Book 3: Chapter 8

Esmeralda's heart dropped at Santiago's words. She knew she was imposing on him, she could see it in the lines of his furrowed brow and the sharp edge of his voice. He had always been someone who valued his solitude, his control over his life and surroundings.

And here she was, crashing into his world with her baggage, her desperation, and her unspoken demands. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze, knowing she couldn’t afford to lose this one lifeline.

“I know it’s a lot,” she whispered, her voice trembling but determined. “But I don’t have anywhere else to go, Santiago. Please... I’m willing to do anything if you let me stay here. Just for a while. I need time to figure things out.”

Santiago’s eyes flickered, his posture still rigid. He took a slow drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him as he regarded her in silence. Esmeralda could feel the weight of his gaze, studying her, testing her. 

He was calculating, as always, on