Chapter 64

AURORA. As Lola and I settled into a conversation that evening in our small cozy living room, a question hung in the air. I’d been wanting to bring it up with her ever since two nights ago when I’d made my decision after speaking to Abuela, but what with everything that had been happening with Nathaniel and me, it just never seemed like a good time. It was Lola who eventually broached the topic, her voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and concern as she asked, “Are you really giving up on selling the copyright, Aurora?” I met her gaze with a somber nod, feeling the weight of my decision settle upon me once more. “Yes,” I replied, my voice steady but tinged with resignation. “It just didn’t feel right.” Lola's next question touched on a subject that had been lingering at the periphery of my thoughts. “Is it because you’re worried about seeing Mateo regularly?” she inquired, her words spoken softly as if treading on delicate ground. My response came without hesitation, my thoughts