MILLONARIO FINGIÓ SER POBRE PARA ENCONTRAR UNA ESPOSA… Y FUE LA MUJER MÁS HERMOSA LA QUE LO QUISO !

A millionaire pretended to be poor to find a wife, but what he didn’t expect was that the most beautiful woman in the city would choose him.  Alejandro Torres had everything many dreamed of, and yet he could n’t sleep peacefully.  At 35, he lived in a huge house in one of the most exclusive areas of the city with windows that offered an impressive view, luxury cars in the garage, and a team of people who took care of every detail of his life.

From the outside it seemed that he lacked nothing, but every night when he was alone, he felt an emptiness that he could not fill with anything he had.  It wasn’t something I could buy or solve with money.  It was an uncomfortable, constant feeling, [music] as if everything around him was fake.

  I had learned to distrust people.  It wasn’t always like this .  As a young musician, Alejandro was more open, more relaxed, more willing to believe in others, but over time his success began to attract all kinds of people: friends who appeared out of nowhere, partners who only thought about taking advantage, and above all, romantic relationships that ended up being a disappointment.

  He had had several girlfriends, attractive, confident women, always well-dressed, but they all seemed interested in the same thing.  Travel, gifts, parties, lifestyle, never in him.  His last relationship had been the one that marked him the most.  Her name was Fernanda.  At first everything was intense, fun, full of plans and promises. She said she loved him, that she liked him the way he was, that she didn’t care about his money.

Alejandro wanted to believe her, he really tried, but as the months went by he began to notice things that didn’t add up.  Comments about brands, insistence on going to certain expensive places, annoyance when he was not available to go out or spend money, until one day without looking for it, he found messages on her cell phone talking to a friend.

  In those messages, Fernanda clearly stated that Alejandro was perfect because he gave her a life she could never have had on her own.   He was n’t talking about affection or respect, only about convenience.  That moment was a hard blow.  Alejandro didn’t make a scene, he didn’t shout or create drama, he simply ended the relationship and removed her from his life, but something changed inside him.  I could no longer trust in the same way.

[music] He began to wonder if anyone had ever truly loved him or if he had always just been a wallet with legs. That idea was on his mind every day. Over time, she stopped going out as much, rejected invitations, avoided meetings, and when she did go to an event, she felt out of place.  Everything seemed superficial to him.

The conversations were empty, the smiles forced, the interests too obvious.  She grew tired of hearing the same thing over and over again, of feeling that she had to act a certain way to fit into a world that no longer interested her.  One night, sitting in his living room, with a glass in his hand that he had barely tasted, he stared at his reflection in the window.

[music] There I was, wearing expensive clothes, in an amazing place, and with no one to share it with, really.  It was at that moment that something clicked in his mind.  I didn’t want to continue like this.  I didn’t want to fall into the same trap again, but I also didn’t know how to change it.

  He thought about what he really wanted.  [music] It wasn’t complicated.  He wanted someone who would look at him without thinking about what he had, someone he could talk to without filters, without games, without appearances.  Someone who expected nothing more than her company.  But how could one find someone like that in the world he inhabited?  The idea started as something small, almost [clears throat] like an unimportant thought, but it gradually grew.

  And what if he stopped showing who he was, and what if for a while he stopped being the rich man everyone knew.  What would happen if he presented himself as an ordinary person, without money, without luxuries?  If someone was interested in him like that, then maybe he was real.  At first, it seemed crazy to him.  It wasn’t something someone in his position would do.

He could waste time, have a bad time, even get into trouble.  But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made.  [music] It was the only way he could think of to find out the truth, to stop living with that doubt that was consuming him.  The next day he made a decision.

  He was going to do it, not for fun or out of curiosity, but because he could no longer stand living surrounded by doubts.  He wanted answers, even if he didn’t like them.  He started with the basics.   She put away her designer clothes and bought simple, nothing flashy, ordinary jeans, shirts without logos, [music] cheap sneakers.

  He looked in the mirror with this new look and for the first time in a long time he didn’t see the successful businessman.  He saw an ordinary man, and that, instead of making him uncomfortable, gave him a certain calm. Then came the car; he stopped using his luxury cars and got an old, functional, but clearly neglected one. Nothing that caught anyone’s attention, nothing that suggested money.

  He wanted to go unnoticed.  He also changed his routines.  He stopped going to exclusive places where everyone knew him. He began to explore areas of the city he had never been to before. Small restaurants, quiet parks, streets with real movement, unfiltered.  Everything was different, simpler, more direct.  The first few days were strange.

  She felt out of place, as if she were acting in a life that wasn’t her own. But little by little he got used to it. He began to observe more, to listen more, to notice things that previously went unnoticed.  Even so, deep down I knew that the hardest part was yet to come.  She was going to confront the way people treated someone without money.

  She was going to discover things she might not like, but there was no going back.  One afternoon, [music] before leaving, she stood a few seconds longer in front of the mirror.  There were no expensive suits, no luxury watches, nothing that distinguished him.  [music] Only he, perhaps for the first time in a long time, took a deep breath, grabbed his keys and left the house without knowing that this path was going to change him completely.

  Alejandro left that morning with a strange mixture of nerves and curiosity.  It wasn’t fear, but rather a feeling of not knowing exactly what was going to happen.  He got into the old car he had bought, one that made a small noise every time it started, and for a moment he thought about how absurd everything looked.

  He, who had cars that cost more than some houses, [music] now driving that vehicle that no one would even look at.  But instead of regretting it, he smiled a little.  That was exactly what I was looking for.  He decided to start with something simple.  He went to a cafe that was in a fairly busy area, not far from the center.

  It wasn’t an elegant place, but it wasn’t neglected either.  It had tables outside and people coming and going all the time.  He parked carefully, got out of the car, and walked toward the entrance.  Nobody looked at him, nobody was surprised.  He was invisible, and that, although it was part of the plan, hit him harder than he expected.

  He went in and sat down at a table.  A waitress walked past him without stopping.  He waited a few minutes thinking that perhaps she was busy, but he saw her attending to other people who had arrived after him.  He raised his hand slightly to get her attention, and when she finally approached, she did so with a serious, uninterested face.

  He asked her what she was going to order.  Without looking at it much, Alejandro ordered a simple coffee.  She scored quickly and left without saying anything else.  While he waited, he looked around.  There were couples, groups of friends, people working on their computers, everything normal.  But he felt a distance that hadn’t existed before.

  Nobody recognized him, nobody paid him any attention.  He was no longer the important man everyone wanted to greet; he was just another face in the crowd. And that made him think about all the times he had taken it for granted that people treated him well because of the way he was, when perhaps that wasn’t the case. When the coffee was brought to her, the waitress left it on the table without saying a word, not a smile, not a kind gesture.

  Alejandro said nothing, he just watched, paid after a while and left.  It hadn’t been a bad experience, but it wasn’t pleasant either. It was cold, empty, [music] and that was just the beginning.  During the following days he repeated the same routine in different places: small restaurants, shops, parks, and even some quiet bars.

  In every place, history repeated itself in some way.  Quick glances that looked away, minimal attention, short answers.  Sometimes, not even that.  One day he decided to try talking to someone directly. [music] He was in a park sitting on a bench when he saw a woman walking her dog.  She seemed kind and calm.  As she walked by, Alejandro made a comment about the dog.

  Something simple, something that would normally start a conversation.  She looked at him for a second, responded with a short [music] yes and continued walking without stopping.  He didn’t even try to continue the conversation.  Those kinds of moments began to accumulate.  Each failed attempt was like a small confirmation of what he feared.  It wasn’t just that they didn’t know him, it was that they weren’t interested in knowing him.

  Another day he went to a rather unfancy bar, an ordinary place where people went to relax after work.  He sat down at the bar and ordered a drink.  There were two women chatting next to him.  Alejandro thought about trying to join the conversation, [music] but before he could , one of them looked him up and down, silently assessing him, and then turned completely around to give him her back.

  It was a clear gesture; there was no self- interest.  That night he returned home earlier than usual, took off his simple clothes and left them on the bed.   He remained silent for a while, thinking; he wasn’t angry, but he was affected.  It was a feeling that was hard to explain.  It wasn’t just rejection, it was as if I didn’t exist.  Even so, he did not give up.

  I knew this wasn’t going to be easy.  If I really wanted to find someone different, I had to go through all of that. I had to see reality without filters. As the days went by, [music] began to notice something else.  Not all reactions were the same, but most agreed on one thing.  The way people treated him was completely tied to how his clothes, his car, his overall appearance looked .

  It was as if that defined everything before I could even open my mouth.  One Saturday afternoon he decided to go to a square.  [music] He walked between the shops watching people go by.  At one point she went into a clothing store.  I wasn’t looking to buy anything, I just wanted to see how they treated him.  An employee approached him, but not with the intention of helping him, but rather to keep an eye on him.

  I followed him at a distance, observing his every move. [music] Alejandro noticed it immediately.   It was obvious that he thought he could steal something.  That situation made him more uncomfortable than he expected.  He said nothing, but left the store almost immediately. Outside, he took a deep breath, trying to calm that mixture of anger and sadness.

   I’d never experienced anything like this before. [music] Never.  That night, as he drove back, he thought about everything he had experienced in such a short time.  It was not an exaggeration.  The treatment was different, very different.  And the worst part was that it seemed to be normal.  But within all that, there was also a small spark of hope.

[music] If all that was real, if that’s how most people reacted, then when I found someone who wasn’t like that, I would know it immediately.  There would be no doubt.  With that idea in mind, he decided to move forward.  No matter how long it took or how many uncomfortable experiences she had to go through, she had already started and she didn’t intend to stop.

