Chapter LXIX

Now I understand Alex's pain. He harbored resentment towards his uncle precisely because he had killed his aunt. She must have meant a lot to him for him to hate his own uncle. I miss my parents, but I don't let it affect me; quite the opposite. The world turns, and here I am. I managed to open my business in the Red Palm Village, and I'm proud of it.

However, even though I empathize with Alex's pain, it bothers me that he holds onto that resentment. I don't know why, but even considering what his uncle did, I think Alex should forgive him. It would be a noble act, but I might be wrong.

Regardless, I decided to take a risk. Alex was studying for college, but as soon as he finished, I called him for a talk. Sitting beside him, I began the conversation.

"Alex, have you finished studying?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied, attentive to what I wanted to say, perhaps anxious. I didn't hesitate to discuss the matter I mentioned earlier.

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" Alex asked, curious.

"It's about your uncle."

When I mentioned him, Alex's expression remained neutral.

"What about him?" he inquired.

"Well, I think you should give him a chance, and..."

Alex made a new facial expression, as if feeling insulted.

"Are you crazy, Maria? No way!"

After a few days, I noticed Alex treating me coldly, which bothered me.

"Just because I suggested you reconcile with your uncle, does that mean you have to treat me like this?" I asked irritably while he polished his boots.

Alex looked at me and replied, "Maria, you shouldn't even touch that subject because every time someone does, I feel sad and discouraged. My aunt meant everything to me, and that bastard took her from my life. I'll never forgive him for what he did."

I stared at him, understanding his feelings. Alex was right; I shouldn't have brought up that subject. I never imagined it would hurt him like this.

Seeing I was upset, Alex decided to offer support, touching my shoulder and saying, "But it's not your fault. You didn't know how I would react, and I forgive you."

When he said that, I couldn't resist and kissed him passionately. It was intense, and I felt that Alex was affected too. He held my waist tightly, and I gave a soft moan, realizing he wanted more, but I couldn't let him do that on the street.

"No, Alex, not here," I said with a red face.

Alex gave a slight smile and apologized, "Sorry."

"We can do this later if you want," I suggested, biting my lips.

Alex realized I was teasing him and accepted the proposal with a mischievous smile.

He resumed polishing his boots, and I went inside the house. Randomly, I glanced at the calendar and was surprised by tomorrow's date. We would celebrate two years of dating, a considerable time, I must admit.

"Isn't it time for you two to get married?" Rosa asked, appearing suddenly behind me, startling me.

"Oh, sorry, didn't mean to scare you," she apologized.

"It's okay," I replied with a smile.

I pondered what Rosa said, and she was right. Perhaps it's more than time for Alex and me to marry, especially since we've been faithful to each other for almost two years.

"What you said makes sense," I announced, and Rosa looked at me. "We've been together for almost two years, and I think it's more than time to get married, but..."

"But what?" Rosa asked, trying to guess what I was going to say.

"I wonder if he'll want to."

The gypsy just looked at me, nodding as if understanding my concern. Yes, it's true; it's more than time to get married, but will Alex want that? That's my doubt.