Chapter 65

AURORA. The following morning, with Nathaniel’s permission, I took some hours off work to deal with an issue that had been pending for some days. This was important to me as it had to deal with getting closure for my past and finally finding the courage to face the future. And so with trepidation, I found myself sitting across from Mateo in a quaint café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, mingling with the tension that simmered between us. Mateo's piercing gaze bore into mine, his curiosity evident as he leaned forward. “Ysa,” he began, his voice calm and composed but there was an intensity that danced just underneath the surface, “I need to understand. Why are you refusing to sign the documents? I thought you wanted this.” I took a moment to gather my thoughts, knowing that honesty was the only path forward. “Mateo,” I replied, sighing audibly, “I recognize that this is a remarkable opportunity, one that could open doors I’ve aspired to walk through for a