  The next day, he put on the same simple clothes again, took the keys to the old car and went out again, this time without so many expectations.  But with a clear intention, to keep searching, without knowing that very soon, in the least expected place, everything was going to start changing.  The days began to feel heavier for Alejandro.

  At first it had all been curiosity, as if I were trying something new, but little by little the experience stopped being interesting and began to hurt.  It wasn’t physical pain, of course, it was something more internal, a mixture of discomfort, frustration and a constant feeling of not fitting in anywhere.

  One afternoon he decided to go to a restaurant that looked simple but nice.  It had tables outside, soft music, and several people eating peacefully.  He thought that maybe it would be different there.  He parked, got out of his car, and walked toward the entrance.   He barely set foot inside.  The manager looked him up and down.

  He said nothing, but that look was enough to let him know he wasn’t welcome. [music] Alejandro approached anyway and asked for a table.  The manager took a few seconds to respond, as if he were evaluating whether it was worth attending to him.  Finally, he pointed to a table at the back [music] near the kitchen where the noise was constant.

  Alejandro didn’t say anything, he just walked over there and sat down .  Several minutes passed before someone approached to take his order.  [music] When they finally did, it was with a dry, uninterested attitude .  He asked for something simple, trying not to draw attention to himself.  While waiting, he observed how the treatment was different at other tables.

  Smiles, recommendations, small conversations.  [music] Nothing with him. When the food arrived it was cold. Alejandro noticed it immediately, but decided not to complain.  I didn’t want to cause any problems.  He finished what he could, paid for [music] and left.  As she walked toward her car, she felt something she had never felt before.

  It wasn’t anger, it was something deeper.  It was realizing that they were treating him like someone who didn’t deserve even the basics.  That experience kept going around in his head all the way back.  He thought about all the times he had gone to luxury restaurants and received the best possible treatment.

  At that moment he understood that it hadn’t always been because of who he was, but because of what he represented.  The next day she decided to go to a small meeting she had seen advertised on social media.  It was a simple event, something like a get-together between young people in a cultural space.  He thought that perhaps in a more relaxed environment things would be different.

  He arrived wearing the same clothes as always, in the same old car, with the same intention of going unnoticed.  The place was full of people chatting, laughing, and having a drink. Alejandro approached a group that seemed open.  He tried to fit in with a casual comment, something about the music that was playing.  For a moment, someone answered him, but only a few seconds passed before the conversation changed and he was completely left out.

  [music] tried again, this time with another person, but the reaction was similar. Short answers, quick glances, and then silence.  At one point he heard two people talking near him.  They weren’t being discreet.  One of them commented that that guy seemed out of place.  The other one laughed and said that he had probably only come in to see what he could get.

  Alejandro remained still, he did not react, but those words hit him harder than he expected.  He turned around and left without saying goodbye. [music] I didn’t feel like trying anything else that night.  As she walked toward her car, she felt a pressure in her chest.  It wasn’t just what had happened, it was everything that was piling up.

As the days went by, the experiences were repeated, but each one left a deeper mark. [clears throat] One morning he went to a different cafe [music] with the intention of starting the day peacefully.   He sat down, ordered a coffee, and when he went to pay, the person at the register checked the bill several times, as if doubting its authenticity.

  It was a small gesture, but very clear.  Another day, while walking down a busy street, he passed by a group of women.  [music] One of them looked at him and said in a low voice, but loud enough for him to hear, that with that appearance it wasn’t even worth turning around to look. The others laughed.  Alejandro kept walking without turning around.

  But with that phrase repeating in his head, each moment of that kind was wearing something down inside him.  He began to question whether he was really prepared to continue with that experiment.  It wasn’t just observing, it was experiencing it.  And living through it was much harder than I had imagined.

  One night, after another long day, he arrived home and left his keys on the table.  He sat in the armchair in silence.  He looked around.  Everything was still there.  Luxury, comfort.  the life she had built, but now she saw it differently.  She got up and went to the mirror.  It was observed for a few seconds.

  I no longer saw the same confident man as before.  There was something different in his gaze, more tiredness, more doubt.  He wondered if it was really worth continuing.  If finding someone different justified everything that was happening, because up until that moment I hadn’t found anything different, only more reasons to distrust.

  But just as she was about to question everything, she remembered why she had started.  It wasn’t just about finding someone, it was about stopping living with that uncertainty, about knowing the truth, even if she didn’t like it.  He took a deep breath, ran his hand over his face, and closed his eyes for a moment.

  She wasn’t going to give up, not yet.  The next day he went out again, with less enthusiasm, yes, [music] but with a firm decision.   He was going to keep searching, even though each attempt felt more difficult than the last, without imagining that he was getting closer and closer to a place where, for the first time, someone would look at him differently.

  That day didn’t start out any different from the others, but Alejandro was n’t expecting much anymore.  He got up without haste, put on the same simple clothes he had worn the last few days, and took the keys to his old car.  Before leaving, he stood for a few seconds at his front door, as if wondering whether it was worth trying again, but in the end he left.

  He had already come too far to stop right there.  He drove without a clear destination, simply moving along streets he didn’t usually travel, observing everything with a different kind of attention.  She was no longer trying to impress anyone, or even to fit in .  I just wanted to find something real, even if it was just a small sign.

After a while, he went into a quiet neighborhood, one of those where people know each other.  There were no large buildings or flashy places, everything was simple.  That’s when he saw a small cafe on the corner.   It did n’t have a flashy sign or modern decor.  It was a modest place, with a few tables outside and a large window through which you could see inside.

  Alejandro almost kept going .  It didn’t seem like anything special, but something made him stop.  Perhaps it was the peaceful atmosphere or simply the fact that he had nothing to lose.  He parked the car and got out without thinking too much about it.  Upon entering, [music] the first thing she noticed was the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

  It was a warm, familiar scent.  [music] The place wasn’t big, but it felt cozy.  There were a few people sitting around chatting quietly or checking their phones.  Nothing exaggerated, nothing forced.  Everything felt normal.  He sat down at a table near the window. Nobody looked at him strangely, but he didn’t attract any attention either.  It was exactly what I expected.

   He settled into the chair and for a moment, thought that perhaps it would be the same as in the other places.  Cold attention, short answers, indifference.  But then something different happened.  A woman approached their table.  She wore a simple apron, her hair was tied back, and she had a calm expression.

  She didn’t have an exaggerated smile or a fake attitude, just a natural way of being there.  Hello, what can I offer you?  he said, looking directly at him.  Alejandro looked up, a little surprised, not by the question, but by the way it was said.  There was no rush, no annoyance, [music] there was no that tone that had already become so common for him.

  It was a normal, friendly, effortless voice.  “A coffee, please,” he replied.  “Alone or with something else?” she asked.  Alejandro hesitated for a second.  “Just thank you.”  She nodded and wrote down the order.  I’ll bring it to you right now.   He left without further ado, but without the coldness I had expected.

  Alejandro stood observing the place, but his attention kept returning to that small moment.  It was something simple, but it felt different.  Minutes later, the woman returned with the coffee and carefully placed it in front of him.  Here you go.  If you need anything else, let me know. He said in the same calm tone. Alejandro nodded.  Thank you.

  She gave him a small, not exaggerated smile and continued with her work.  Alejandro took the coffee and sipped it.  It was hot, well prepared, but what really caught his attention was not the coffee, but the way he was being treated.  There was no contempt, no disinterest, nor was there any special treatment; it was simply respect.

  During the next few minutes he watched her attend to the other customers.  It was the same for everyone, [music] kind, attentive, without making distinctions.  It didn’t matter if someone asked for something simple or something more elaborate, their attitude was the same.  At one point, she walked past his table and he decided to speak.

  [music] “Hey, the coffee is really good,” he said.  She stopped and looked at him.  “That’s great! We try to do things right here, although sometimes it gets complicated,” he replied with a small smile.  Alejandro noticed something in the way he spoke.  There was no intention to impress or to sell anything.  It was just honesty.  “It shows,” he said.

  She nodded and continued on her way.  That exchange was short, but it left something in Alejandro.  It wasn’t just what he said, it was how he said it.  I wasn’t ignoring him, but I wasn’t trying too hard to please him either.  It was a middle ground I had n’t found anywhere else .  He stayed there a while longer, without rushing.

She finished her coffee, but she didn’t feel like leaving right away.  It was strange, but for the first time since all this had started, he didn’t feel uncomfortable.  When he finally decided to pay, he approached the bar.  The same woman was there. “How much [music] is it?” he asked.  She told him the price.

  Something fair, without exaggeration.  Alejandro took out the money and handed it to him.  “Thank you,” she said as she took the payment.  “Thank you,” he replied.  There was a brief silence, but it wasn’t awkward.  Is it always this quiet here?  Alejandro asked without thinking much.  “It depends on the day,” she replied.  It’s been calm today.

There are heavier days.  Alejandro nodded. The place feels good.  “I’m glad you liked it,” she said.  Alejandro hesitated for a second before speaking.  My name is Alejandro.  She looked at him naturally. Valeria replied.  [music] There was no surprise or change in his attitude.  Just a normal presentation like any other.

  Alejandro nodded and waved goodbye .  He left the place with a different feeling than he had had in the previous days.  It wasn’t excitement, it wasn’t something exaggerated, it was something calmer, more firm, as if for the first time I had found something worth exploring.  He got into his car and it sat for a few seconds without starting.

