Semua Bab GEEKY GIRL REVENGE: Bab 21 - Bab 30

“Nicky,” Mama warned, soft yet firm.“I’m just concerned. You know Ana isn’t an ordinary woman.”“I know that,” Hugo replied quietly. “That’s why I’m here, bringing everyone who can guarantee my good intentions.”Papa Cassilas leaned forward slightly. “We’re not here just as parents, but as witnesses that Hugo is not a man who would touch someone’s future without sincere intent.”Mama Hugo continued, her voice almost a confession. “We know this is all moving fast. But nothing truly slows down when love has found its path.”Nicky drew a long breath, then looked at me. “Are you sure, Na?”I smiled. “I know how to measure my steps, Nicky.”Dinner continued with the conversation gradually softening. Nicky stayed silent, but he no longer interrupted. Mama began discussing the engagement plans for tomorrow—an intimate celebration to coincide with Hugo’s parents’ second wedding anniversary, with only close family present. The Maradonas welcomed the idea. Papa led the discussion toward techno

Night stretched wide above us, a velvet sky where shy stars peeked through filaments of cloud. The main deck of the yacht had been transformed into an elegant venue draped in silver‑blue. Crystal lanterns hung gracefully, scattering soft light that danced on the surface of the sea.A mellow jazz singer crooned beside a small piano on the port side, while guests savored dishes prepared by a Michelin‑star chef. Beneath the gentle glow of chandeliers sat the two couples at the heart of the evening—Hugo’s parents, celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary, and the two of us, who had become the second focal point of the night.The full Cassilas clan was present—uncles, aunts, cousins. Opposite them, the Maradona family had traveled from several cities: my fashion‑forward grandmother, two female cousins, and young nieces chasing stray confetti.While we listened to a heartfelt toast from Hugo’s father, the event team readied the night’s centerpiece—the formal proposal. Hugo squeezed m

I stood before the cabin mirror, far from the fading clamor of the party on the upper deck. The ivory satin gown still fell perfectly, my makeup remained nearly flawless. Yet there was something powder and lipstick could not hide: the look in my own eyes—those of a woman carrying too many stories behind a single silhouette of a smile.A soft knock on the door drew my attention. “Ana, may I come in?” It was Mama’s voice—gentle, but always breaking through the thickest walls.I opened the door. She was there with a light shawl over her shoulders.“Not going back to the party?” she asked. I shook my head. “I just needed a moment to breathe.”She stepped inside and sat on a small chair by the porthole.“If I didn’t know you from the days you played with dolls, I might truly believe you’re a girl in love,” she said.I allowed myself a faint smile. “You’re the only person on earth who knows who I really am.”Mama was silent for a long moment, then spoke softly. “Are you certain Hugo truly d

Dinner was served gracefully in the colonial-style dining room, beneath a crystal chandelier that scattered candlelight like stars dripping from the ceiling. The staff moved with quiet efficiency, their presence barely audible. The atmosphere at the table wasn’t exactly warm, but neither was it cold. There was a certain carefulness between us—especially from Doña Graciela, who sat at the head of the table, observing my every move as though I were an exam she had just begun to grade.“Do you have any family in Spain, Ana?” she asked eventually, slicing a small piece of meat on her plate.I met her gaze calmly. “No, Doña.”“Ah,” she murmured. “So when you accepted my grandson’s proposal, you were also accepting an intercultural marriage. Are you prepared for that?”Hugo stepped in with a light tone, “Grandmother, this isn’t the Middle Ages.”But I raised a small hand to stop him. “It’s fine, Hugo.” Then I turned back to Doña Graciela. “I’m not just prepared, Doña. I’ve lived as a minori

I didn’t move.Everything melted into a single silent thud. Warm, but unassuming. Gentle, yet deep enough to make my heart beat twice as fast. I briefly closed my eyes, momentarily swept away by a current I never intended to feel. The script, the wall of ice—they all nearly cracked from one painfully honest touch.But when Hugo pulled away to catch his breath, his eyes sought mine again, as if wanting to delve deeper. And I came to my senses. I wasn’t supposed to be carried away.Then, when I saw Hugo leaning in again…I turned my face away.He froze, still slightly bent forward, his breathing not yet steady. “Ana…”“Sorry…” I whispered.He didn’t step back, nor did he insist. He remained still, waiting with an expression I couldn’t quite call disappointment. I saw a glimmer in his eyes.Then he gently kissed the top of my head. I still wouldn’t look at him. I had to resist the pull that threatened to sweep me away again.I felt Hugo smoothing back my hair before he spoke. “You’re alre