Chapter 6 - More Than a Chauffeur
As the notary read these vivid details, a heavy, emotional weight settled over the entire funeral home. Many of the older guests, who remembered the early days of the company, nodded slowly, tears welling up in their eyes. They remembered the scars on Ernesto's hands—scars they had always assumed came from working on car engines. Now, they knew the truth. Those scars were the physical price paid to keep Alejandro Montes alive.
“'With the passing of the years,'” Elena continued reading from the will, her voice softened by the profound narrative, “'Ernesto stopped being a chauffeur to me. He became my most loyal friend. My truest confidante. And the only man in this world who knew all my secrets, my fears, and my vulnerabilities.'”
Julián felt a lump forming in his throat. He looked at his siblings, who were also looking down at the floor, overwhelmed by a sudden, intense wave of shame. They had grown up riding in the back of luxury cars, viewing Ernesto merely as a quiet fixture of their wealthy lifestyle. They had ordered him around, left their trash in the seats, and never once asked about his life, his family, or his dreams. They had treated him like a piece of machinery that came with the car.
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The letter explained that Alejandro had offered Ernesto high-ranking corporate positions, stock options, and massive houses multiple times throughout his life. But Ernesto had always refused. He didn't want the stress of the corporate world, nor did he care for luxury. He told Alejandro that his only wish was to ensure his friend got home safely every single night. He wanted to be the one watching the road, protecting the man who had become his true brother.
“'He protected my life from the flames when we were young,'” Alejandro’s words read. “'And he protected my peace of mind when I became old and cynical from the betrayals of the business world. When everyone else approached me with their hands out, wanting a piece of my wealth, Ernesto only held the door open, asking if I had eaten or if I was tired.'”
