I woke up this morning feeling unwell. My mood was off… I could sense that Jack was suffering just as I was. But he was the reason for all of this. He shouldn't have chased after money. Now, his plan has failed, and unfortunately… he dug a pit for me and my brother, only to fall into it himself.
I went downstairs to have my breakfast as usual and found John already awake, sipping his cup of coffee.
John: Good morning, Snow White. How are you?
Me: I'm fine. And you, how are you?
John: I'm good as long as you are. Don't forget, I'll pick you up after work… let's go on an outing like last time. Get ready, my love.
Me: As you wish. I'll accept your offer—I'm feeling bored and tired of the daily work routine.
John: I wish you could love me, Maria. I love you, and I long for you to feel the same way. It would make me the happiest man alive.
Me: You are indeed dear to me, and you possess all the wonderful qualities… but my heart is not mine to control.
I said goodbye to him and headed to work, but even on the way, I couldn't escape my thoughts. My mind was occupied with my situation—John loves me, he is infatuated with me… but my heart is no longer mine. Jack has stolen it, the same Jack who left me so easily, only to come back now, regretting his actions, because he too has fallen into the trap of love. What is this maze I'm trapped in? And where will it lead me? Deep down, I wished I could return to Jack—he is my true love, the one who makes me feel alive. Just thinking about him stirs my emotions.
I arrived at my office, my thoughts scattered. My head felt like a millstone, grinding countless thoughts only to crush them again. I was lost in trying to gather them, hoping to find a solution that would free me from this labyrinth… Surely, my intuition would guide me to safety. And time… time has a way of changing things and setting them right.
By the end of my workday, as I was gathering my things, I was startled to see Livia standing right above me. It was unusual—usually, I was the one who went to her. I asked her anxiously:
Me: What's wrong, dear? Why didn't you wait for me like usual?
Livia: We're all going out together… John and Alfredo are waiting near the office. Hurry up, why are you so slow?
Me: So, you all planned this together… Fine, dear Livia, I'll go along with it, even if my heart isn't in it.
Livia: What's wrong with you? You still haven't forgotten Jack? My dear, he deceived you. You need to look at the ones who care about you and appreciate you.
Me: Enough, Livia. I'll do as you all wish, even if I'm not happy about it. Since when has life ever gone the way we wanted?
Livia and I walked out to find John and Alfredo waiting in the car. I sat beside John, but my mind drifted to Jack. What was he doing now? We arrived at a fancy restaurant and sat together at a round table, each of us holding a menu. The moment reminded me of my first time with Jack—how shy yet happy I had been back then. Damn memories! They always chase us, surfacing whenever we find ourselves in places that resemble the ones we once shared.
And then… I felt a hand on my shoulder, pulling me back. It wasn't just the memory haunting me this time—it was Jack himself. My God! How did he find me here? How did he track my steps? The joy that filled me at the sight of him was overwhelming. The sparkle in his eyes called out to me, urging me to embrace him, to cry on his chest, to tell him how much I had suffered without him.
Before I knew it, I had thrown myself into his arms. He held me tightly, as if afraid to lose me again.
John, furious, moved to strike Jack, but my brother stepped in just in time to prevent a disaster, trying to calm John in every way possible. My brother pulled me away, insisting we leave before things got worse. I didn't want to go—I couldn't leave Jack now, not when he had come back searching for me, repentant. I had already forgiven him in my heart. My happiness was with him, and I wouldn't let it slip away again.
When we returned home, even my mother and Sophie were surprised and full of questions.
Mom: What happened? You're back so early! Did you have a fight?
Alfredo: No, Mom. The problem lies with Snow White—her lost love decided to ruin our night.
Mom: How did that happen? Has he not stayed away despite what he did to my daughter?
John: I would have smashed his head in if Alfredo hadn't stopped me… He needs to understand that I won't step aside for him unless Maria asks me to.
I apologized and excused myself to go to bed, leaving them to gossip about things that were none of their business. But that's life—we live constantly bound by the opinions and interference of others. Anyone who believes they have absolute freedom in their decisions is mistaken. Sometimes, circumstances force us into situations we wouldn't choose for ourselves.
I slipped under my blanket, tears running down my cheeks. My father would have witnessed my suffering for Jack… If he were still here, he would never have let me go through this turmoil. He would have protected me and made my wish come true.
I closed my eyes, holding onto the hope that Jack would look for me again…