(POV Antonella)
The city greeted me with a heavy air, as if the gray sky knew everything that was about to happen. I walked with steady steps to the café where Mia and I had agreed to meet. The sound of cups and the murmur of customers seemed distant; my mind was focused on one thing: Santiago and Xavier are not going to win.
Mia raised her hand from a table in the corner. She had a furrowed brow.
—Antonella, thanks for coming,— she said as soon as I sat down.
—There's no time for pleasantries,— I replied, pulling out the folder I had in my bag. —Here are copies of the documents proving Santiago forged the signatures. There are also messages linking him to Xavier.—
She took the folder carefully, as if it weighed more than it appeared. —This is enough for the police.—
—I know. —And that's why I came back, even though I'd rather not be here.
Mia took a deep breath. —Saval needs to see this. He's been through too much.—
—I want to talk to him,— I said. It wasn't a request; it was a decision.
—Antonella…— Mia looked at me with some distrust. —He doesn't exactly have fond memories of you.—
I know that all too well. —I'm not here to dig up the past. Just to help.—
After a few minutes, Mia nodded. —He's on campus. I can let him know you're on your way.—
—Do it. And Mia,— I added before she stood up, —thank you for trusting me.—
The campus was quieter than usual, perhaps because of the time. I found Saval near the side garden, staring at the ground as if searching for answers in the pavement. When he saw me, his expression hardened.
—Antonella,— his voice was a mix of surprise and caution.
—Saval,— I took a step forward. —I'm not here to fight.—
He crossed his arms. —Then why?—
—To help you.—
Don't let your guard down, I reminded myself. —I know Santiago and Xavier tried to drive you and Semiel apart. I have proof of what they did.—
Saval blinked, incredulous. —Proof?—
I took out the folder and handed it to him. —Messages, forged documents, everything. Enough for the police to take action.—
He flipped through the pages, his jaw tight. —Why would you do this?— he asked without looking at me.
—Because what they did to you is unforgivable. And…— I took a breath—, because I hurt you once too. I don't want this to continue.—
Silence stretched between us. The wind rustled the dry leaves at our feet.
Saval finally looked up. —This… could finally take Santiago down.—
—That's the idea,— I said firmly. —I'm not looking for anything else.—
His eyes, though still tense, seemed to soften slightly. —Antonella, what happened between us…—
—I know,— I interrupted. —And I'm not here to justify myself. Just to close what was left open.—
It's the least I can do.
Saval put the documents in his backpack. —Thank you,— he murmured at last.
We didn't need more words. We both knew the past couldn't be erased, but at least now there was a chance for justice.
As I walked away, one thought stayed with me: Maybe this time, we can stop the chaos before it's too late.