The soft clinking of spoons against bowls echoed through the small house as Alejandro and Diana ate their simple dinner of stew and fresh bread. The warm candlelight flickered between them, casting a golden hue over the wooden table. Diana hummed softly, savoring the meal while Alejandro seemed distant, his expression unusually pensive.
After a moment of silence, Alejandro finally spoke, his voice low and strained. "Diana, I'm sorry."
She paused, looking up from her bowl. "Sorry? For what?"
He met her gaze, guilt flickering in his eyes. "For making you live like this...so far from everything you've ever known. You deserve more than… this." He gestured around the small house with its uneven walls and modest furnishings. "This isn't the life you're used to. You grew up with luxuries, a family estate, wealth..."
"Stop," Diana interrupted gently, placing her spoon down. She reached across the table to take his hand in hers. "Alejandro, I'm fine. Truly."
