Undying Love: Maria the Orphan

I never thought a day would come when I'd understand the true value of absence, the pain of separation, and the longing for someone to the point of tears. These days feel unbearably lonely, and I can't shake the feeling that they are hiding something that will break my heart. I fear Jack might shock me; he is my everything, my happiness. He didn't come into my life by chance—he came to complete my soul.

I opened my eyes to the morning light, ready for another day. Just as I was about to head out, my phone rang. I was so thrilled I almost fainted, but my joy quickly evaporated—it wasn't Jack calling; it was Alfredo.

"Hello, brother! How are you? I've missed you so much! You've been away from us for far too long!" I said.

He responded, "Snow White, forgive me. I miss you all so much too—Sophie's coffee, Mom's hugs, and your cheerfulness, dear sister. But work has consumed all my time and even made me forget myself."

I replied with slight reproach, "I hope your efforts have paid off. You told us before that you've become a businessman and now own a major company."

He said, "The important thing, dear sister, is this—has anyone strange visited the house, entered, and searched it?"

Puzzled, I asked, "Why do you ask? No one has been here, brother. If something is missing, you can come soon and find it yourself. I have to go to work now, though I wish we could talk more."

He replied, "That's fine, my dear sister. Take care of yourself. We'll meet soon."

I answered, excited about his return, "Take care too, until we meet and can catch up properly."

I hurried to work, my mind restless. Why was my brother asking about things missing from our house? Why would he hide something here? Alfredo is keeping secrets. And who might have taken something important from him? Oh, God, I fear Jack might be involved—if that's true, it would be devastating for both me and my brother.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice Livia calling out to me until she stood right in front of me.

"What's wrong? I've been shouting your name! Didn't you hear me?" she asked.

Apologetically, I replied, "I honestly didn't hear you. I'm so caught up in a problem, and I don't understand why all this is happening to me."

I told Livia about what Alfredo had said. She was as surprised as I was, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "Snow White, I think there's a secret in all this, and things won't be clear until Alfredo comes. Don't wear yourself out overthinking it now. Tell me, when is your brother arriving?"

"Probably by the end of the week," I replied. Then, teasing, I added, "I know you like him, Livia."

Her face turned red, and she admitted, "I won't hide it from you, my friend. Alfredo is a handsome and charming man—I do like him."

I laughed and said, "Dear, I hope he ends up with you. You're so close to my heart; I see you as more than a sister. My brother won't find anyone better, even if he searches the whole world."

We kept chatting until we arrived at work, where we each buried ourselves in our endless files. Work helps me forget my struggles, though I occasionally find myself gazing at the balcony and thinking of Jack.

As I finished my tasks, Livia came over, looking different—unlike her usual self. Her face betrayed her emotions. I asked, "Livia, what's wrong? You don't seem okay, dear."

She answered nervously, "Yes, Snow White. Something is wrong, but let's not talk here. Let's go to a café where we can discuss it calmly."

Worried, I replied, "Really? You're scaring me. I hope it's not something serious; I can't take any more shocks."

We headed to the café where we often met. I urged her to speak without hesitation, as I couldn't bear the suspense. She lowered her head, deep in thought, which only heightened my anxiety. I repeated my question louder until she finally said Alfredo had called her. He told her someone had stolen an important file from his room and wanted to know who had been visiting us.

I replayed everything in my mind and remembered the day of Jack's birthday. He had stayed with me in my room until I fell asleep. That day, he'd asked about Alfredo's room. As I pieced it together, a wave of dizziness overtook me, and I could no longer stand. Alarmed, Livia quickly called a taxi and took me home.

My mother and Sophie were shocked to see me in such a state. My mother led me to my room to rest. I felt betrayed by the one person my heart adored. I had put him above my family and given him a place he didn't deserve. How could he deceive me, come into my home, and take what he wanted, using love and emotions as a tool for his own ends?

Reflecting on it all, I felt like an illusion. But this pain within me reminded me that everything that happened was real—it wasn't just a dream. Yes, I had been used in a cruel scheme, my emotions exploited to satisfy greedy desires.

Livia stayed until she was sure I was okay, then left for her home, promising to be by my side. My mother wept for me, unable to believe what had happened, while Sophie expressed disbelief at Jack's actions. Aunt Sophie sat beside me, cradling me in her arms, hoping sleep would come and let me forget everything.

As for me, I held a picture of my father and kissed it through my tears. If he were alive, none of this would have happened. He would have protected his daughter and not allowed anyone to steal her heart.

Despite everything, I still love him. My heart tells me that the sparkle in his eyes wasn't a lie. Time will reveal the truth.