  He looked towards the cafeteria through the glass.  Valeria continued working, [music] attending to other customers with the same attitude.  He started the car and left, but his mind stayed there for the first time since it had all begun.  I wasn’t thinking about rejections or bad experiences.  I was thinking about that simple moment, that short conversation, that different way of dealing with him.

  And without realizing it, he began to wait for the moment to return.  Valeria didn’t arrive at that cafe by chance or by choice.  He came out of necessity.  Each day began before sunrise, when most of the city was still asleep.  Her alarm went off at 5 a.m. and, although she often wanted to stay in bed a few more minutes, she never did.

  He would get up immediately, as if his body was already used to not having that luxury.  I lived in a small apartment in a quiet area, nothing luxurious, but clean and tidy.  [music] Everything in that place had a purpose.  There were no extra things, there wasn’t money for that.  In the next room was her mother, [clears throat] Carmen, a woman who had been strong all her life, but who now depended completely on Valeria.

Carmen had been ill for several years.  At first they were just annoyances.  Pains that came and went, [music] but over time the situation worsened. Diagnoses, treatments, [music], hospital visits, expenses that kept increasing.  Valeria put many plans aside in order to take care of her.  He didn’t think about it too much.

  For her, music was simply what she had to do.  That morning, like every morning, [music] Valeria carefully entered her mother’s room.  Carmen was already awake, looking out the window.   ” Good morning, Mom,” Valeria said softly. “Good morning, daughter,” Carmen replied with a tired smile. Valeria went over , straightened the blankets, and checked that everything was in order.

 Then she went to the kitchen [music] and prepared something simple for breakfast. There wasn’t much, but she made the most of what she had. She returned with a plate and sat next to her mother while she ate slowly. “How are you feeling today?” Valeria asked. “A little better.” Carmen said, although her tone wasn’t entirely convincing.

  Valeria noticed it, but didn’t insist.  She knew her mom didn’t want to worry her more than necessary.  After getting everything ready, she checked the medications, organized what Carmen would need during the day, and left everything within reach.  Before leaving, he stood for a few seconds at the door.  I’ll be back in the afternoon.

  “Tell me if you need anything,” he said.  [music] Carmen.  He nodded.  Take care of yourself .  Valeria left the apartment, closed the door, and took a deep breath.  Outside, the air was fresh, but her mind was already occupied with everything she had to do.  The walk to the cafeteria was short.  He always arrived before opening to help with the preparations.

  He turned on the machines, cleaned tables, and tidied everything up.  It wasn’t his business, but he took care of it as if it were.  The owner, Don Ricardo, was an older man who trusted her.  [music] I knew Valeria was responsible and I never had to remind her what she should do.  “Good morning, Vale,” he said that morning when he saw her come in.  Good morning, Mr.

 Ricardo, she replied as she put on her apron.  Today is going to be busy.  “There are large orders,” he commented.  Valeria nodded.  Don’t worry, we’ll get everything out here.  And that’s how it always was.   It did n’t matter if the day was busy or quiet, she kept to the same pace.   He didn’t complain, he didn’t get distracted.

  I knew that every hour worked was important. During the day I attended to all kinds of people.  Some were friendly, others not so much.  There were those who didn’t even look at her when they spoke, and others who took the time to say thank you. But Valeria didn’t discriminate. He treated everyone the same.   I did n’t do it out of obligation or to look good.  It was simply the way she was.

She knew what it was like to have a hard time, what it was like to need help or at least a little respect.  And although I couldn’t change other people’s lives, [music] at least I could decide how to treat them.  In his free time he would check his cell phone, not for distraction, but to keep an eye on his mother.

  She was always on the lookout for any calls or messages.  Sometimes, he would even ask permission to step out for a few minutes to make sure everything was alright.  The money was never quite enough .  Between medicine, rent, food, and other expenses, everything was going fast. Valeria had learned to manage every penny, to prioritize, to make sacrifices.

  It wasn’t easy, but I was used to it by now.  Even so, there was something about her that hadn’t been lost; she hadn’t become hard or indifferent.  She remained kind, direct, sincere, [music] she didn’t fake smiles, but she also didn’t treat anyone badly.  That day, while waiting on the tables, she saw Alejandro again.

  She recognized him immediately, not because he was anyone special, but because he had been polite to her the day before.  That alone was enough to make someone remember him at his job. [music] approached with the same naturalness as always.  “Hello, same as yesterday?” he asked.  Alejandro looked at her, a little surprised that she remembered him.

  “Yes, please, I’ll bring it to you in a moment,” she replied.  [music] He turned around and continued working.  For Valeria, that was just another client.  She knew nothing about him, nor was she interested in drawing any conclusions.  He didn’t notice her clothes beyond what was necessary, nor her car, nor anything external, only how she behaved.

  While preparing the coffee, she thought about how normal everything was.  One more customer, one more order, one more day of work.  But without realizing it, that small gesture of recognizing him, of treating him the same as anyone else, was making a huge difference for Alejandro.  Valeria had no idea about that.

  For her, life continued as before, with responsibilities, worries, and tiredness, but also with a way of seeing people that did not depend on what they had.  And without knowing it, that was exactly what Alejandro had been looking for all that time.  Alejandro returned to the cafeteria the next day, and then the next, and then again.

  At first he tried to convince himself that he was only there for the coffee, [music] but even he didn’t believe it.  There was something about that place that made him feel different, calmer, as if he could finally let his guard down, and a big part of that had a name, Valeria.  [music] The routine began to form almost without realizing it .

  She arrived at the same time, sat at a similar table, and shortly afterwards Valeria approached.  “The usual,” he said, now with a slight smile.  “Yes, you already know me,” he replied, trying to sound relaxed. And it was true. In just a few days, she already knew how he liked his coffee, whether he wanted sugar or not, even if he seemed quieter than usual that day.

 It wasn’t that she was watching him all the time; she simply had this way of observing without making it obvious. Alejandro began to notice small details. How Valeria moved quickly when the place got crowded. How she remained calm, even when she had several orders at the same time, how she treated everyone the same, [music] regardless of whether they left a good tip or not.

 She wasn’t trying to please, but she wasn’t cold either. It was a simple, uncomplicated attitude. One day, while she was cleaning a nearby table, Alejandro decided to talk a little more. [music] “Hey, it’s always packed here, is n’t it?” he commented. Valeria looked up . “There are worse days,” she said with a small laugh. “It’s quiet today.

” “And don’t you [music] get tired?” he asked. “Yes, but I’m used to it,” she replied without drama. “Besides, it would be worse not to have a job.” That answer Alejandro took it to heart. There was no complaining, no playing the victim, just the truth stated as it was . As the days went by, the conversations gradually lengthened . Nothing forced, nothing planned.

Sometimes they talked about simple things like the weather, traffic, or a difficult client. Other times, about things a bit more personal. Alejandro was careful with what he said. He didn’t want to reveal too much, but he also didn’t want to seem distant. Finding that middle ground wasn’t always easy.

 “And what do you do for a living ?” Valeria asked him one afternoon as she brought him his coffee. Alejandro hesitated for a second. “I work in various fields,” he replied, “[music]” without going into details. Valeria looked at him as if noticing that he didn’t want to delve deeper. ” Sounds busy,” she said simply. “A little,” he replied.

 She didn’t press the issue, and he liked that. She wasn’t trying to extract information from him, she wasn’t asking uncomfortable questions, she was just letting things flow. On another occasion, he was the one who asked. “Have you always worked here?” Valeria shook her head. “No, I’ve been here for a few years now, but before that I did a little bit of everything.” “And do you like it?”  Alejandro asked.

Valeria shrugged. “It’s work. It helps me with what I need. That’s enough.” Alejandro noticed something in her tone. It wasn’t resignation, but it wasn’t enthusiasm either. It was more of a quiet acceptance. Little by little, he began to feel more comfortable talking to her.

 He no longer thought so much about each word. The conversations flowed more naturally. One day he arrived earlier than usual. The café was almost empty. Valeria was arranging some things at the counter. “I did come early today,” Alejandro said as he approached. Valeria smiled slightly. “Yes, you earned the silence of the place today.”  “It feels different,” he commented as he sat down. “It doesn’t last long,” she replied.

[music] “Take advantage of it.”  That day they talked more than usual, about music, food, and places in the city.  Nothing profound, but not superficial either.  It was a conversation that just felt right.  Alejandro began to notice something he had n’t felt in a long time. Interest, but not the kind of interest I had seen before, full of expectations or conditions.

  It was something calmer, more genuine.  I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I wanted to keep watching it. [music] Valeria, for her part, also began to recognize him as more than just a client, not because he looked different , but because of the way he behaved.  He was respectful, didn’t try to attract attention, and didn’t make awkward comments like some other customers.

  One day, while I was leaving him his coffee, he said something that took him by surprise.  You are one of the few who don’t arrive in a hurry.  Alejandro looked up .  Is that good or bad?  “It depends,” [music] she replied, “but it’s appreciated here.” Those kinds of comments, simple but direct, made Alejandro feel seen in a different way.

The visits became part of their day.  Even when he had things to do, he would find a way to stop by, even if it was just for a little while.  Sometimes he would stay longer than necessary, just observing, listening to the atmosphere, waiting for a moment to talk to Valeria.  It wasn’t all conversation. [music] There were silences, moments when everyone was in their own world, but they weren’t awkward, they were peaceful.

  [music] One afternoon, while he was checking his cell phone, Valeria walked past his table.  “You’re very quiet today,” he said.  Alejandro put his cell phone aside.  “I’m just thinking.”  “In good or bad things?” she asked.  “I don’t know yet,” he replied.  Valeria nodded, as if understanding more than what she was saying.

