Mariana's Pov
Alejandro's words hit me like a thunderbolt.
"I love you, Mariana."
My mind reels, thoughts scattering.
Time freezes. His face blurs, features melting into a haze. I feel my heart stutter, air catching in my throat.
I'm paralyzed, unable to process. Two simple words, yet they shatter everything.
"What?" I stammer, my voice barely audible.
His eyes stare into mine, the orbs burning with intensity.
"What did you just say to me?" I press, my words tumbling out in a rush, in disbelief.
"I love you, Maria," he repeats, his voice firm, his jaw hardening.
His words hang in the air, daring me to refute them. My heart races. I search his face, seeking signs of jest. But all I find is sincerity.
My shock suddenly disappears, giving way to anger, my eyes blazing. "How dare
