And that silence confirmed that we had made the right choice.

Months later, we ran into Adrián at a family event we attended only out of respect for a sick grandfather. He avoided looking at us. There was no arrogance anymore. Only discomfort. I didn’t feel victorious. I felt closure.

When Lucas turned six months old, we had a small celebration at home. Nothing fancy. Just people who had truly supported us. Friends, neighbors, a nurse who held my hand when I cried in the hospital.

As we blew out a small candle, I looked at my son and understood that the most important inheritance isn’t money or a family name.

It’s the example we set.

Lucas will grow up knowing that his father defended him even when doing so meant standing up to his own flesh and blood. He will grow up knowing that his worth doesn’t depend on other people’s opinions.

And I grew up too.

I learned that true love doesn’t hesitate. It doesn’t stay silent to “keep the peace.” It doesn’t allow humiliation disguised as jokes.

That day, my brother lost his power over me.

And I gained something much greater: the certainty that protecting your child is also protecting yourself.