  “Well, hopefully they’ll get along,” he said before continuing to work. Those kinds of details, small constants, were creating something between them. It wasn’t something defined, it didn’t have a name yet, but it was there. Alejandro no longer felt the weight of the previous days when he was in that place.

 The coffee shop had become a space where he could be himself, without expectations, without pressure, and without realizing it , every time he left, he did so with a different feeling, lighter, clearer, as if little by little something inside him was beginning to change. The day Alejandro decided to ask Valeria out wasn’t a special day.

[music] There wasn’t anything that clearly pushed him; rather, it was a mixture of everything that had happened in the last few weeks: the conversations, the trust that had gradually formed, the way she treated him without expecting anything in return. All of that accumulated until he could no longer ignore it.

 He arrived at the coffee shop as usual, but that day he was more restless. He sat at his usual table, but he couldn’t stop thinking about what he was going to do.  That is to say. It wasn’t the kind of nervousness he’d felt before with other women. It was something different. He didn’t want to ruin what they already had. Valeria approached him casually.

[music] Hi. The usual, she asked. Alejandro nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. Yes, please. She looked at him for a second longer than usual. [music] Is everything alright? she asked. Yes, well, yes, he replied, trying to sound calm. Valeria didn’t press him, but it was clear she’d noticed something.

 Minutes later, she returned with the coffee. Alejandro took a sip, as if trying to buy time. Finally, he placed the cup on the table and looked at her. [music] Hey, Valeria. Yes, she replied, pausing. Alejandro hesitated for a second. I wanted to ask you something. Valeria crossed her arms lightly in a relaxed posture.

 So, would you like to go out with me sometime? Outside of here, I mean. There was a short silence. It wasn’t awkward, but it was enough for Alejandro to feel his heart racing. [music] Valeria didn’t answer immediately. She looked at him intently, as if assessing the situation, not at him as a person, but at what the question implied. Going out.

 How? she finally asked. Well, for a walk, a chat. Something relaxed, Alejandro said. Nothing complicated. Valeria looked down for a second, thinking. I’m not much of a go-go person, she said afterward. [music] Alejandro felt a small pang in his chest, but said nothing. But, she continued, looking up again, I could make an exception.

 Alejandro couldn’t help but smile a little. [music] Seriously, “Yes, but something simple.”  “I don’t like complicated things,” she explained. “Perfect, simple [music].” “Okay,” he replied. “When?” Valeria asked. “Whenever you can.” She thought for a moment. “I leave early tomorrow.”  “It could be in the afternoon.

” “That sounds good to me,” Alejandro said. Valeria nodded. So, tomorrow, and just like that, without any grand gestures or exaggerated emotion, the date was set. [music] The next day, Alejandro arrived on time. He didn’t change his clothes, he didn’t do anything differently. He wanted everything to be consistent with what he had shown so far.

 Valeria came out of the cafeteria a few minutes later. She wasn’t wearing her uniform, but simple clothes: jeans, a comfortable blouse, and her hair was down. She looked different, but she was still herself. “Hi,” she said as she approached. “Hello,” Alejandro replied.  There was a brief moment when they both seemed to adjust to the situation.

  [music] It was the first time they had seen each other outside of that space.  “Where are we going?” she asked.  “I thought about the park that’s a few blocks away,” Alejandro said.  “It’s quiet.”  “It’s [music] good,” Valeria replied.  They walked together without haste.  At first the conversation was light, almost like in a cafeteria.

comments about the day, the weather, simple things.  But little by little the atmosphere relaxed.  The park was almost empty.  There were a few people walking around, children playing in the distance, nothing more.  They sat down on a bench.  “It’s beautiful here,” Valeria said, looking around.

 “Yes, I come here sometimes,” [music] Alejandro replied, though it wasn’t entirely true. There was a short silence, but it wasn’t awkward. “Thank you for inviting me,” Valeria said after a moment. “Thank you for accepting,” he replied. Valeria smiled slightly. After a while, they decided to walk. They passed an ice cream stand.

 “Want one?” Alejandro asked. Valeria hesitated. “It’s been a while since I’ve had one, so it’s a good time,” he said. They ordered a plain ice cream and shared it, taking turns without any problem. It was a simple gesture, but it had something special about it. As they walked, the conversation began to change.

 “Are you always like this?” Valeria asked suddenly. “Just like this,” Alejandro replied. “Relaxed, you don’t seem like someone who’s always rushing around ,” she explained. Alejandro thought for a moment. “I guess I learned to slow down .” Valeria nodded. “That’s strange. Why?” he asked. “Most people are always thinking about the next thing, what’s coming next.

 They hardly ever enjoy what’s in front of them,” she said.  He looked at her. [music] “And you?” ” I don’t have that much time to think about that,” she replied with a small smile. [music] “I just do what needs to be done.” That direct answer made him think. They continued walking, talking about more personal things.

 They didn’t go into deep detail, but enough to get to know each other a little better. Alejandro was surprised at how easy it was to be there [music] without having to impress, without having to pretend. Valeria also seemed comfortable; she wasn’t tense or distant. It was as if that moment was something natural.

 The sun was beginning to set when they decided to head back. “I have to go,” Valeria said. “I have to get home.” “Sure,” Alejandro replied. They walked back in silence, but it wasn’t an awkward silence; it was more like a peaceful one. [music] When they got near the cafeteria, they stopped. “Thank you for today,” Valeria said. “Thank you,” [music] Alejandro replied.

 There was a brief moment when neither of them said anything else. “See you tomorrow,” she finally said. [music]  “Yes, tomorrow,” he replied. Valeria turned around and left. Alejandro stood there for a few seconds , watching her walk away. Nothing extraordinary had happened. There were no grand declarations or intense moments, but for him, it had been different from anything he had experienced before.

 He got into his car, and as he started the engine, he couldn’t help but smile because, for the first time in a long time, a date had n’t felt like a game. It had felt real. While Alejandro was beginning to find something different in his routine, someone else was starting to notice his absence. Daniela wasn’t a woman who went unnoticed.

 She had presence, confidence, and a way of moving that made people turn their heads . She was used to exclusive places, elegant gatherings, and being surrounded by people with power and money. And within that world, Alejandro had always been an important figure. They had known each other for a long time; they weren’t a couple, but they had a close relationship, going out, traveling, attending events together.

 Daniela had always been there, in that circle where everything seemed perfect. For many, it was obvious that sooner or later  They would end up together soon. She herself had thought it more than once, but in recent weeks something changed. Alejandro stopped showing up. First he missed a couple of meetings, then dinners, important events, even commitments he never used to miss .

 At first, Daniela did n’t think much of it. She thought he was busy, but when the pattern repeated itself, she began to feel uneasy. One afternoon, at a gathering at some acquaintances’ house, someone mentioned his name. “And Alejandro, it’s been a while since we’ve seen him,” said one of the guests. Daniela, who was nearby, heard the comment and spoke up first .

 [music] “He must be working,” she said confidently, although she didn’t really know. But that same night she decided to look for him. She called him, he did n’t answer, she left him a message. There was still no response; that wasn’t normal. The next day she tried again. This time he answered. “Hello,” Alejandro said in a calm tone.

 “Alejandro, is everything alright?” Daniela asked bluntly. “Yes, everything’s fine,” he replied.  “You have n’t been around for weeks, ” she said. “What’s going on?” Alejandro hesitated for a moment. “I’ve been busy with other things.” Daniela frowned, though he couldn’t see her. “Other things, like what?” ” Personal things,” he replied.

 She didn’t like that kind of answer at all. “Since when do you just disappear like this without saying anything?” she pressed. “I’m not disappearing,” Alejandro said calmly.  “I’m just taking some time.”  Daniela remained silent for a few seconds.  I wasn’t used to those kinds of answers, much less from him.  “Well, I hope that time doesn’t last long,” [music] he finally said in a colder tone.

  “We’ll see ,” Alejandro replied.  The call ended, but Daniela wasn’t reassured.  There was something strange about it. Alejandro was not only absent, he was different [music] and he didn’t like that. A couple more days passed and his anxiety grew.  It wasn’t just curiosity, it was something deeper. She felt she was losing control of a situation she had previously mastered perfectly, so she decided to find out for herself.

  One afternoon he went directly to Alejandro’s office, not to see him, but to talk to someone who could give him information. [music] There he met Luis, one of the trusted employees.  “Hello, Daniela,” he said [music] surprised.  “Hello, Luis.”  “Hey, is Alejandro there? ” she asked.  “No, he hasn’t come these days,” he replied.  Daniela raised an eyebrow.

  “He hasn’t come.”  Luis shook his head.  He’s been handling everything remotely.  We don’t know exactly what he’s up to.  That answer only increased his suspicions. [music] “And do you know where it is?” she asked.  No, not really, said Luis.  Daniela nodded, but her mind was already working.  He left the office with a clear idea.

  If nobody knew where she was, she was going to find out.  During the following days he began to move discreetly.  He checked places where Alejandro used to go.  He asked indirectly, even following some clues that seemed insignificant.  He didn’t care about seeming insistent. [music] I needed to know what was going on.  Until one day he found it.

   It wasn’t in an exclusive place or at an important event.  It was on an ordinary street, in an area she never frequented.  [music] Daniela was inside her car when she saw him. Alejandro got out of an old car, one that definitely wasn’t his.  Daniela frowned, confused.  He watched it from a distance.

