Chapter 7

In the quiet corner of the village, Samir's rented apartment stood as a haven—small but cozy, filled with the melody of Estrella's laughter as she entered. It was a world he'd created for himself in the past couple of months in Altea, a place where he penned his songs and dreamt of a future with the woman he had feelings for.

As Estrella stepped through the door, her eyes swept across the modest space. The walls adorned with nice posters and pictures, a guitar resting in one corner, and the lingering scent of incense; it all bore the imprint of Samir's essence. This was his sanctuary, a glimpse into a life that, for now, existed separately from hers.

She smiled at Samir, a radiant secret shared between them. However, beneath the joy, a flicker of unease lingered. She had been careful to keep this part of her life hidden, an intimate retreat away from the watchful eyes of her family. Altea was a small town. Samir had never seen her house, never stepped into the restaurant where she wor