Henri rested his forehead against hers in a slow gesture. Then, without rushing, he wrapped his arms around her.

“Nothing I do for you makes me deserving of all this,” he murmured.

Catarina gently stroked his back and calmly replied:

“Love isn't about deserving... it's about what we choose to feel, live, and build together.”

The two of them sat down at the table, and Henri made a point of serving her carefully, as though that simple gesture held special meaning. When they began to eat, the sile