  He wasn’t wearing his usual clothes, no suits, no visible brands.  It was normal.  What is he doing?  She murmured to herself.  He decided to follow him.  He saw him enter a small cafe.  Daniela hesitated for a moment before getting off, but curiosity won out.  He entered the place with a firm step, although the atmosphere was not his own, his eyes scanned everything until he found it.

  Alejandro was sitting at a table, calm, as if he belonged there, [music] and then he saw something else.  A woman approached him; she was wearing an apron and clearly worked there.  Daniela watched them talking; she couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the way they interacted was enough.  There was trust.  Daniela felt an immediate discomfort.

  He remained silently observing for a few more seconds.  He saw how the woman smiled at him naturally, how Alejandro responded without that attitude he had in his usual world.  [music] It was another version of him.  He didn’t like that at all.  Without making a sound, he left the cafeteria and returned to his car.

  He stood there for a few minutes processing what he had seen.  It wasn’t just that he was in a different place, it was how he was there, as if everything I knew about him didn’t apply in that space.  “Who is [music] she?” he wondered.  I didn’t have the answer, but one thing was clear to me.   I was n’t going to let that go any further.

  For Daniela, this was no longer just curiosity, it was a problem.  And she was determined to do something about it.  The days after the date changed something between Alejandro and Valeria.  [music] It wasn’t abrupt or obvious, but yes, of course, there was more trust, more closeness. Conversations in the cafeteria were no longer just about simple things.

  Now they took the time to talk more, to stay a few extra minutes when the place was quiet.  For Alejandro, each visit became more important than he wanted to admit.  But along with that closeness, a discomfort also began to grow within him.  It had nothing to do with Valeria, but with what she was hiding.  Every time she asked him something about his life, he answered carefully, avoided details, changed the subject, left answers unfinished, and although Valeria didn’t pressure him, Alejandro knew he couldn’t go on like this for much longer.  One afternoon,

while he was sitting at his usual table, he saw her moving from one side to the other attending to the customers.  There was something about his personality that made him feel calm, but it also confronted him.  She was direct, honest, straightforward, and he was building everything on a lie.  When Valeria approached with her coffee, she noticed that Alejandro was more serious than usual.

  “You really look like something’s wrong today,” she said, placing the cup in front of him. Alejandro let out a small sigh.  “Yes, something like that.” Valeria didn’t sit down, but she didn’t leave immediately either. “Does this have anything to do with me?” she asked casually. Alejandro looked up, surprised. ” No, well, not exactly.

” Valeria looked at him silently, waiting. Alejandro hesitated. This moment had been on his mind for days, but now that he was facing her, he didn’t know how to begin. “Valeria, there’s something I need to tell you,” he finally said. Her expression didn’t change. “I’m listening.” [music] Alejandro ran his hand over her face as if searching for words.

 “What I’ve told you about myself isn’t entirely true.” Valeria frowned slightly, but said nothing. “I’m not exactly what you think,” [music] he continued. “In what way?” she asked, now more attentive. Alejandro took a deep breath. He knew there was no easy way to say it. [music] “I’m not someone with money problems, nor am I living this life out of necessity,” he said.

 Valeria stared at him , not quite understanding. ” Then why did you dress like this? Why are you here?”  She asked. Alejandro hesitated for another second, but he couldn’t back down now because he wanted to know how people would treat him if he had nothing, he replied. The silence that followed was unlike any they had shared before.

 Valeria didn’t speak immediately. Her expression changed. It was no longer curiosity or calm, it was something more serious. “Are you playing with me?” she asked without raising her voice. “No,” Alejandro replied quickly. “It’s not a game.” ” Then explain yourself,” she said. Alejandro shifted in his chair, feeling the weight of what was happening.

 [clearing his throat] “I have money, Valeria, much more than I’ve let on. I’ve always lived surrounded by people who approach me out of self-interest. I wanted to find someone who wasn’t like that, someone who would treat me the same regardless of what I have.” Valeria remained silent for a few seconds, processing each word.

 “And you decided to try me,” she said finally.  “That wasn’t the case,” Alejandro replied.  I didn’t choose you as part of a plan.  [music] I arrived here knowing nothing, but when I met you everything changed.  Valeria let out a small laugh, but it wasn’t in good humor.  “Of course, how convenient,” he said.  “No, really,” he insisted.

  “You were different from the start. You didn’t care how I looked. You didn’t expect anything from me because I thought you were a normal person,” she replied, now more firmly. “I am,” Alejandro said. “No, Alejandro,” she interrupted. “You’re not. You’re pretending to be someone you’re not.” [music] Those words hit him hard.

 “I’m not pretending to be who I am as a person,” he said. “I just hid a part of my life.” Valeria shook her head. “That’s the same thing.” Alejandro didn’t know what to say right away. “All this time,” she continued, “every conversation, every moment, it was all part of your experiment.” He didn’t respond firmly.

 “Nothing that happened with you was fake, but it started with a lie,” she said. The silence returned, but now it was heavy. Valeria took a step back, as if creating distance. “I don’t know what you expected to happen when you told me this,” she said.  [music] “I hoped you would understand,” replied Alejandro.  “Understand what?” she asked.

  [music] “Were you testing me? Did you need to see if I was worth it?”  “It wasn’t a test for you,” he said.  “It was for me [music].”  Valeria looked at him with a mixture of anger and disappointment.  “Well, you did it,” he said.  ” You already have your answer, Valeria,” he tried to say, but she raised her hand [music] stopping him.

  “No, don’t say anything else,” she said firmly.  Alejandro remained silent.  Do you know what the worst part is?  She continued, “I was honest with you.”  From the beginning.  “I had nothing to hide, and that’s what I value most,” he said.  “Well, it doesn’t seem like it,” [music] she replied.  Alejandro felt like everything was falling apart.

  “I don’t want to see you again,” Valeria said. Those words landed like a dead blow.  Valeria, please, he said. [music] She did not answer without hesitation.  This is not something I can ignore; it’s not a small detail.  [music] Alejandro lowered his gaze.  “I thought you were different,” she said, calmer, but just as firm.

 “I am,” he replied softly. “Maybe,” [music] she said, “but not in the way I need.” Without another word, she turned and left. Alejandro sat motionless. The coffee cup remained untouched in front of him . The noise from the café gradually returned, but to him, everything was silent. He had imagined many possible reactions, but none felt as final as this one.

 For the first time since it all began, he felt he had lost something that truly mattered to him, and this time, no amount of money could fix it. [music] Alejandro didn’t know when he got up from his chair or how he reached the café door. He only knew that he was no longer inside and that the air outside hit him suddenly, as if pulling him out of some kind of trance.

 He stood there for a few seconds , staring into space, with the feeling that something important had just broken and there was no going back . He walked to his car slowly . Each step  He felt heavy, as if he were carrying something he couldn’t let go of. When he opened the door and sat behind the wheel, it wouldn’t start. He immediately put his hands on the steering wheel and lowered his head.

 Valeria’s words kept repeating in his mind over and over, giving him no rest. “I don’t want to see you again.” He closed his eyes for a moment, as if that would change anything. But no, everything was the same. The same feeling in his chest, the same lump in his throat. He started the car and began driving aimlessly. Of course.

 He didn’t want to go home, he didn’t want to see anyone, he just needed to move, to distract himself, to try to stop thinking, even if only for a few minutes, but he couldn’t. Every red light, every street he crossed, every silent moment in the car, brought him back to the same point, the same scene, the way Valeria had looked at him at the end.

 It wasn’t just anger, it was disappointment, and that hurt more. After a while, he ended up in front of his house without really remembering how he got there. He went inside, let  He placed his keys on the table and walked straight to the living room. [Music] Everything was in order, as always, clean, quiet, perfect. But that perfection made him uneasy.

 He slumped down on the sofa and stared straight ahead. [Music] He didn’t turn on the television, didn’t check his cell phone, nothing. He just lay there [Music] feeling the weight of what had happened. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t have a clear answer. He had always known how to handle things, how to solve problems, how to make decisions, but this was different.

 No strategy would work, no way to fix it with money or a phone call. It had been his decision, his way of acting, and now he had to face the consequences. Hours passed without him noticing. The daylight gradually changed until the house was in semi-darkness. Alejandro remained in the same place with the same expression, as if time stood still.

 At one point, he picked up his cell phone, unlocked it, looked for Valeria’s number, and stared at the screen. He thought about calling her, about  He tried to explain things better, to make her understand, but something stopped him. He remembered her tone, her firmness, the clarity with which she had said she never wanted to see him again . He didn’t want to make things worse.

He put his phone aside. He didn’t sleep well that night. He tossed and turned in bed, getting up several times, [music] pacing aimlessly around the house. His mind wouldn’t shut off. Every detail came back with more force, every word, every gesture. The next day he woke up more tired than when he had gone to bed.

He stared at the ceiling for a few minutes before getting up. He didn’t feel like doing anything, but he couldn’t just stay there either. All day he got up, dressed without thinking much, and left. He didn’t know where he was going, but he ended up driving to the coffee shop. When he realized that, he was already close. He slowed down.

He hesitated. He knew he shouldn’t go, that it didn’t make sense, but something was pushing him to get closer. He parked at a safe distance. From there he could see the entrance. Valeria was inside. He saw her moving among the  Tables as usual, staff serving, cleaning, working.

 Everything seemed normal from the outside, as if nothing had happened, but for him, everything was different. He sat for a few minutes observing without getting out of the car. [music] He didn’t have the courage to go inside, not after what had happened. At one point, Valeria approached the window. For a second, their eyes almost met. [clears throat] Alejandro tensed, [music] but she did n’t see him, or if she did, she didn’t react.

