As the sun set, we prepared dinner for the Montenegro family again. While others were busy setting the table, I prepared the silverware and plates they would use. Just a few moments later, the family came down the long staircase. But I immediately noticed that Raphael was not with them. Claus looked at me, but I just bowed my head.
"Where's Raphael?" his father asked. "I went to his room earlier and talked to him. He said he didn't feel like eating dinner. Maybe he wants to rest or maybe his head is hurting again," his mother replied. I felt worried about what I heard. Is he okay? I felt like going to his room and giving him medicine so his headache would go away. But I knew I had no right to do that. "He's been having headaches for days. Hasn't he recovered yet from his accident?" his father asked, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I frowned, wondering if what I heard was true. "The doctor said it's normal for him to feel severe headaches because of the serious injury he sustained, and maybe because he's trying to recall all his lost memories," his mother added, which shocked me even more. My heart was racing, and I felt a mix of fear and anxiety. I was stunned by what I had just learned. Now I finally understood everything, and why he had been acting strange towards me since he returned, as if I was a stranger to him. All my questions had been answered, and I had finally found out the truth. None of what happened was his fault, and he didn't intentionally leave me alone; something terrible had happened to him, something I didn't know about. And despite all that, I had resented him, planting anger in my heart because I thought he didn't truly love me, but it turned out that everything had a reason. "Betty?" I was startled when they called my name. Claus raised his glass, indicating that he needed water to drink. I quickly approached him, my hands shaking. I lifted the pitcher of cold water and slowly filled his empty glass. But I couldn't control myself, and my hands continued to shake uncontrollably, which Claus quickly noticed. He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I admit I wasn't in the right state of mind at that moment because I was thinking about what I had just learned about Raphael. My mind was wandering, and before I knew it, I had poured too much water into his glass, causing him to push me away. "What's wrong with you? Are you insane?" he shouted at me, and my eyes widened in shock as I saw his wet clothes. Everyone was staring at me, and I didn't know what to do. I stood there like a statue, unable to move or react. In his anger, Claus raised his hand, ready to slap me, but before he could, Raphael appeared out of nowhere and stopped him. "That's enough, Claus," he said in a calm voice, releasing Claus's hand. Claus lowered his hand and stormed out of the room, furious. "Fix this mess. I want that woman gone," his father shouted, clearly displeased with what had happened. His wife followed him upstairs, leaving Raphael and me alone, standing facing each other. "You're such a trouble to me," he said, then suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the garden. He released me as soon as we were alone. "Tell me, who are you really? Why do you always cause trouble here?" he asked in an angry tone. I looked down, tears streaming down my face. I was crying, not because of the trouble I had caused or because he was angry with me, but because I was grateful to God that he was back in front of me, safe and sound. "Don't cry. I don't need your tears; what I need are explanations for why you always cause trouble here," he added, but I ignored his words and just wiped away my tears and looked up at him. "Thank you," I said, the only words I could manage to utter. He raised an eyebrow, looking puzzled. "Are you crazy? Thank you for what?" he asked. "Just, thank you," I replied with a forced smile. "Just like that? Is that really you or is it part of your personality? You were crying in front of me just a while ago, and now you're smiling at me as if nothing's wrong, even though you just lost your job. Are you still sane?" His long complaint made me smile even more, and I couldn't help but laugh at him. It had been a long time since I'd seen him and heard his voice. Since we met, I'd never seen him lose his temper because of me, but here he was, worried about me and scolding me like a little child. "Yes, you're right. This is me. This is the real me. You can say I'm crazy, but I don't mind." I said with a smile, which further confused him. "Does the man you're waiting for know that's how you are?" he asked. I just laughed and couldn't help but smile at his scowling face. "Yes, he knows my whole personality. He accepts me for who I am, and as far as I know, he's okay with me being a little crazy." I said sarcastically, looking into his . "I don't know anymore. You two are crazy." In frustration, he turned his back on me and walked away. I just smiled as I watched him leave. I'm glad he's back safe and sound. It seemed that all the resentment and anger I felt towards him had vanished when I learned the truth about him. Now I know he didn't abandon me; he didn't abandon our baby. He didn't neglect us; he just had a secret he was hiding, something I didn't know about. In these moments, I'm willing to start anew, to create new memories with him. Memories filled with happiness, along with our future child. In these moments, I forgive him and forget the bad memories we shared. It won't be easy, but I'll help him heal and recover his lost memories. I won't leave him, no matter what happens. I'll stay by his side until everything is okay, until we build our dreams together. Now I understand why my heart chose him – he's the man I'll spend my life with. "Sir, wait for me!" I called out to him, and he turned around, but then he quickened his pace. On that day, I reopened the door to my heart. But not to fall in love with another man; instead, to love him again and again. Now that I understand everything, I won't waste any more time crying or sulking in a corner. Instead, I'll try to help him recover and heal his wounds from the accident. Even if he doesn't remember our past, I'm willing to build new, happy memories with him. And when the time is right, I'll tell him the truth – about the baby in my womb, who will arrive in just a few months. He won't be alone again, and he won't miss his father because I know that when Raphael finds out about the baby, he'll be overjoyed. We've been waiting for you for so long, and you're one of our biggest dreams. You're the fruit of our love for each other. I won't let anyone hurt you two; the three of us will live far away in a peaceful and happy place where no one can come between us and ruin our love. I know the path I've chosen won't be easy, but I know that's what Raphael wants for us too. I know him better than anyone, and I know that nothing is more important to him than us two. Raphael's eyes narrowed, and he looked at me with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice firm but with a hint of uncertainty. I took a deep breath and smiled, trying to appear calm despite the turmoil inside me. "I'm...I'm someone who cares about you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Raphael's expression didn't change, and he looked at me with a detached gaze. "I don't know you," he said, his voice flat. I felt a pang of sadness, but I refused to give up. "That's okay," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "We can start from scratch. I'll get to know you again, and you can get to know me." Raphael raised an eyebrow, and I could see the skepticism in his eyes. "Why would you want to do that?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion. I took another deep breath and decided to take a risk. "Because I believe that we have a connection," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "A connection that goes beyond just knowing each other's names." Raphael's expression didn't change, but I could see a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "What kind of connection?" he asked, his voice a little softer. I smiled, feeling a sense of hope. "A connection that only comes from sharing a deep and meaningful experience," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "A connection that can't be broken, no matter what happens." Raphael's eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of recognition. But it was quickly replaced by a look of confusion, and I realized that I still had a long way to go. But I was willing to wait, to be patient, and to help Raphael recover his memories. I was willing to do whatever it took to make him mine again, to make us whole again. And as we stood there, looking at each other with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, I knew that I was ready to face whatever the future held, no matter how long it took for Raphael to remember me.
