That day, Jimena was at the institution’s gym when, all of a sudden, her friend César—someone she had shared a few dinners with to discuss the company’s and the foundation’s successes—surprised her with a bouquet.

The gesture left her frozen and uneasy, as it gave a romantic connotation to what, for her, was nothing more than a cordial friendship.

She forced a smile so as not to hurt him. It wasn’t just that she didn’t want César to get the wrong idea—she simply disliked such gestures altogether. She had always found them cheesy and meaningless, one of the reasons she got along so well with Pablo, who felt the same way.

However, unaware of her inner turmoil, César took her hands and looked her straight in the eyes, a lovestruck gleam flickering in his gaze that made her uncomfortable.

“Jimena, I know I said my intentions with you were purely friendly, but… the truth is, I like you a lot, and I’d like you to see me differently. Tell me, would you give me a chance?”

She froze, speechles