CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY – A FAMILY AGAINST TRUE LOVE

The sound of the front door opening startled her out of her thoughts. She turned to see Miguel approaching, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration. "Karina," he said softly, reaching out to her. But Karina took a step back, shaking her head. "I can't, Miguel. Not right now. I need... I need some time to think." Miguel's hand fell to his side, his face crumpling. "Karina, please. Don't let your mother's words come between us. We can work through this." Karina wiped at her tears, trying to steady her voice. "It's not just my mother, Miguel. It's everything. The rumors at work, Catalina, our fights... I don't know if I'm strong enough for all of this." "You are," Miguel insisted, taking a step closer. "We are. Together, we can face anything." For a moment, Karina wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms, to believe that everything would be okay. But the doubts and fears that had been building for weeks held her back. "I need some space," she said finally. "Just..