Chapter 330
And so, Hector hurriedly packed his few belongings and moved in with Natalia, embarking on their co-
habiting journey. They would jog together every morning, then return home to paint, exchanging
insights. After that, they would cook and eat together.
Hector, being the mindful one, took care of Natalia meticulously. Every day, he felt as if he was living in
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a dream. This was the kind of life he had always yearned for, practically perfect. The only imperfection
was that Natalia saw him merely as a good friend, with no hint of romantic affection in her eyes.
As time flew by, Hector started to crave more. He was no longer satisfied with being just good pals with
Natalia. He wanted more. He wanted Natalia to be his lover, to continue the captivating romance they
had during their adolescence.
One evening, Hector secretly prepared avish dinner behind Natalia''s back. When night fell, he called
her out of her room.
Natalia, pushed along by Hector, found herself in their small garden filled with flowers and nts. To
her surprise, a small table had been set up there. Not only was the tableden with a feast, but it also
held a beautiful candlestick.
Upon seeing this, Natalia turned to Hector with a smile. "Hector, are you inviting me to a candlelit
dinner?"
Hector, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for Natalia. "Sit, my beautiful queen."
Natalia blushed at thepliment and gave a shy chuckle before taking a seat.
Hector poured a ss of red wine for Natalia and raised his ss in a toast. "To our reunion, cheers!"
Natalia reciprocated the gesture, her red lips lightly touching the ss. "Cheers!"
As Hector and Natalia had a few drinks, the night sky deepened, with stars twinkling like winking eyes.
Natalia''s cheeks were flushed, a hint of tipsiness showing.
Suddenly, Hector rose from his seat and produced a dazzling red rose seemingly out of nowhere. He
knelt on one knee before Natalia. "Natalia, I love you. Will you marry me?"
Natalia was taken aback by Hector''s proposal. She thought they were just having a casual drink. She
never expected Hector to propose. The proposal was so sudden that Natalia didn''t know how to react.
She was rooted to the spot.
However, Hector remained kneeling, passionately saying, "Natalia, you know, I''ve loved you for a very
long time. I know you love me, too, but fate separated us. You left me for someone else. I was too timid
back then, not knowing how to fight for my happiness, and I let you go! When I heard you had fallen
into the sea, there were countless times I felt like jumping in after you. I regret letting you go for the rest
of my life. Now, you''re like an angel who''s descended from heaven. I know you''ve suffered over these
years, but let''s not talk about the past. This is my chance to start anew! Natalia, will you marry me?"
Natalia looked at Hector kneeling on the ground, her heart filled with unease. She had thought Hector
would cherish their time together and not bring up their buried feelings, but it seemed she couldn''t
escape it.
Taking a deep breath, Natalia slowly shook her head. “Hector, I’m sorry. I thought our rtionship was
pure tonic affection. But now I realize I was wrong. Maybe I was too presumptuous, and I never
asked about your feelings. I... I''m really sorry."
The light in Hector''s eyes dimmed instantly. He remained kneeling, his silhouette elongated by the
moonlight.
Natalia couldn''t bear to see Hector in such a state. "Hector, I''m sorry. I can''t give you marriage or love.
My heart is lost, iplete. You deserve a better woman. If you don''t mind, I can offer you friendship,
the purest friendly affection. That''s all I can offer. Hector, you can forget about the past, and stop
ming yourself. I''m sorry."
Hector stared intently at Natalia as if trying to imprint her image in his mind. After a long pause, he
slowly retracted his numb arm and stood up. His voice was steady. "Natalia, I won''t give up. I''ll wait. I''ll
wait until you change your mind or until youe back to me."
Natalia bit her lip, feeling awkward. She didn''t know how tofort Hector, so she just lowered her
head in silence.
Hector forced augh, intending to leave quietly but not wanting Natalia to overthink. He put on a brave
face. "Natalia, don''t worry about me. I have thick skin. No matter how many times I''m knocked down, I''ll
be fine. Really. I can wait, maybe one day you''ll change your mind."
Natalia felt her eyes welling up. She looked at Hector, who was feigning cheerfulness. "Hector, I..."
"Enough," Hector cut her off. "Who am I? Hector, the indestructible roach. If not this time, then next
time. I''ll be the ever resilient gum." He made exaggerated faces, full of self-mockery.
Natalia couldn''t help butugh at his antics. Although she still felt a bit awkward, it was much better
than before. She looked at Hector seriously. "Hector, I really wish to remain as your closest kin forever.
Really."
"Alright, I ept your kinship. But you can''t stop me from pining for you, my kin. Hey, you better be
careful. One day, if I turn into the big bad wolf, you''ll be in trouble!" Hector made a face, pretending to
be a big bad wolf.
Natalia''s mood lifted. She hugged her shoulders and pretended to be scared. "Oh my, what a terrifying
big bad wolf."
Just like that, the initially tense atmosphere gradually became lively again, thanks to Hector''s
exaggerated bodynguage. After a bit of teasing, they each retreated to their separate rooms for the
night.
Shutting the door, separating themselves from the outside world, they were finally able to drop their
pretenses. There was no longer a need to put on a brave face or pretend to be happy for the sake of
the other''s feelings.
Hector flung himself onto the bed, a sense of defeat gnawing at his insides. Although he had
anticipated today''s failed proposal, the reality of it still required a heart of steel to face. He''d found her
and had no intention of ever letting her go. He was willing even if it meant being just a family member
to her.
"Natalia, I won''t give up," he vowed silently. "I will wait till you truly ept me. No matter how long it
takes, I can wait."
Whispering the pledge that had long been imprinted in his heart, Hector felt a surge of renewed
strength. With a sense of satisfaction, he finally closed his eyes.
In a room nearby, Natalia stared nkly at the night view outside her window. Her heart was consumed
by thoughts of Magnus, who was far away in a differentnd.