Santiago kept her close, his hand gently but firmly holding hers. His other hand rose to her face, his fingers brushing softly against her cheek as he studied her expression, trying to read the unspoken turmoil within her.
She looked as if she wanted to say something, to release the torrent of emotions churning inside her, but he could tell she was holding back, uncertain, maybe even afraid.
Esmeralda opened her mouth to speak, her lips parting as if to let her emotions finally spill out, but Santiago placed a gentle finger on her lips, silencing her with a quiet, tender gesture.
His eyes locked onto hers, holding her gaze with an intensity that conveyed words he couldn’t quite say. For a moment, they stood in silence, the air thick with tension and unsaid feelings, their world narrow
