Page 110 of My Spanish Love Affair

Love of his life?

My chest tightens at the sheer certainty in his words, at the way he says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Santi,” I whisper, shaking my head. “You don’t mean that -”

“Yes, I do,” he cuts in, his voice firm but gentle. He shifts closer, leaning forward in the chair until he’s practically at the edge of it. “I’ve known it for a long time now. You’re not just someone I want in my life, Olivia. You’re the person I want to build a life with. And I know this is hard. I know it feels impossible right now. But the thought of you running away from me... it breaks me.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I swipe at them with the back of my hand, overwhelmed by the raw emotion in his voice.

“Santi, I feel like I’m ruining everything. Your life, your career -”

“Stop,” he says firmly, cutting me off. He reaches out, his tanned hand brushing against mine. “You’re not ruining anything. Do you hear me? Nothing. My life is better with you in it, Olivia. Not because you’re perfect or because you have it all figured out, but because you’reyou. And that’s enough.”

My chest aches at his words, at the sheer conviction in his tone.

“I don’t feel like enough,” I admit, my voice breaking.

He moves from the chair to sit beside me on the sofa, his knee brushing against mine. He takes my hand in his, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles over my skin.

“You don’t have to feel like enough right now,” he says gently. “But you are. You always have been. And you always will be to me.”

I let out a shaky breath, the tears I’ve been holding back spillingover. “I just don’t know how to do this, Santi. I feel like I’m drowning in it all. The media, the pressure, the way people look at me. And now my school, my students... I didn’t sign up for any of this.”

His hand tightens around mine, and when I look up at him, his green eyes are filled with a mix of empathy and determination.

“I know you didn’t,” he says softly. “But you don’t have to face it alone. We’ll figure it out together, step by step. And if you ever feel like it’s too much, I’ll be there to carry as much of it as I can. Because that’s what you do when you love someone.”

I stare at him, his words wrapping around me like a lifeline. There’s a vulnerability in his eyes - an openness I’ve rarely seen in anyone - and it’s enough to chip away at the walls I’ve been building around myself.

“I’m scared,” I admit, my voice trembling.

“I know,” he says, his thumb brushing away the tear that rolls down my cheek. “But no matter how scary it gets, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll fight for us - foryou- every single day. I swear.”

My heart feels like it’s breaking and healing all at once, the weight of his love pressing against the doubts I’ve been carrying for weeks.

“I don’t deserve you,” I whisper, my voice breaking under the weight of everything I’m feeling.

The guilt, the fear, the overwhelming sense of being so small in a world that feels too big for me- - it all comes rushing out in those four words.

“Maybe not,” Santi replies, his lips curving into a small, teasing smile. But the warmth in his tone, the softness in his eyes, takes the sting out of his words.

He shifts closer, his presence solid, strong and secure.

“Or maybe I don’t deserve you. Either way, I don’t care.” His hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin, and his gaze locks onto mine with an intensity that makes my breath hitch. “You’re mine, Olivia. And I’m yours. Always.”

The certainty in his voice is enough to undo me. My chest tightens, my throat constricting as tears blur my vision.

I want to argue, to push back against the overwhelming love he’s offering, but I can’t.

Because part of me - who am I trying to kid,allof me - wants to believe him.

Before I can respond or begin to think of the right words to say, he leans in. His lips press softly against my forehead, lingering there as if he’s trying to kiss away every doubt, every fear that’s taken root in my mind.

The chaos in my mind quiets, the storm of emotions I’ve been battling replaced by the steady rhythm of his presence. His breath is warm against my skin, his hand gently cradling my face, and for a moment, the world feels still.

Santi pulls back. His light eyes search mine, his expression open and vulnerable.

“You don’t have to have all the answers right now,” he says gently. “You don’t have to figure everything out today or tomorrow. Just let me be here for you. Let me love you, Olivia. That’s all I’m asking.”

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