"For years, I struggled with my identity. I didn't like who I was and why I was born into this family. I thought I had to fill in the shoes given to me. All along, I could've made my own shoes, walked my own path, been someone I want and not what was expected of me." Mariano shifts his gaze to me and a small hint of a smile grows on his lips. "Your father reminded me of that tonight. That it's my choice what I make of myself."
I take in a deep breath, my heavy chest feeling a tad lighter. "He did, huh? For all his imperfections, he is wise, isn't he?"
"He is."
Stepping forward, I move closer to him. "I remember something. When I was a teenager, I told my father I'd marry someone like him."
Mariano stares into my eyes, his jaw tightening as he asks, "What did he say?"
