. Over time, she formed a bond with Ricardo. Months later, now more serene, Mariela smiled as she watched her son running through the garden, healthy once more. Enrique had been reborn, and finally, so had she.
Alongside Ricardo, who would become her life partner, she formed a new family built on love, respect, and protection. The pain would never be forgotten, but hope had triumphed.
END.
