Chapter 12

Gloria’s eyes showed a mix of uncertainty and understanding as she looked at my disappointed expression. It seemed like she also knew that we had missed a chance for something more.

“I’m sorry, Marco,” she whispered with a hint of regret. “I didn’t expect Victor to show up so soon.”

I mustered a weak smile, hiding the pain in my heart, and nodded. “It’s okay, Gloria,” I replied with a bittersweet acceptance.

Clara leaned in closer, her voice a whisper in my ear that cut through the heaviness. Her words filled me with hope.

“Ask her to dance before he arrives, you dummy,” she urged, a mix of urgency and encouragement in her tone.

Her words snapped me out of my despondency, reigniting my determination. I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, and turned to Gloria, a blend of nervousness and longing in my eyes.