Undying Love: Maria the Orphan

I woke up to the ringing of my phone as usual. Last night, I slept well—I was still happy from our first meeting. I realized I hadn't kissed my father's photo yesterday. Perhaps he's upset with me. I lazily turned to the frame, pulled it close, and planted a kiss on his forehead. I know he always wants to know everything about me, and I never hold back. I told him my story from the start, and he shared in my joy. 

I got out of bed, took a shower, and changed into my usual attire. Then, I hurried downstairs as I heard my mom's voice calling loudly: 

"Snow White, slow down, my dear! I'm worried that one day you'll tumble down the stairs. Oh, when will you finally grow up?" 

I chuckled at her words and replied: 

"Don't worry, Mom! I like being a child; it lets me live freely." 

I kissed Mom and Sophie. I'd missed them so much. I hadn't talked to them much lately, and I felt like they missed my chatter. 

Mom turned to me and said, "Alright, breakfast is ready. Don't run off as usual! I need you to take care of yourself. Sit with us; you've been ignoring Sophie and me." 

Filled with joy, I answered, "Okay, Mom. I'll eat well today—I'm hungry! I've missed Sophie's toasted bread and chatting with you both." 

Sophie, looking surprised, asked, "Snow White, what's with you today? I know you're hiding something. Did a man appear in your life?" 

Blushing furiously, I lowered my head. My cheeks turned red as I heard both Mom and Sophie burst out laughing. I stammered, unable to get a word out, until Sophie added, "Our little girl is growing up and falling in love! Tell us, who's the prince charming that has stolen you from us?" 

I shared the story with them from the beginning, and they listened intently. But soon I remembered work, so I dashed off, afraid of being late and having to face my manager's wrath. 

I arrived at work, panting, and dove into my routine tasks. There were so many files today that I didn't even notice Livia's presence. 

She greeted me cheerfully: 

"Hello, Snow White! I missed you, dear. How are you?" 

I responded, "I'm fine, Livia. I missed you too, but you know who's been keeping me busy." 

Laughing, she eagerly said, "I know! I can't wait to hear what happened last night. Tell me everything quickly!" 

I told her the whole story, and she wished me happiness and hoped our love would last. 

As we chatted, my phone rang—it was Jack. 

He asked excitedly, "Hello, my love. How are you?" 

I replied, "I'm fine, my love. How about you? I hope you're doing well." 

Reassuring me, he said, "I'm good, sweetheart. I've missed you so much. I wish I could always be with you." 

I told him, "But you know our circumstances, my love. We have to be considerate. I'm not entirely free to do as I please." 

He responded, "I know, darling. You have work, and I'm on vacation now. It's like the winds are against us." 

We ended the call after he told me he'd wait for me after work to take me home. I was overjoyed. Finally, someone cared for me and couldn't bear to be without me. 

I had longed for a man's warmth and the security that comes with it. My father passed away before I could bask in his affection, and my brother moved to America, barely bothering with us, visiting only occasionally. 

Maybe Jack is what I've been missing. I found in him what I'd been searching for—he reminds me of my father with his kindness and compassion. He's also passionate about music and loves playing the guitar. He promised to play for me someday when circumstances allow. How wonderful he is, especially when his eyes sparkle as they meet mine, piercing through to my heart like an arrow. 

When work ended, I was eager to see him. I quickly said goodbye to Livia and rushed out. He was waiting for me, and the moment he saw me, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me. He must have missed me as much as I missed him. 

We walked hand in hand until we reached my home. I invited him in to meet my mom and Sophie, and he was thrilled. My mom welcomed him warmly and offered him coffee with us. 

Both my mom and Sophie were charmed by him and his engaging conversation. They didn't scold me for falling for him; his charm was irresistible to anyone he spoke to. 

As the night grew late, he said goodbye. I walked him to the door, but he pulled me into his arms again, kissing me passionately. I felt as if I was soaring to the heavens. 

Lost in his kisses, my cheeks blossomed like a blooming garden. I gazed into his eyes and saw that his thirst wasn't quenched. I didn't hold back, giving him more until he was satisfied. 

He bid me farewell, asking if we could go to the amusement park together over the weekend. I eagerly accepted his invitation, already brimming with excitement for the day and for him.