Mariana's Pov

Alejandro's words hit me like a thunderbolt. 

"I love you, Mariana." 

My mind reels, thoughts scattering.

Time freezes. His face blurs, features melting into a haze. I feel my heart stutter, air catching in my throat.

I'm paralyzed, unable to process. Two simple words, yet they shatter everything.

"What?" I stammer, my voice barely audible.

His eyes stare into mine, the orbs burning with intensity. 

"What did you just say to me?" I press, my words tumbling out in ...