CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY – LOVE IS BORN AGAIN

Once in the small office, Jasmine paced nervously while Marco leaned against the desk, watching her with worried eyes. "Marco," Jasmine began, her voice shaky, "I've been doing a lot of thinking this past week. About the bistro, about my place here, about... us." Marco tensed visibly. "And what did you decide?" Jasmine stopped pacing, turning to face him fully. "I decided that I've been an idiot." Marco's eyebrows shot up. "What?" "I've been so caught up in my own confusion, in trying to figure out what I want, that I couldn't see what was right in front of me," Jasmine explained, taking a step closer to him. "And what's that?" Marco asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Jasmine reached out, taking his hand in hers. "You, Marco. It's always been you. Your kindness, your strength, the way you make me feel safe and cherished. The way you challenge me to be better, to reach for my dreams." Marco's eyes widened, hope blooming in their depths. "Jasmine, are you saying..." "I'm s