Maliyla's POV

"I love you," Hector whispered to me.

My heart fluttered at Hector's whispered words, and a rush of warmth spread throughout my body. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of joy and vulnerability as his confession sank in.

"I love you too," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. All my doubts and insecurities melted away at that moment, replaced by a deep sense of connection and trust. I knew that our love was something special, something worth cherishing.

The dinner date ...