Chapter 54

Anthonio looked at himself in the mirror and sighed. At 37, he felt like he had wasted so much time on relationships that didn't work out. He wanted something more, something that would last.

He made the decision to visit Natalia. He needed to know why she didn't want to consider him for marriage, and if there was anything he could do to change her mind.

When he arrived at her apartment, she looked surprised to see him. "Anthonio, what are you doing here?"

Anthonio took a deep breath. "Natalia, I need to know something. Why don't you want to consider me for marriage? We've been through so much together, and I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Natalia looked down at her hands. "Anthonio, I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of commitment. I know I've hurt you in the past, and I don't want to hurt you again."

Anthonio took her hand. "Natalia, I'm willing to take that risk. I love you, and I want to make things work. But if you're not ready, I understand. I jus