Chapter 1 Prologue

Julia

"Wow, everything looks so beautiful, Julia!" Melissa, my childhood best friend, says, smiling brightly at the colorful decorations of a children's birthday party.

I smile too.

"Do you think he'll like it?" I ask, feeling anxious about Alex's arrival.

And to think, my life wasn't always this simple and happy. I remember the day I fell in love at first sight with the young and handsome Adrian, and I thought it would be the beginning of endless happiness. And I know that's exactly how it would have been if it weren't for that damn accident that took him from me too soon. Afterwards, amidst the pain of his loss, I discovered Adrian had left me a precious gift. I was devastated, but I was also pregnant. Lost in a timeline between the joy of expecting a baby and the grief of losing my great love. Then I realized that, for my son, I would have to survive this storm. For a while, I felt alone and desperate, but I had to pull myself together. So, I focused on finishing my architecture degree and moved from company to company, seeking the best for my little Alex, who was growing inside me, formed of love and affection. And after he was born, I had the support of a few friends. Melissa and Paco were always my pillars of strength, as I have no one else in this world.

- "Are you kidding? He's going to love this beautiful surprise!" - Melissa says with extravagant excitement, pulling me out of my thoughts. And she's right. This is the first real birthday party I've ever thrown for Alex. And oh, everything looks exactly how he described it in his childhood dreams.

I smile, satisfied.

Earning my degree in architecture - a goal encouraged by my late husband - opened new doors for me and gave me back my dignity. Now, I'm working at Bennett Designer S/A, one of the largest design and architecture companies in the country and the world. This opportunity allowed me to create this magical moment with my first paycheck. Today, Alex is turning seven, and making his childhood dream come true is more than just satisfying for me.

"They're here!" Elizabeth, a neighbor, announces with restrained excitement, hiding behind a curtain. We quickly follow suit, hiding behind some furniture.

"Mom isn't here yet?" I hear my son grumble to his godfather, who is also our neighbor and dear friend, as they stand in the hallway of our house.

"You know it's still early, don't you?"

"That doesn't matter. It's my birthday, Paco." He retorts with a hint of impatience, making me smile.

"Relax, champ! You'll be able to hug her soon, and she'll spoil you like she always does. Now, how about a game of video games?" Paco suggests, luring him toward the living room.- "Yes!" The boy cheers, accepting without a second thought, and I quickly hear his hurried footsteps entering the room.

This is it, I think. Now's the moment!

"Surprise!!!"

We all shout in unison, emerging suddenly from our hiding spots with whistles, clapping, and horns filling the room. My boy's dark eyes widen in astonishment. I must confess, it's magical to see the surprised smile slowly spread across his lips. The sparkle in his eyes seems to light up every corner of the room.

Alex bursts with joy as he takes in all the colorful balloons adorned with ribbons, a table overflowing with sweets and savory snacks, and a cake featuring the theme of his favorite hero.

"Mommy!" My son cries out, overjoyed, and I confess, this is the greatest reward I could ever have. Seeing him run into my arms, wearing the most beautiful smile in the world.

And oh, I kiss him endlessly, taking in his sweet scent, unable to let him go for even a second. It feels as though my heart might explode with love.

"Happy birthday, my son!" I whisper, my smile growing even wider.

Before long, we're all singing "Happy Birthday." Minutes later, Alex is tearing into his presents with immense excitement. After devouring a generous slice of his favorite cake, he wraps me in his small, loving arms in a tight hug that I cherish more than anything.

"Mom, can I go play with them now?"

How could I say no? After all, it's his day.

"Of course, buddy. Go ahead!"

I spend a moment watching him with pride as he moves away, picking up his ball to play in the garden with his school friends. And God, I simply can't take my eyes off him.

"You really are a spectacular mom," Paco murmurs, leaning against the balcony railing right beside me.

"And you're an amazing friend," I reply, glancing at him briefly before turning my attention back to the children playing. - "I can never thank you enough for everything you do for him."

"You don't need to. I love that boy as if he were my own," he declares, and his words make me look into his eyes. Paco grows serious, and his gaze seems to pierce right through mine.

"What's wrong?" Mel's concerned question draws my attention away from Paco to look in another direction. "Alex?!" she calls out worriedly, while I see him standing still in the middle of the garden. Alex looks like he's struggling to breathe, and my heart stops abruptly.

"Alex?!" I call, completely panicked, running toward him at the exact moment he collapses to the ground. "Alex?!" I cry out, kneeling beside him, feeling how cold and limp he is. "Son, please talk to me!" I plead, but he doesn't respond.

"What happened?" Paco asks the children, who all look frightened.

"I don't know," one of them replies.

"We were playing hide-and-seek, and suddenly he stopped and... he just collapsed."

"We're taking him to the hospital now!" My friend abruptly picks him up in his arms and rushes out of the yard.

- "I'll grab my bag!" I announce, somewhat frantic, and seconds later, I'm in the back seat of his car, tending to my son, who now seems so weak.

Fate cannot be cruel to me again.

I think this, but it feels more like a prayer. I cannot lose someone else close to me. Dear God, I couldn't bear the thought of living without him.