That hurt him more than he expected. He started the car and left. The following days were similar. He tried to distract himself, return to his old routine, focus on work, but nothing felt the same. Everything seemed superficial, empty again. The meetings, the calls, the commitments, everything returned, but without meaning.

 Even Daniela reappeared in his life, as if nothing had happened. “Finally [music] you’re back,” she said one afternoon, sitting across from him in an elegant restaurant. Alejandro barely looked up. “Yes.” Daniela watched him closely. “You’re acting strange.”  “Nothing’s wrong,” he replied. “Of course something’s wrong,” she insisted.

 [music] “You’re not the same.” Alejandro didn’t respond. Daniela rested her arms on the table. It has to do with that coffee shop. Alejandro looked up abruptly. “How do you know that?” Daniela smiled slightly. Let’s just say I know more than you think. Alejandro frowned. “Don’t get involved in this.” “Why?” she asked. “It’s important.

” Alejandro didn’t answer immediately. “More than I should,” he finally said. Daniela looked at him silently for a few seconds. There was something about his expression she didn’t like. “You’re making a big deal out of someone who isn’t even on your level,” [music] she said. That sentence made him tense up.

  “Don’t talk like that,” Daniela replied.  He raised an eyebrow. Why not?  It’s the truth.  Alejandro looked at her firmly.  You don’t understand anything. Daniela leaned back in the chair.  Maybe not, but I do understand that you’re distancing yourself from everything because of someone who has already made it clear that they don’t want anything to do with you.

Those words were direct.  Alejandro clenched his jaw, but said nothing because deep down he knew it was true [music] and that was what hurt him the most. Daniela was not one of those people who would be left with doubts [about music], much less when something touched her pride. From the moment she saw Alejandro in that cafe, something inside her stirred.

  It wasn’t just curiosity; it was a mixture of annoyance, jealousy, and that need to regain control that she felt she was losing.  After talking to him at the restaurant and noticing how distant he was, she made a decision.  He wasn’t going to just sit around and see what happened.  I was going to intervene.  That same week he returned to the cafeteria.

  She wasn’t dressed like the first time.  This time she chose simpler clothes.  Although it was still noticeable that he didn’t belong there. She entered with a firm step, looking around until she located Valeria.  He saw her behind the bar arranging some cups.  Daniela watched her for a few seconds before approaching.  He didn’t smile.  I didn’t need it.

   Are you Valeria?  He asked directly. Valeria looked up, a little surprised.  Yes. How can I help you? Daniela crossed her arms, evaluating her without hiding it.  I want to talk to you, not as a client.  Valeria hesitated for a moment. There was something about that woman that gave him a bad feeling, but she wasn’t someone who avoided things either.

  “If it’s quick,” he replied.  Daniela nodded slightly.  It will be.  Valeria pointed out a table in a corner where they could talk without interrupting the work too much.  They sat facing each other.  “Do I know you?” Valeria asked.  “Not directly,” Daniela replied.  But you do know someone I know very well.

  Valeria said nothing, waiting.  “Alejandro,” Daniela said bluntly.  The name immediately changed the atmosphere .  Valeria remained calm, but her expression became more serious.   What’s wrong with him?  Daniela tilted her head slightly as if analyzing his reaction.  So you do know him. [music] Valeria took a deep breath.  Not anymore.

Daniela let out a small laugh. You think so.  Valeria frowned.  If you came here to talk about him, just tell me what you want and that’s it.  [music] Daniela rested her elbows on the table.  I want you to understand who you’re messing with.  Valeria tensed up a little.  I didn’t bother anyone.

   “Of course,” Daniela replied.  And even though you’ve walked away, that doesn’t change what happened.  Valeria stared at her .  I don’t understand what you’re trying to get at .  Daniela smiled.  But not in a friendly way.  Alejandro is not the type of person you think he is.  You had a very convenient part, the one he wanted to show you.

Valeria pursed her lips.  I already know that [music].  “Really?” Daniela asked, “because what he told you is just a pretty version of the story.” Valeria remained silent, but her gaze showed that she was listening.  Daniela continued.  Alejandro is used to doing what he wants, to playing with situations until he gets what he’s looking for.

  “That’s not what I saw,” Valeria replied.  Because he didn’t show you everything, said [music] Daniela.  For him, this is a game, a way to entertain himself. Valeria shook her head.  I don’t believe that. Daniela leaned a little closer to her.  Did you know he’s done similar things before?  Valeria hesitated.  What are you talking about?  Testing people? Daniela answered.

  Let’s see how they react.  Let’s see who’s worth it and who isn’t.  You’re not the first.  That idea remained just that—an idea .  Valeria did not respond immediately.  “And what does he gain from that?” he finally asked.  Daniela shrugged.  Control.  Confirm what she thinks.  That nobody is real, that everyone has a price.

  Valeria looked down for a second.  That part touched him somewhat.  “I’m not like that,” he said later.  More for her than for Daniela.  Daniela may not have responded, but for him everyone falls into the same category until proven otherwise.  Valeria looked up .  And what are you to him?  The question took Daniela by surprise, but she didn’t show it.

  Someone who is in her own world, she replied confidently, someone who doesn’t need to be proven. Valeria watched her attentively. So why do you care about this? Daniela held his gaze.  Because I don’t like seeing him waste his time on things that don’t make sense.  Valeria let out a small laugh, but it was humorless. So, you didn’t come for me, you came for him.  Daniela did not respond immediately.

Valeria continued.  [music] Look, whatever happened between him and me is over.  You don’t have to worry.  “That’s what you say now,” Daniela replied, “but things don’t always stay that way.”  Valeria rose slightly from her chair, as if she were ready to end the conversation.  “Well, in this case, yes,” he said firmly.

  Daniela also stood up.  “I’m just giving you a warning, and I’m telling you I do n’t need it,” Valeria replied.  They stood face to face in silence for a few seconds.  “You’re more naive than I thought,” Daniela finally said.  [music] Valeria didn’t move and you were even more involved in things that don’t concern you.

  Daniela smiled slightly , but this time there was tension in her expression.  “We’ll see who’s right,” he said before turning away.  Valeria watched her as she left the cafeteria.  When the door closed, the noise of the place slowly returned , but something inside had moved.  He went back to the bar, but his mind was no longer on work.

Daniela’s words began to swirl around in her head.  I didn’t want to believe them, but I couldn’t completely ignore them either.  There were things she didn’t know about Alejandro, things that now made her doubt him.  [music] Meanwhile, outside, Daniela walked towards her car with a determined expression.

  I wasn’t going to let that story go any further.  For her, this was just the beginning; the days went by. [clears throat] But for Alexander, time seemed to move differently.  Everything around him continued to function – the calls, the business, the meetings – but he wasn’t really there. He answered what was necessary, he signed what he had to sign, but his mind always returned to the same place, to that table in the cafeteria, to that conversation, [music] to the way it all ended.

  She had tried to convince herself that she should move on, that it was best to leave it like that , but she couldn’t.  Not when every memory with Valeria felt more real than anything else in his life.  One morning, while reviewing some documents in his office, he realized that he had been staring at the same sheet of paper for several minutes without understanding anything.

  He dropped the pen and leaned back in his chair. “This isn’t working,” he said quietly .  It wasn’t the job, it was him. [music] He got up, walked to the window and stood looking at the city. From there everything looked orderly, perfect, under control, but inside nothing was in its place.  For the first time, it wasn’t about proving something or understanding others.

  It was about accepting what he had done.  He had been wrong, not because he wanted to find something real, but because of the way he did it. He thought he could control the situation, that he could handle the consequences, but he hadn’t considered what that could mean for someone like Valeria.

  She wasn’t playing games, she wasn’t proving anything, she was just living her life, being straightforward and honest. [clears throat] And he came with a lie from the beginning.  That idea hit him harder than any rejection he had ever received before.  That same afternoon he returned to the cafeteria, not with the intention of entering, but to see her, even if only from afar.

  He parked in the same place as a few days ago.  Valeria was there, but something about her seemed different, [music] not in the way she worked, but in her expression, more serious, more focused, as if she were also carrying something. Alejandro lowered his gaze.  I knew he was part of it.  He stayed for a few minutes, but did not get out of the car.

  He had no right to appear as if nothing had happened. He started the engine and drove off again.  That night, the music couldn’t stay at home.  He went for a walk without a destination, just to clear his mind.  He walked through streets full of people, through places that once seemed normal to him, but now felt alien.

  At one point he stopped in front of a flower shop.  It wasn’t an elegant place, it was simple, with flowers arranged in buckets outside.  He stared at the arrangements without a clear intention, [music] until something caught his attention.  A simple bouquet, without exaggerated decorations, just fresh flowers, well arranged.

  Do you like that one?  The lady who was serving asked.  [music] Alejandro nodded.  Yes, it’s nice.  “It’s one of the most popular,” she said.  Alejandro looked at him for a few more seconds.  It wasn’t a big gesture, it wasn’t going to fix anything, but I felt I had to do something.  “I’ll take it,” he said.

  He paid and left with the bouquet in his hand.  He stood there for a few seconds, thinking.  I didn’t know if it was a good idea.  I didn’t know how Valeria would take it, but doing nothing was no longer an option.  The next day, early in the morning, he returned to the cafeteria.  He did n’t get in this time.  She approached the door, [music] left the bouquet with a small card and left.

  He didn’t write much, just something simple.  Sorry, Alejandro. He was restless that day.  He checked his phone constantly, even though he knew it was pointless.  Valeria didn’t have to answer and she didn’t.  But the next day he left another bouquet, and the day after that another one.  The message didn’t change.   He did n’t try to explain further, he just repeated the same thing.  [music] Sorry.

