Episode 3

I'm glad to hear she welcomes you,

When you go to visit, you know how happy she gets when she sees you.

I can't right now, I don't know why, but when I see her all the memories and time spent with her father hit me hard, it's still tough for me.

I understand, and how about your marriage, you've been married for three years, when will you tell me I'll be an uncle?

I still don't know; with her damn career now she's traveling in London and won't be back for a month. I guess she prefers traveling over staying at home waiting for me, but you know how duty calls.

I understand...

It's been a year since Mariana and Lucio became a couple, and he has a big surprise in store because today he'll propose to her.

Meanwhile, Marco is living at work. He's heard from his other workers that Mariana is excelling in the Marketing department. Six months ago, she became the head of that department, and he has given her every chance to rise and learn, placing her in every conference their company has provided. It's the least he can do for her, especially after the detective he hired told him that his friend's death wasn't a suicide. It looks like someone paid a lot to close the case; there's someone behind it. What he doesn't understand is why he can't find the wretch who killed his friend, yet he has his doubts concerning Lucio, who seems so determined to win Mariana over. He questions if Lucio could be involved but also doubts it because he knew how much he cared for Alexander...

The investigation continues, and one day Lucio calls Marco and asks him to come over, revealing he's been married to Mariana for a year, and she's pregnant.

When Marco reached the house, he rang the doorbell and was surprised to see the housekeeper who had worked with Alexander. Nonetheless, he greeted Doña Imelda politely and proceeded inside, where he found a couple of suitcases—someone had recently returned from a trip, or someone was leaving. Suddenly, he felt a hug and glanced down to see the beaming eyes of Alexa.

Princess, look how big you've grown.

Thank you for coming; I wanted to say goodbye.

Goodbye? Are those suitcases yours?

Yes, I asked dad Lucio to convince mom to let me board in London, so we won't see each other for a long time. I hope you can visit when you can.

He nodded and promised her that he'd visit.

At that moment, Lucio and Mariana came out of the kitchen, greeting him warmly. Seeing Lucio being so attentive to Alexa, Marco let go of the suspicion he had about him. Lucio clearly saw her as a daughter, and Marco felt that Alexander would be happy knowing his family was in good hands.

After a pleasant time and a lovely lunch, they all headed to the airport.

Alexa convinced Marco to accompany her, and before saying goodbye and boarding the plane, she said, "You didn't give me my 8th present, and I understand why. But you know, dad is happy now—I dreamed it, and he said he wanted to see you happy too. You're the only one left." Marco nodded and hugged her tightly.

Alexa felt joyful to have said farewell to Marco. She saw him not just as her father's friend but also as her secret crush.

Once she left, she arrived at a new school, where the residence was huge, filled with girls her age and boys in the east wing.

A 15-year-old boy saw Alexa arrive and thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Approaching her during formation, he introduced himself as Luke Simonds.

"Hi, my name is Alexa Ferreti," she responded.

"Alexa, that's a beautiful name, as lovely as its owner," Luke replied.

Alexa just thanked him and went to her room.

The boys behind Luke teased him, saying she hadn't seemed impressed and that winning her over would be tough. Luke retorted that he didn't want someone desperately trailing after him.

Back in Italy, Marco had asked Monique for a child, and she agreed after one final fashion show, they would start the family he so desired.

Mariana was enjoying a beautiful pregnancy, pampered by Lucio, who had proved to be a wonderful husband and caretaker.

Alexa had many classmates but grew tired of Luke's constant, foolish attempts. Time flew by, and she turned into a stunning young lady.

One day in the lounge, a news story startled Alexa. The screen showed the man she had always loved—her father's best friend. The newscaster announced that CEO Lombardo was divorcing and now returned to the eligible bachelor scene. At nearly 38, he still had allure, with a commanding character and business acumen that ranked him at the top. Alexa couldn't fathom what had happened to Marco's love for Monique.

Amber, one of her friends, snapped Alexa out of her thoughts, asking if that wasn't the handsome man that made her sigh. Alexa nodded silently. Nearby, Luke overheard and realized he couldn't compete with an older man for Alexa's affections.

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