Chapter 2 - THE CANVAS SHIELD
Gravity demanded a life, but the estate’s architecture intervened. Three stories down, the heavy canvas awning of the terrace broke Lilia’s fall. The thick fabric snapped under her weight, tearing violently, but it slowed her momentum just enough. Alejandro dove, sliding across the stone courtyard. He caught her small, trembling body inches before she hit the granite. Lilia didn’t cry. She just buried her face in his neck, her tiny fingers digging into his suit. Alejandro looked up. Vanesa was still on the balcony, staring down. The fake smile was gone.