  The days became a different routine.  I was n’t going to see her from the car anymore.  [music] Now she would leave the flowers and go without waiting, without insisting.  Inside the cafeteria, Valeria noticed each of those bouquets.  The first one took her by surprise.  When he arrived in the morning and saw the flowers, he didn’t understand immediately.

  She took the card, read the message, and felt something stir inside her.  It wasn’t enough to change how she felt, but she wasn’t indifferent to it either.  The scene was repeated in the following days.  A new bouquet, the same message.  At first he thought of ignoring them, throwing them away, not giving them any importance, but he didn’t.

  He would leave them in a corner, as if he didn’t want to acknowledge what they meant, but he couldn’t get rid of them either.  His colleagues began to notice.  “Who sends you flowers every day?” one of the girls asked.  Valeria shrugged.  Someone made a mistake, she didn’t give any more details, but something inside her was changing.

  It wasn’t that I had forgotten what happened.  The discomfort was still there, and so was the distrust .  But those gestures were starting to bother her because they weren’t grand gestures, there were no long messages or attempts to convince her with sweet words, just a repeated, constant action, and that made her wonder about things she didn’t want to.

One afternoon, while arranging one of the bouquets, she stared at it for longer than usual.  “Why are you doing this?” she said in a low voice, as if Alexander could hear her.  I didn’t have the answer, but one thing was clear.  Alejandro wasn’t giving up, and for the first time since it all ended, Valeria wasn’t entirely sure she wanted him to .

  Bouquets of flowers were already part of the day at the cafe, like the aroma of coffee or the sound of cups gently clinking together. Every morning, before Valeria arrived, someone would leave a new arrangement at the entrance, always different, but with the same simple style, and always with the same card. Sorry, Alejandro.

  At first everyone took it as something curious, even romantic.  Some customers whispered, others smiled at the sight, but for Valeria it wasn’t that simple. Each bouquet was a constant reminder of what had happened, of the discomfort she still felt, but also of something she did n’t want to fully accept.  For the first few days he tried to ignore them.

  He would leave them in a corner without looking at them much, as if that way they could disappear on their own. But it wasn’t that easy.  Every time I passed by I saw them [music] and every time I saw them I thought about him, about what he had said to him, about how he felt at that moment and about what came after.

  One afternoon, while arranging some tables, [music] an elderly lady who used to come often approached the bar.  Hey, what about that guy who sends you flowers every day?  “I am very sorry,” he said with a calm smile.  Valeria did not respond immediately.  She calmly dried a cup before answering.  “That seems to be the case,” he finally said.

  “Not just anyone can do something like this,” [music] the lady insisted.  Valeria looked up .  Not just anyone does what he did.  The lady nodded slowly, as if understanding that there was more than met the eye.  “Well, that’s up to you,” he said before going to his table.  That conversation kept going around in his head, not because it changed his mind about music, but because it made him see something he didn’t want to face.

  Alejandro wasn’t insisting with words, he wasn’t trying to convince her with promises, he was just there in a constant way, without directly pressuring her, and that somehow made it harder to ignore.  Meanwhile, Alejandro continued with the same routine.  Every morning I would go to the flower shop, choose a different bouquet, pay, and leave it in the cafe without going in.

  He didn’t stay, he did n’t try to see her, he wasn’t looking for a reaction, he just left and went away. At first, the flower shop lady thought it was a temporary gesture, something that would last a few days, but when she saw that he kept coming back, she began to notice something different.  “It’s for someone important, right?” he asked one day while preparing the bouquet.

  Alejandro nodded.  Yes, it shows, she said.  Not everyone has that kind of patience.  [music] Alejandro did not respond.  I wasn’t doing it out of patience.  She did it because she didn’t know what else to do, because she felt it was the only thing she could offer without invading Valeria’s space.  [music] The days went by and although there was no direct answer, something was changing.

  Valeria no longer left the bouquets in a forgotten corner.  He started placing them on the bar, then on the tables.  [music] Without realizing it , he began to give them a place in space.  One afternoon, while arranging one of the decorations, one of her colleagues looked at her curiously.   “You even make them look nice,” she said lightly.  Valeria let out a small laugh.

   “I’m not going to leave them stranded, because it seems to me that they don’t bother you that much anymore,” the girl replied.  Valeria didn’t answer, but she didn’t deny it either.  That same afternoon, when his shift ended, he stayed a few more minutes in the cafeteria.  The place was empty.

  Silently, she approached one of the bouquets and took the card.  She read it again.  Sorry.  He hadn’t changed a single word since the first day [music] and that generated a mix of things in him.  On the one hand, it seemed insufficient to him.  On the other hand, he thought it was honest.  There were no embellishments, no excuses, just one word repeated over and over again .

  He sat down in one of the chairs and left the card on the table.  What do you want me to do with this?  He said in a low voice.  She thought about everything that had happened, about the way Alejandro had treated her before telling the truth.  how comfortable she felt talking to him on the date, in the simple moments they had shared.

  None of it felt fake, but I also couldn’t ignore how it all started.  The deception, the way he felt upon discovering it, the feeling of having been part of something he did not understand.  He put his hands to his face and took a deep breath.  It wasn’t an easy decision, it wasn’t black or white, there were too many things mixed up.

Meanwhile, Daniela continued to pay attention to everything.  She hadn’t returned to the cafeteria, but she had ways of finding out what was happening.  When she found out about the flowers, her reaction was not one of surprise, but of annoyance.  “Of course I was going to do something like that ,” she said to herself.

  He didn’t like anything that was happening.  Alejandro had not only dropped the subject, but he was insisting in a way she had never seen before, and that made her feel displaced.  She decided to call him again .  Alejandro answered after a few seconds.  What’s wrong, Daniela?  He said without enthusiasm.

  Are you seriously sending flowers every day?  She asked directly.  Alejandro remained silent for a moment.  Yes. And you think that’s going to change anything? she said, her tone a mixture of disbelief and annoyance.  “I don’t know,” [music] he replied.  “But it’s what I want to do.”  Daniela let out a short laugh.

  “Do you look bad?” Alejandro did not respond.  “I’ve never seen you like this for anyone,” she continued.  Nor should you.  [music] Alejandro lightly squeezed the phone.  You don’t understand.  “Of course I understand,” Daniela said.  You’re obsessed with someone who’s already made it clear they don’t want anything to do with you.

  Those words weren’t new, but they still carried weight.  Even so, he replied.  [music] Daniela remained silent for a few seconds.  This isn’t going to end well, [music] she finally said before hanging up.  Alejandro lowered his phone and stared straight ahead .  I didn’t know if Daniela was right, I didn’t know if all of this was going to be of any use, but there was one thing I was sure of.

  I didn’t want to be left wondering if I hadn’t tried.  And at the same time, in the cafeteria, Valeria was still sitting in front of that bouquet with the card in her hand, feeling that with each passing day it became harder to ignore what was happening inside her.  The day Alejandro decided to stop hiding was no different from the others, but for him it felt completely different.

  That morning he didn’t buy flowers, he got up early, [music] he sat for a few minutes on the edge of the bed and stared at the floor.  I no longer wanted to keep doing the same thing every day without making any progress.  He felt that if he didn’t do something more, everything would remain at that undefined point that wouldn’t leave him in peace.

  She got up, dressed in the same simple clothes she had worn from the beginning, and left her house with a clear idea. This time she wasn’t going to leave a bouquet and disappear.  This time he was going to talk to Valeria, even if it meant facing another rejection.  When she arrived at the cafeteria, the place was bustling, people coming in, going out, the sound of cups clinking, the usual routine.

  Alejandro stood outside for a few seconds, [music] looking through the glass.  He saw her.  Valeria was behind the bar, focused on her work.  She didn’t seem distracted, she didn’t seem different, but he knew something had changed since the last time they spoke.  He took a deep breath and went inside.  The sound of the door made some people turn around, but no one paid much attention to it.

  Alejandro walked straight to the bar.  Valeria looked up and saw him.  This time there was no surprise, but neither was there indifference, just a pause, a moment in which they both stared at each other without saying anything. Alejandro was the first to speak. Hello.  Valeria did not respond immediately.   He paused for a second before saying hello back.

  His tone wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t friendly either.  It was neutral.  Alejandro nodded slightly, as if acknowledging that limit.  “Can we talk for a moment?” Valeria asked.  He hesitated, he looked around.  The place was busy, but not to the point of not being able to take a small space.  She signaled to a colleague to cover the bar and went to a table in the corner.

Alejandro followed her.  They sat facing each other , just like last time, but the atmosphere was completely different.   There was no trust, no tranquility, only a contained tension.  Alejandro didn’t want to waste any time.  “I came to talk to you because I do n’t want to keep doing this remotely anymore,” he said.

  Valeria crossed her arms slightly.  “This thing about the flowers,” he asked, “and everything else,” he replied .  Valeria looked at him silently, waiting for him to continue.  Alejandro [cleared his throat] looked down for a second before speaking. [music] I was wrong about you.  There’s no way to justify it.

  I shouldn’t have hidden anything from you from the beginning.  I thought it made sense in my head, but I didn’t think about how it was going to affect you.  Valeria didn’t change her expression, but she was listening.  “I didn’t come here to convince you of anything,” he continued.  I just want you to know that what I felt for you is real.  None of that was part of a plan.

