WITH Taylor's words echoing in his mind like a persistent whisper, D'Andre navigated the grand corridors of his sprawling mansion. The events of the night weighed heavily on his shoulders, his heart a tumultuous mix of emotions that he struggled to untangle. The opulent surroundings seemed to reflect the turmoil within him, the soft lighting and luxurious furnishings juxtaposed with his inner turmoil.Entering his lavish bedroom, D'Andre's gaze fell upon the sleeping figure on the extravagant canopy bed – Maiari, the woman who had captured his heart during that unforgettable summer. As he looked at her, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. He had thought he knew what he felt for her, but now he questioned whether it was genuine affection or simply the intoxication of a fleeting romance.Carefully, he sat down on the edge of the bed, his mind a whirlwind of uncertainty. The moonlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a silvery glow over the room that

"Maiari,” he began, his voice steady, “I want you to know that I'm truly sorry for everything. I regret hurting you, and I want to make amends."Maiari looked at him, her gaze searching. "D'Andre, changing takes time. It's not just about saying sorry."He nodded, his sincerity evident. "I understand that. And I want you to know that I'm committed to showing you through my actions that I've changed."Maiari's lips curved into a small smile, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Actions do speak louder than words."D'Andre reached across the table and took her hand in his. "Maiari, you mean everything to me. Our time together by the beach was magical, and I want to continue creating beautiful memories with you."Tears welled up in Maiari's eyes, and she squeezed his hand. "I want to believe in us again, D'Andre. But it's going to take time."He nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'll wait for as long as it takes. I'll work every day to prove that you can trust me again."As they finished

At first, they brushed off the unease that gnawed at the edges of their consciousness. They assured each other that nothing had changed, that their connection was as strong as ever. But as Catalina's role in their lives deepened, cracks began to form in the facade they had meticulously built.It was a chilly evening when everything unraveled. D'Andre and Taylor found themselves in a familiar spot – a secluded corner of the campus, far from prying eyes. The air was charged with tension, their stolen moments now tainted by the weight of secrecy."So, who's the new girl?" Taylor asked, trying to sound nonchalant as he leaned against the wall.D'Andre's expression remained impassive, but his hesitation was palpable. "Catalina. She's... different. We met a few weeks ago."Taylor's eyes narrowed, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. "Different how?"D'Andre hesitated, his gaze flickering away. "She's smart, confident, and she's... interested in me."Taylor's heart sank, the

"I'm pregnant."The line went quiet, the weight of those words hanging heavily in the air. Maiari felt her heart pounding, waiting for her uncle and aunt's reaction."What did you just say?" her uncle's voice rose, his tone a mixture of shock and disbelief.Her aunt's voice followed, her words dripping with disappointment, "Maiari, you're barely out of high school. How could you let this happen?"Maiari's throat tightened as she struggled to find the right words. "I know it's not ideal, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I didn't plan for this, but I'm determined to do everything I can for the baby's sake."Her uncle's voice was stern, "This is a serious situation, Maiari. You've put yourself in a difficult position, and you've let us down."Tears streamed down Maiari's face as the weight of her uncle and aunt's anger crashed over her. She had hoped for understanding, for support, but instead, she was met with disappointment and reproach."I know I've made a mistake," Maia

Maiari's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. "D'Andre, I don't want empty promises. I need someone who's sure, who's truly committed."He nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I understand, Maiari. I won't make promises I can't keep. But I promise to be there for you, every step of the way. And if you'll have me, I'll work on being the partner and the father of this you deserve."A tentative smile tugged at Maiari's lips, her eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions. "You really mean this?"He nodded, his sincerity evident in his gaze. "Yes, Maiari, I do."As a comfortable silence enveloped them, their words lingered in the air, leaving behind a promise of a future they were both willing to explore together. But as the night wrapped around them, D'Andre's heart grew heavy. He couldn't shake the sadness that welled up within him as he realized that Maiari's plans to return to El Nido meant a growing distance between them."Anyway, forget about the marri