Lorenzo

I wrapped my arms around Eva, pulling her close as she hesitantly returned the embrace. We stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, minutes passing in a fragile truce.

But all too soon, she pushed me away, her eyes clouding over with doubt and pain.

"Stop, please. Just stop," she said, her voice firm but trembling.

I held her gaze, my own eyes unwavering. "I'm serious, Eva. I really love you. I want to be with you, marry you for real if I could."

Her face twisted in anguish. "That's enough. If this is what you wanted to discuss, I think you should leave. Or I will."

She turned...