07. Snake Poison

The first thing that goes through Mariana's mind is to just get up and walk away, without saying a single word.

The second thing is to smile, wave and tell that old woman to go to hell, and then get up and walk away.

But nervousness, confusion and hesitation cause the girl to simply stare for a few seconds before saying:

"Hello," Mariana replies, trying to keep her composure, although her thoughts are racing. 

She observes the serene expression on Isabella's face. How had that woman found her? Although she is trying to remain calm, Mariana really wants to hold her by the collar of her blouse and shake her as she fills her with questions.

Isabella smiles gently and says: 

"I hope you don't mind that I have kept my anonymity. I was concerned for my safety as well as yours in choosing this method. I have been following the difficult situation you are going through and felt it was time to intervene."

Mariana frowns, still processing the revelation. She had a hard time believing that Isabella, her ex-husband's mother, was offering help and support at this crucial time in her life.

Isabella continues, noting Mariana's surprise: 

"I know that our relationship in the past was not the best, but as a mother, I cannot ignore the situation you are in. I saw how unhappy my son made you and how he left you in a difficult situation."

Mariana shakes her head, speechless. She never expected to receive help or compassion from Isabella, especially since, according to Maxmilian, her former mother-in-law never looked kindly on that marriage.

But was Max lying? Had he purposely undermined their relationship, only to make the girl feel even more alone?

Isabella notices Mariana's hesitation and continues: 

"I understand your doubts and concerns. I'm not asking you to trust me blindly. But I would like to offer you an opportunity to change your life, to ensure that you and your child have a better future. I can provide financial resources, support, and everything you need to build a decent life for both of you."

Isabella's proposal is tempting, but Mariana remains cautious. After all, that story was very strange.

"How did you learn about my pregnancy and my current situation? And why now, after so long?"

Isabella looks at Mariana with compassion in her eyes and answers: 

"I have my contacts and my way of getting information. As for the timing, it is true that it took me a while to take action. Maybe it was my own fault for not realizing how toxic my son was. But now I am here, willing to make a difference. I want to make up for what my son did to you."

Again: the distrust was too great. During the years she had been married, Isabella had never tried to approach her. And now, months after the divorce, she wanted to be friends with her wife?

You can't look a gift horse in the mouth, it's true. But this was more like a Trojan horse.

Mariana takes a deep breath before trying to crack an affable smile, although she doubted she had succeeded, and politely says:

"I appreciate the offer and understand your intentions, but I need some time to consider all of this. I need to make sure it is the best decision for me and my son. May I contact you later?"

Isabella nods with understanding. "Of course, dear. I understand that it is an important decision. And I've also come prepared for that answer."

Livid, the girl watches as the woman takes her cell phone from her purse and types something.

"Don't get me wrong, dear. It's not that I disagree with your decisions. In fact, I believe that separating from my husband was a great thing."

She tilts her head to the side and plays with one of the hoop earrings in her ear.

"But... Running away from my son carrying his baby... I don't think that was very smart of you."

Isabella says that smiling, but Mariana can feel the venom dripping down her lips. 

"I didn't get pregnant on purpose."

"Of course not."

"I'm serious! I used to take care of myself, I took birth control. But now I love my son and I want to take care of him, and far away from Maxmilian."

"That's what you say now. But, understand, after you left, my son is a little... How shall I put this?" Isabella scrunches one of her eyes and relaxes her posture again, as if commenting on the weather. "He's been quite distant from me. He hardly returns my calls, and makes lame excuses for not showing up to family gatherings anymore.

"And what does that have to do with me?"

"I believe he is somewhat shocked by the divorce, and doesn't seem to be accepting the new reality."

"Listen, Isabella."

"No, Mariana. You listen to me."

The sympathetic, charitable look of yesteryear is gone. Now the gray-haired, beautiful woman in front of her is with a rigid expression just like a barracks sergeant.

"You are going to have this baby. You will raise it with all the love in the world, and the two of you will be happy forever. But Maxmilian will never, under any circumstances, suspect the existence of that child."

Mariana wants to slap the woman, but she controls herself as much as she can and says, with as much politeness as she has left:

"It's okay, Isabella. That was exactly the idea."

"Fine."

"But save your money. I don't want to have any ties with you, much less accept this dirty bribe of yours."

The woman stands up, doing her best not to look extremely shaken and hurt.

"You have wasted your time. Just like Max, I want you out of my life. And my son's too."

She walks at a quick pace to the door of the coffee shop, blowing smoke out of her nose from so much hatred.

And she bumps into a tall man in a suit, who looks very much like Maximilian.

"Sister-in-law."

"That's got to be a joke," she grumbles.

Yes, it was Maxwell Philips.