Chapter 35: The Dual Front

"What do you mean by that?" Mariana demanded, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of rising anger. Tiago cleared his throat, his gaze flickering away from Mariana's piercing stare. "It's not what you think," he muttered. "Then explain it to me, Tiago!" she insisted, her frustration mounting. "Who is that woman? And why does she look exactly like me?" He sighed. "There's a lot you don't know, Mariana," he began, his voice low and measured. " A few years ago, I was on a trip to the United States. I was attacked…" He paused, his jaw clenching tightly as if reliving the memory. "She saved me," he continued, his voice barely a whisper. "But she was gravely injured during the attack. She fell into a coma… and she hasn't woken up since." Mariana's mind reeled. A cold realization dawned on her. "So that's why you married me," she whispered, the accusation hanging heavy in the air. "Because I look like her?" Tiago remained silent, his jaw clenched tight, his expressio