  Valeria let out a small sigh.  “You already told me that,” he said.  Yes, but not like this, Alejandro replied, not like someone who understands what he did wrong.  There was a brief silence.  Valeria lowered her gaze for a moment, as if processing what she was hearing.  “And what do you want now?” he finally asked.

  Alejandro did n’t hesitate this time, seizing the opportunity not to start where we left off, but to do it right from the beginning. No lies.  Valeria looked up and stared at him directly.  That’s not so easy, he said.  “I know,” he replied.  That’s why I’m here, not sending flowers.  Valeria placed her hands on the table.

  And if I say no, Alejandro nodded.  I’ll accept it, but at least I’ll know I tried to face it head-on.  That type of response was not what Valeria expected.  He remained silent for a few seconds.  Before he could say anything else, the cafe door burst open.  The sound caught everyone’s attention. Daniela entered with a firm step, without hiding anything.

  [music] His gaze went straight towards Alejandro and then towards Valeria.  “There you are,” he said in a tone that was not meant to be discreet.  Alejandro tensed up immediately.  “What are you doing here?” he asked.  Daniela walked towards the table without asking permission.  “To prevent you from making a mistake,” Valeria replied.

   He frowned.  “You again,” she said [music] clearly uncomfortable.  Daniela looked at her with a smile that wasn’t friendly.  I see they’re already talking.  How convenient.  Alejandro rose slightly from his chair.  Daniela, [music] don’t interfere.  But she ignored him. He looked at Valeria.  “Are you really considering giving him another chance?” he asked.

  Valeria did not respond immediately.  That’s none of your business [music] he finally said.  “Of course it is ,” Daniela replied, “because I know exactly how this ends.”  Alejandro intervened.  You know nothing.  Daniela looked at him firmly.  I know what you think, and I know this isn’t going to work.  Valeria got up from her chair.  “That’s enough,” he said.

   I’m not going to listen to this again.  Daniela took one step closer.  I’m doing you a favor.  Valeria shook her head. No, you’re trying to control something that’s not your responsibility.  That phrase changed the atmosphere.  Daniela remained silent for a second.  Alejandro took advantage.  “This is between her and me,” he said.

  [music] Daniela looked at him annoyed.  You’re wrong. Alejandro held her gaze.  Maybe [music], but it’s my mistake.  Daniela pressed her lips together and looked at Valeria one last time.  If you decide to go ahead with this, don’t say nobody warned you.  He turned around and left the cafeteria without saying anything else.

  The silence that remained was heavy, but different.  It was no longer just tension, it was clarity.  Valeria slowly sat back down.  Alejandro did the same.  For a few seconds neither of them spoke until Valeria broke the silence.  “I don’t like other people interfering in my decisions [music],” he said. Alejandro didn’t answer me either.

  Valeria looked at him more calmly than before.  I’m not going to lie, what you did hurt me and I ‘m still not completely okay with it.  Alejandro nodded.  I understand, but I also see what you’re doing now, she continued.  And that’s not easy to ignore.  Alejandro said nothing.  I didn’t want to ruin that moment.

  Valeria took a deep breath.  I’m not going to tell you that everything is fine because it isn’t, but I can give you a chance.  [music] Not to forget what happened, but to see if you really are who you say you are. Alejandro felt something inside him settle for the first time in days.   ” Thank you,” he said sincerely.

  Valeria raised a hand slightly.  Don’t thank me yet.  This is not a definite yes, it’s just an attempt.  And if you do something like that again, it’s over without explanation.  Alejandro nodded. [music] Okay.  Valeria looked at him for a few more seconds.  Okay, then we’ll start from scratch.

  No lies, no proof, just normal.  Alejandro couldn’t help but smile slightly.  Normal.  Valeria nodded.  Now yes.  And for the first time since everything had gone wrong, that moment didn’t feel like a goodbye, but like something that was just beginning again.  After that day in the cafeteria, things didn’t change suddenly, but they did take a different turn.

  Alejandro stopped showing up with flowers and began to present himself as he really was, without hiding anything, but also without exaggerating.  He kept going to the same place, sitting at the same table, talking to Valeria as before, but now with a clear difference.  There was nothing hidden between them anymore.  Each word had a different weight, more honest, more direct.

  Valeria, for her part, did not immediately lower her guard.   I kept watching, paying attention to the details, to the actions rather than the words.  It wasn’t about forgetting what happened, but about seeing if Alejandro could really stand by what he said. The days gradually settled down; sometimes they would go for a walk after work, other times they would just chat for a few more minutes in the cafeteria.

  There was no rush, no pressure, they were just moving forward at their own pace.  Alejandro began to show her parts of his life that he had previously kept hidden, not as a way to impress her, but as a way to be clear.   He told her about his work, how he had built what he had, and the mistakes he had made along the way.

  Valeria listened without changing her demeanor.   He was n’t dazzled, he didn’t ask self-serving questions, he just understood the context. One afternoon, Alejandro proposed something different.  It wasn’t a common exit. “I want to invite you to an event,” he said as they sat in the park. [music] Valeria looked at him curiously.

“What kind of event?” he asked.  “Something more formal,” he replied.  Work. Valeria frowned slightly. [music] It’s not my thing.  He said bluntly. “I know,” Alejandro replied.  That’s why I want you to come with me, not so you fit in , but so you can see that world from the inside.

  Valeria hesitated; it didn’t appeal to her, but she didn’t immediately reject the idea either.  “So what do I have to do?” he asked.  “Nothing,” he replied, “just being there with me.” After thinking for a moment, Valeria nodded.  [music] It’s fine, but if I don’t like it, I’m leaving.  Alejandro smiled. Deal done.  The day of the event arrived.

Alejandro picked her up in a different car, one that no longer hid anything. Valeria noticed it immediately, but said nothing.  She was dressed simply, but neatly, true to her style.  When they arrived at the place, everything was different from what she knew.  Lights, elegant people, formal conversations, glances that analyzed every detail.

Valeria paused for a second before entering.  Are you sure?  Alejandro asked. She didn’t answer, but let’s go.  They entered together.  The glances soon appeared.  Some discreet, others not so much.  Several people recognized Alejandro and came over to say hello.  He responded normally, but without letting go of Valeria.

  Whenever someone asked, he presented it clearly.  This is Valeria.  There were no long explanations or justifications, just his name.  To be sure, that attracted more attention than expected.  In that world everything had a context, a story, a reason, but Alejandro gave none.  Valeria noticed it.  She also noticed the glances, the whispered comments , the silent assessments, but she did n’t let it get to her.

  She remained calm, [music] observing, understanding the place without letting it change her.  At one point, Daniela appeared.  He did not approach immediately.  He watched from a distance, observing the scene with an expression difficult to read.  When he finally decided to approach, he did so with the same confidence as always.

  Alejandro said as he arrived in front of them.  Valeria looked at her without surprise.  “Daniela,” he replied without enthusiasm.  Daniela looked Valeria over with her eyes, making no attempt to hide it.  “I see that it did work in the end,” he said.  Valeria held his gaze.  It didn’t work.  We’re seeing if it works.

  Daniela let out a small laugh.  “Interesting,” he replied.  Alejandro intervened.  This is not the time for this. Daniela looked at him.  It’s never the right time for you when it’s not convenient for you.  The atmosphere became tense for a second, but this time it was different.  Valeria stepped forward without losing her composure.

  “Look,” he said firmly. “What you have with him is your business, but what I have with him is mine.” Daniela didn’t respond immediately. That certainty wasn’t what she expected. After a few seconds, she smiled slightly. “We’ll see how long it lasts,” she said before walking away. Alejandro looked at Valeria.

 “Are you okay?” She nodded. “Yes.”  “It’s not so different from what I imagined.” Alejandro chuckled softly. That’s good. The night continued. Alejandro stayed close to her, but he wasn’t overprotective either. He let her be herself, move around, observe. And little by little, the place stopped feeling foreign, not because Valeria fit in, but because she did n’t need to.

 At one point during the evening, Alejandro took a microphone. It wasn’t planned as a formal event, but he decided to do it. He drew the attention of those present and remained silent for a few seconds before speaking. “I don’t usually do this,” he said, “but today I want to say something clear.” He looked at Valeria, who was watching him from a few feet away.

 “Everything I have I built with effort, but for a long time, none of it helped me find anything real.” He paused briefly until I stopped looking in the wrong place. Several glances turned toward Valeria. Alejandro continued. “I’m not going to talk about money or success, because today that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I found someone who sees me without all that, and that [music] is the only thing I want.”  Take care.

 The silence was total. It wasn’t a long speech, but it was enough. Valeria didn’t move, didn’t smile immediately, just looked at him, processing each word. Alejandro put down the microphone and approached her. He didn’t say anything; there was no need. [music] Weeks later, things continued to move forward.

 Slowly, but steadily. One day without an event, without an audience, without pressure, Alejandro took her to a quiet place. It wasn’t luxurious, it wasn’t flashy, just a simple space, [music] like the ones they had shared from the beginning. There, without beating around the bush, he spoke to her clearly.

 “I don’t want to complicate things,” he said. “I just want to know if you want to keep building this with me.” Valeria looked at him without surprise, as if she had been waiting for that moment. “I’m not going to promise you anything perfect,” she replied. “But I can tell you that I want to try.” Alejandro nodded. “That’s enough.

” [music] Months later, they married in a simple ceremony, without exaggeration, without needing to prove anything to anyone, only with the people who truly mattered. And although Alejandro’s world remained the same, his way  Once he had lived it, he was no longer like that. Because now, for the first time, he wasn’t looking for someone to choose him for what he had, but for who he was when he had nothing to prove.