EPISODE 2

Episode 2

He suddenly placed a soft kiss on my cheek and walked away with his friends, leaving a warmth lingering on my skin. My heart fluttered for a second—but I shook it off.

He’s Matías Ruiz.

We’re classmates. And like I told you before, I’ve known him for two years now. He’s 23, from Spain. Charming. Warm. Gentle. The kind of guy who knows how to make people feel seen.

And yes... he loves me.

I’ve seen it in his eyes, in the way he talks to me, and in the little things he does. But I’ve never confronted him about it. Maybe because I’m not ready. Maybe because my heart is still too tangled in memories I don’t want to remember.

Our fathers started a business together three years ago. We met at a business party. Everyone was dressed up, holding wine glasses and fake smiles. But somehow, amidst all the dull small talk and awkward handshakes, Matías found me. And he made me laugh.

That memory... it means something. After my mother passed away, I had forgotten how it felt to smile. Matías brought that back to me.

Sigh But anyway…

“Oh no! I’m running late!” I muttered under my breath. “If I don’t hurry, that Hitler-clone of a professor will scold me in front of the whole class again.”

I rushed down the hallway, almost tripping over my own feet. My heart was racing by the time I reached the classroom door. I peeked in.

Yep. He was already there.

"May I come in, sir?" I said, trying to sound calm while catching my breath.

Professor Alejandro Hernández looked up from the board—and smiled.

Wait, what?

I froze for a second. That was the first time I’d ever seen him smile. Ever. I was bracing myself for a storm, but instead, I got a ray of sunshine.

Professor: “Isabella, come in. Why are you standing outside? I've already started the class.”

Still in shock, I walked in quietly and took my seat. He resumed his lecture. I tried to focus, scribbling notes, but my mind was spinning.

At 11 AM, the class ended.

I packed my books with a sigh and headed straight to the canteen. My stomach growled as I walked in. And there he was again—Matías, sitting at a table with his friends.

I walked up to him, a bit confused.

"What are you doing here? Weren’t you with your group? I thought they’d be waiting for you."

Matías: “Yeah, I was... but I remembered something important. So I came back."

I raised an eyebrow. “What was so important?”

Matías: “Close your eyes.”

"Huh? Why?" I asked with a smile playing on my lips.

Matías: “Just trust me, Bella. Close them.”

I hesitated for a second... then I did it.

And when I opened my eyes again, my breath caught in my throat.

The entire canteen was filled with flowers—every table had them. Balloons floated above us. There was a banner in front of me in bold letters:

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISABELLA”

Tears filled my eyes.

Today was my birthday.

And for two years... no one had remembered. Not a call. Not a message. Nothing.

But Matías... he remembered.

He didn’t just remember—he celebrated it.

My throat tightened. I looked at him, speechless. Then I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Matías... Thank you so much. I didn’t expect this... I didn’t expect anything."

He smiled gently, and the others around us clapped. My classmates, even a few teachers, came over and wished me. I felt... special. For the first time in so long.

I cut the cake, and they all cheered. It felt like a dream.

A dream I didn’t want to wake up from.

After the cake, we danced. Laughed. Took pictures. Professors wished me, some gave me blessings, and even joked around. I didn’t want it to end.

Then suddenly, my phone rang.

It was my uncle.

I answered with a small smile. He wished me. He actually remembered…

Tears pricked the corner of my eyes again. For the last two years, he hadn’t even called. Maybe Matías reminded him, I thought.

After the call, I needed some time alone.

So I walked outside to the garden, away from the noise. My heels clicked softly on the stone path. The breeze was gentle. The air smelled like roses and sunshine. I stood by a bench and let my thoughts wander.

They took me back to another birthday.

My last one... with him.

Nicolás.

He was cold. Controlling. Possessive.

But once in a while... he’d show another side. A side I tried to forget, but couldn't.

Every birthday, he brought me a bouquet of orange blossoms—flowers that symbolize eternal love.

I used to tease him. "Why orange blossoms?"

And he’d say, “I forgot to buy flowers, so I picked some from the neighbor’s yard.”

I would laugh every time. Pressing those soft petals to my face, breathing in their sweet, citrusy scent. It became a tradition. Same excuse. Same flowers. Every year.

He hated being called romantic. But he was. In his own weird, chaotic way.

I don’t know why... but I missed it.

Wait—no. What am I saying?

I don’t miss him.

I don’t miss anything about him. *Tucks hair behind her ear, heart pounding*

He was a nightmare.

He still is.

What’s happening to me? Why am I even thinking about him?

God, I’ve really lost it now... haven’t I?

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