Chapter 10 - COLORS OF HOME
Six months later, the garden of the Santillán estate was transformed into a paradise of flowers, white silk canopies, and cheerful music.
It was the wedding day of Alejandro Santillán and Mariana Ríos.
Over two hundred guests—business associates, community leaders from Ecatepec, Detective Vance, and close friends—gathered on the lawn to celebrate the union.
Mariana looked like an absolute dream in a flowing lace wedding gown with a long silk train. Alejandro, looking dashing in a dark tuxedo, couldn't take his eyes off her as she walked down the aisle holding a bouquet of yellow roses.
Lucía was the flower girl, wearing a miniature matching white dress with a yellow sash, tossing flower petals along the path with extreme seriousness, Panquecito tucked securely in a little basket on her arm.
They exchanged their vows under an archway of blooming white roses.
"I promise to honor you, protect you, and love you through every season of life," Alejandro vowed, his voice steady and full of deep warmth as he placed the ring on Mariana’s finger. "You brought color back into my world."
"I promise to stand by you, trust you, and build a home filled with joy and laughter," Mariana responded, her eyes shining with endless love. "You proved that true wealth isn't measured in money, but in the love we share."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife!" the priest announced joyfully. "You may kiss the bride!"
The crowd broke into enthusiastic applause and cheers as Alejandro pulled Mariana into his arms, kissing her passionately under a shower of falling yellow petals.
Later that evening, as the stars twinkled brightly over the Westchester hills, the party moved onto the grand illuminated terrace. Guests were dancing, enjoying music, and celebrating late into the night.
Alejandro stood near the French doors, holding a glass of champagne, watching his new wife and daughter.
Lucía was standing at a small easel set up on the patio, wearing an apron over her flower-girl dress, furiously dipping her brushes into bright paints. Mariana was kneeling beside her, laughing as Lucía accidentally got paint on her nose.
Alejandro walked over, setting his glass aside, and sat down on the low wooden bench beside them.
"What are you painting tonight, my little artist?" Alejandro asked, wrapping his arm around Mariana’s waist and pulling her close against his side.
Lucía turned around proudly, holding up her canvas.
The painting showed a grand house, but it wasn't gray or cold anymore. It was covered in bright yellow suns, green trees, red hearts, and a giant blue butterfly spreading its wings across the top. Standing in front of the house were three figures holding hands: a man, a woman, and a little girl with a stuffed rabbit.
"It's us," Lucía explained with a huge, radiant smile. "Because our house isn't big and sad anymore, Daddy. It's full of colors!"
May you like
Alejandro looked at the painting, then at Mariana’s glowing face, and finally at his daughter's joyful eyes.
The emptiness that had haunted his mansion for years was gone forever, replaced by the warmth of a real family, endless love, and a home painted with the vibrant colors of happiness.
