Chapter: 1913

Despite the constant proximity over the past two months, she seldom had the opportunity to study his face so intently.

Rachel remembered the first time she saw the scars that marred half of Alberto's face.

The burns and scars had seemed grotesque, instilling a sense of fear.

Now, those scars were hidden behind a mask, out of sight but not out of mind.

As she continued her vigil, Rachel's gaze softened. Amid her reflections, she noticed the edge of his ear-strikingly beautiful in its simplicity. The wisdom of the elders often echoed in her mind, suggesting that those with fine ears were both attractive and fortunate.