Chapter 27: Chapter 27

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“DO YOU know who cursed you? Do you know where to find him or her?”

“Why are you bringing this up again?” Alexander asked after sipping his hot chocolate. He looked utterly displeased.

“Because if he put that curse on you, he might have the power to take it back.”

“Gretel, it’s not as simple as you think. I was not cursed because I offended someone, and I only have to apologize so that everything will go back to the way it was.”

Gretel saw pain and anger flickered in his eyes through the lamp.

“I don’t want to see that monster ever again. Though I wished she could see how she was wrong about me dying miserable and alone. I found someone who accepted me for who I am.”

Though Alexander was trying to say that he was fine and had accepted his fate, Gretel knew getting his normal life back would make him the happiest.

“You are the most adorable person I’ve ever met,” she said afterward.

“Really? Even more adorable than your husband?” he asked timidly.

She cupped his face and pressed his cheeks.

“Yes. I’m sure Javier won’t mind,” Gretel said with a giggle.

GRETEL woke up from a loud knock outside her door. She straightened her back and found herself in front of the sewing machine she requested from Mr. Martinez. She remembered waking up at dawn to continue sewing the shirt she intended to give Javier on his birthday.

She frowned as her back hurt. She hastily stood up and walked to the door.

“Gretel.” Javier was standing outside, looking anxious. “Why aren’t you answering? I was so worried about you,” he demanded. He sounded more concerned than mad.

Gretel could only smile sheepishly as she gazed at his handsome face.

“Good morning, too, Javier. I’m sorry. I was doing something important.”

“Aren’t you going to let me in?”

“I can’t. I don’t want you to see it.”

“All right,” he uttered in instant submission.

“Do you mind waiting outside? I’ll just wash my face.”

“Go ahead. Take your time.”

To my dearest Gretel,

I thought another goodbye won’t hurt. I was used to moving from one place to another to avoid attachments. But I never thought you would mean this much to me the moment we literally bumped into each other.

You are the most beautiful thing that walked this land. I never imagined that your sweet smile would hurt this much whenever I think about leaving you soon. I did not mean to be unfair. I wish there was something I could do, but this is already my destiny. I could never grow old with you.

I never thought I could ever love again, but thanks to you. You are my sunshine, my happiness, my savior. We may not spend our lifetimes together, but I do hope that you find your true love after I’m gone.

I hope you won’t forget about me, and may you only remember the good times we spent together. If I had the chance, I would love to tell you every day all the things I adored about you.

Would you believe that this arrogant man does not have the courage to say my farewell to your beautiful face?

Thank you for accepting me as I am, my love. The time I spent with you made my life worth living. I wish I had known you sooner.

I love you with all I am and with all that’s left of me.

Javier

Javier took a deep breath and leaned on his seat when he was done writing the letter. He missed Gretel easily. He missed her even though she only left to see her mother.

Almost every night, after meeting Gretel as Alexander, Javier would cry and shake in fear, realizing his days with his lovely wife were numbered. He did not want to leave Gretel that way. He never thought he would love her this strong. He had never felt that kind of fear before—the kind of fear that would make him beg for a miracle.

Maybe it was a stupid idea to ask Gretel to marry him. Her sincerity and innocence were able to melt his defenses. He was the moth, and she was the flame. It was a wrong idea to be drawn to her, but he did, anyway.

He had come to admit that even though he kept telling himself that he had already accepted his fate, deep down inside, he wanted to be happy even for the last time. His heart knew the only person who could give him that was Gretel.

“THIS LOOKS very elegant. I’m sure your husband would love this!” Glenda uttered, beaming. She was holding the shirt on her lap.

Gretel could not help grinning from ear to ear. When she finally finished sewing the shirt, the first thing she did was show it to her mother. She knew she could count on her opinion on this.

“R-really, Mother? Don’t you think it still lacked something?”

“This is already perfect. We’ll just have to fold it carefully so we could wrap it nicely.”

Gretel clapped in excitement. She could not wait to give it to Javier.

“Thank you, Mother!”

Glenda spread the shirt on the bed.

“I’m happy to see you looking like this, my child. I only see that look on your face whenever you finished a good book. I could see that Javier makes you happy, and you’re in love with him.”

Gretel could not help blushing. Of course, how could she ever lie to her mother? She already knew what she was feeling just by looking at her.

“I want to make him happy, too, Mother.”

“What about the other one?” Glenda was referring to another piece that was wrapped in paper. “Is that for Javier, too?”

“No, Mother,” she replied with a smile. “This is for a different person, a good friend.”

“IS THAT your present for Javier on his birthday?” Mr. Martinez asked Gretel. He finally came to collect her.

Gretel nodded with a smile. She put the present on top of a huge basket. Glenda did not allow Gretel to leave without sending her food to share with Javier. Her mother was the sweetest.

“It’s making me anxious, though,” she said as she drew a breath. “I don’t know if I should just leave my gift on his bed or give it to him personally.”

“Don’t you want to see his reaction when he accepts your gift?”

Gretel pursed her lips thoughtfully. It was making her more anxious and excited at the same time.

She laughed nervously.

“Let’s just see, Mr. Martinez,” she said.