Tears filled my eyes as I reached for his hand. “You loved her very much,” I murmured, my voice breaking.

He nodded, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I did. But I’ve come to love you too. Maria… she taught me to love deeply, and she wanted me to be happy.”

In that moment, I realized that Tomas had given me something invaluable: the opportunity to heal and be loved without conditions. He had been patient, never demanding more than I could give, allowing our bond to grow naturally. I understood now that the simplicity of our life together was his way of honoring both the past and the present.