Chapter 330

And so, Hector hurriedly packed his few belongings and moved in with Natalia, embarking on their co–

habiting journey. They would jog together every morning, then return home to paint, exchanging insights. After that, they would cook and eat together Hector, being the mindful one, took care of Natalia meticulously Every day, he felt as if he was living in a dream. This was the kind of life he had always yearned for, practically perfect. The only imperfection was that Natalia saw him merely as a good friend, with no hint of romantic affection in her eyes.

As time flew by. Hector started to crave more. He was no longer satisfied with being just good pals with Natalia. He wanted more. He wanted Natalia to be his lovet to continue the captivating romance they had during their adolescence One evening. Hector secretly prepared a lavish dinner behind Natalia’s back When night fell, he called her out of her room Natalia, pushed along by Hector, found herself in their small garden filled with flowers and plants. To her surprise, a small table had been set up there. Not only was the table laden with a feast, but it also held a beautiful candlestick.

Upon seeing this, Natalia turned to Hector with a smile. “Hector, are you inviting me to a candlelit dinner?”

Hector, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for Natalia. “Sit, my beautiful queen.”

Natalia blushed at the compliment and gave a shy chuckle before taking a seat.

Hector poured a glass of red wine for Natalia and raised his glass in a toast. “To our reunion, cheers!”

Natalia reciprocated the gesture, her red lips lightly touching the glass. “Cheers!”

As Hector and Natalia had a few drinks, the night sky deepened, with stars twinkling like winking eyes.

Natalia’s cheeks were flushed, a hint of tipsiness showing Suddenly, Hector rose from his seat and produced a dazzling red rose seemingly out of nowhere. He knelt on one knee before Natalia. “Natalia, I love you. Will you marry me?”

Natalia was taken aback by Hector’s proposal. She thought they were just having a casual drink. She never expected Hector to propose. The proposal was so sudden that Natalia didn’t know how to react.

She was rooted to the spot.

However, Hector remained kneeling, passionately saying, “Natalia, you know, I’ve loved you for a very long time. I know you love me, too, but fate separated us. You left me for someone else. I was too timid back then, not knowing how to fight for my happiness, and I let you go! When I heard you had fallen into the sea, there were countless times I felt like jumping in after you. I regret letting you go for the rest of my life Now, you’re like an angel who’s descended from heaven. I know you’ve suffered over these years, but let’s not talk about the past. This is my chance to start anew! Natalia, will you marry me?”

Natalia looked at Hector kneeling on the ground, her heart filled with unease. She had thought Hector would cherish their time together and not bring up their buried feelings, but it seemed she couldn’t escape it.

Taking a deep breath, Natalia slowly shook her head “Hector, I’m sorry I thought our relationship was pure platonic affection. But now I realize i was wrong Maybe I was too presumptuous, and I never asked about your feelings. I… I’m really sorry.”

The light in Hector’s eyes dimmed instantly. He remained kneeling, his silhouette elongated by the moonlight.

Natalia couldn’t bear to see Hector in such a state. “Hector, I’m sorry. I can’t give you marriage or love.

My heart is lost, incomplete. You deserve a better woman. If you don’t mind, I can offer you friendship, the purest friendly affection That’s all I can offer Hector, you can forget about the past, and stop blaming yourself. I’m sorry”

Hector stared intently at Natalia as if trying to imprint her image in his mind. After a long pause, he slowly retracted his numb arm and stood up His voice was steady Natalia, I won’t give up. I’ll wait. I’ll wait until you change your mind or until you come back to me Natalia bit her lip. feeling awkward She didn’t know how to comfort Hector, so she just lowered her head in silence Hector forced a laugh, intending to leave quietly but not wanting Natalia to overthink. He put on a brave face Natalia, don’t worry about me! have thick skin No matter how many times I’m knocked down, I’ll be fine Really I can wait, maybe one day you’ll change your mand Natalia felt her eyes welling up She looked at Hector, who was feigning cheerfulness Hector, I “Enough” Hector cut her off “Who am 12 Hector, the indestructible roach. If not this time, then next time 11 be the ever resilient qum.” He mad exaggerated faces, full of seif mockery Natalia couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. Although she still felt a bit awkward it was much better than before. She looked at Hector seriously “Hector, I really wish to remain as your closest kin forever Really “Alright, I accept your kinship. But you can’t stop me from pining for you my kin. Hey, you better be careful. One day, if itun into the big bad wat you’ll be in trouble! Hector made a face pretending to be a big bad wolf Natalia’s mood lifted She hugged her shoulders and pretended to be scared. ‘Oh my, what a terrifying big bad wolf ”

Just like that, the initially tense atmosphere gradually became lively again, thanks to Hector’s exaggerated body language. After a bit of teasing they each retreated to their separate rooms for the night Shutting the door, separating themselves from the outside world, they were finally able to drop their pretenses. There was no longer a need to put on a brave face or pretend to be happy for the sake of the other’s feelings Hector flung himself onto the bed, a sense of defeat gnawing at his insides. Although he had anticipated today’s failed proposal, the reality of it still required a heart of steel to face. He’d found her and had no intention of ever letting her go. He was willing even if it meant being just a family member to her.

“Natalia, I won’t give up,” he vowed silently. “I will wait till you truly accept me. No matter how long it takes, I can wait.”

Whispering the pledge that had long been imprinted in his heart, Hector felt a surge of renewed strength. With a sense of satisfaction, he finally closed his eyes In a room nearby, Natalia stared blankly at the night view outside her window. Her heart was consumed by thoughts of Magnus, who was far away in a different land.