When doctors informed him that his wife had only a few days left, he bent over her hospital bed and, masking his satisfaction with a cold smile, murmured

Later that afternoon, Alejandro was summoned to the medical director’s office.

“Mr. Martinez,” the doctor began neutrally, “we’ve identified irregularities in certain medication orders.”

“Irregularities?”

“Drugs not typically indicated for this diagnosis — authorized with your signature.”

Alejandro frowned. “I relied on the staff’s expertise.”

“Interestingly, since those medications were discontinued, the patient’s condition has improved.”

The silence that followed was thick.

“Are you suggesting something?” he asked coldly.

“We’re reviewing the facts.”

When he left, his confidence seemed shaken.

That evening, he entered Lucía’s room without greeting her.

“What did you tell them?” he demanded quietly.

Lucía met his eyes with unexpected steadiness.