Page 75 of Stronger Than Fate

“I will, because even though you’re my brother, this time I’m going to take Dalina’s side because I don’t want her to suffer,” she stated with determination.

“I’m not going to make her suffer, I just want to talk to her,” he said, and at that moment his voice seemed to be that of a defeated person.

“Why, Henry? Give me one good reason to help you with her and I swear I will, but so far you haven’t given me any option but to try to keep her away from you.”

At that moment they fell silent and I held my breath waiting for his answer.

“I don’t know,” he said after a few seconds, and I exhaled, defeated.

“That’s not the answer I was expecting,” Niky admitted. “Let me tell you, little brother, I thought Dali was important to you, but it’s clear that all you want is the same thing you want from all your ‘friends’ and...”

“It’s not like that,” he interrupted.

“Then tell me what you want. Dalina is a sweet, charming, good person and I don’t want you to make her suffer.”

“And you don’t care if I suffer?” he asked, and my heart stopped, because that question suggested that Henry might actually feel something for me.

“Of course I care, but are you suffering? Are you in love with Dalina? Because so far it hasn’t seemed that way. I remind you that in these last few days you’ve been with more women than…”

“I don’t know,” he said again.

“What is it that you don’t know?” she pressed.

“I don’t know what I feel for her, but she’s special,” he finally said, and it seemed that saying it took a great effort.

“Having doubts is a big step.”

“But she’s getting married, Niky. Until two weeks ago she was with me and now she’s marrying someone else.”

“She’s not getting married,” Niky stated.

“What?”

“You heard me. Dali just came to help me by modeling so I could finish the dress. That dress isn’t hers, it’s for a client.”

Everything went silent for a few minutes until it was broken by Henry’s laughter, which Niky joined.

“Damn! You tricked me, little sister.”

“I didn’t do anything. You were the one who assumed instead of asking, but isn’t it true that she looked beautiful?”

Without realizing it, I was pressed against the door and all I needed was to put my ear against it. Once again I held my breath waiting for his answer.

“Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it. She looked like an angel. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” he responded.

»—“An angel and a demon can make a good couple,” Niky stated, and I noticed she was laughing.

»—“Stop playing matchmaker and just tell me where I can find her.”

»—“I honestly don’t know. She left in a hurry and I didn’t ask. What are you going to do?”

»—“It’s obvious we need to have another conversation. But I’m not telling you anything else, and I’m leaving because you’re being too nosy today and I’ve already said too much,” he said, and I heard the sound of the chair being dragged across the floor, so I assumed he had gotten up to leave.

»—“I love you, brother, and I want what’s best for you. Don’t lose the chance to be happy because you’re confused.”

»—“When did you become such a wise woman?”

»—“Go away, I need to keep working... and don’t forget the saying: ‘You snooze, you lose...’”