Sofía couldn't get the magical night she had spent dancing in the arms of Antony Van Ewen out of her mind. From that moment on, she included the Englishman in her prayers, asking God not to let him forget her. Her greatest wish was for him to ask for her hand soon. She was sure there had been a connection between them.
She had been mistaken before with Pablo Ferreira, who turned out to be a smooth-talking womanizer. However, Antony was entirely different. It was obvious that he was a man of honor.The Wednesday after lunch, Sofía heard the sound of horse hooves trotting on the stony path leading to the estate. She ran to the window and saw the gallant Englishman on a beautiful stallion. He looked like a prince."Aunt, it's Antony! He hasn't forgotten me," she announced excitedly."Calm down, don't let him see you're nervous," advised María Esther.They waited for the young man to approach the door and knock three times. They made him wait intentionally for a few seconds before María Esther invited him in. Antony Van Ewen greeted her and her husband cordially, then approached Sofía to kiss her hand gallantly."How are you today, my beautiful lady?" he asked with his irresistible accent."I am very well, thank you for asking," Sofía replied coquettishly and gave him a shy smile.María Esther suggested they sit in the living room while she went to get some snacks. Catalina was still in her room, Sebastián and Diego had gone riding, and Amanda was fortunately at the church, far from Antony's sight. Although the Englishman had not shown interest in the young woman, Sofía couldn't help but feel nervous about her. She was older than Sofía, and her family thought it fair that Amanda marry first. However, Amanda had no suitors and had lately shown great devotion to religion. Perhaps she could consider becoming a nun and giving her heart to Christ.The conversation began calmly and revolved around some work proposals for Diego and Sebastián. Just when Sofía was starting to get bored, Antony Van Ewen revealed the real reason for his visit to La Rosa."I don't want to waste your time with matters I can discuss later with your sons. The truth is, I wish to marry soon, and Sofía's beauty has captivated me. I understand it would be proper for Miss Amanda to marry first, but I am willing to pay a generous sum for any inconvenience caused by advancing the wedding," the man added without preamble.Sofía's heart raced, and Antony looked very serious at Óscar Pérez Esnaola. If her uncle did not accept the deal, she would never forgive him. She had always dreamed of marrying a man as rich and handsome as Antony. He was like a fairy-tale hero. She was sure he would protect her from all kinds of dangers and adversity."How much money are we talking about?" Óscar asked, stroking his elegant mustache."Well, more or less..." Antony began to say, but he was interrupted."No! My husband would not have allowed such a thing. It would be unfair to Amanda. She must marry first," Catalina, standing in the doorway with her face covered in a black mantilla, decreed.She looked like a witch, and Sofía felt a deep hatred for her after hearing her words. She couldn't believe her mother was so unfair."Mother, please! Amanda is not interested in marriage. Perhaps she would be happier in a convent," Sofía suggested desperately, her eyes red from the tears threatening to escape."I am sure we can reach an agreement, my beautiful Sofía. Don't worry, please," Antony reassured her tenderly."I doubt Amanda wants to become a nun. She wouldn't survive two days in a convent, deprived of the comforts a lady has," commented María Esther, leaving a space for her sister-in-law to sit beside her.Sofía glared at her aunt. She wondered why everyone was so cruel and couldn't think a little about her feelings."Very well. It's not my intention to cause... how do you say it? Family discord. I will wait for Miss Amanda to find a husband, but in the meantime, I would like permission to court the lovely Sofía. I would like us to be... engaged," Antony Van Ewen said, trying to find the right words.Sofía looked at her mother with a pleading gaze."Alright, but you must always go out with a chaperone. It will depend on the goodwill of María Esther and Isabel," the widow agreed."Thank you, mother. You won't regret it, I promise," Sofía said, unable to hide her sudden happiness."I brought a gift to celebrate our engagement," the young man said, taking a velvet-covered box from his vest pocket.He opened it and approached Sofía, who was amazed at the beautiful ruby choker inside."It's beautiful!" she exclaimed."May I?" he asked, and Catalina nodded.Antony stood and offered his hand to Sofía so she could stand too. She turned and moved her golden curls forward while he placed the choker around her neck. The Englishman's warm fingers contrasted with the cold metal on her skin. As he closed the gold clasp, he leaned close to Sofía. She could feel his warm breath on her earlobe."I want you to wear it on our wedding night. I don't want you to wear anything else..." he whispered before returning to his seat.Sofía felt a strange sensation of vertigo and her legs trembled while her cheeks burned. She sat down, not daring to say anything, only casting discreet glances at Antony, who continued talking with the rest of the family for a while."I will come to pick you up on Saturday and take you to the theater," he promised, kissed her hand, and gave her a half-smile before leaving.As soon as the Englishman left the estate, Sofía felt his absence. Thousands of sensations swirled inside her, and she longed with every fiber of her being to see him again soon.Her cousins entered La Rosa accompanied by Pablo Ferreira before Amanda returned."Diego, you won't believe it! Antony Van Ewen and I are engaged!" she announced excitedly, ensuring Pablo heard."Congratulations, cousin!" exclaimed Sebastián, placing a hand on Diego's shoulder, who looked as pale as a ghost."I'm happy for you," Pablo said briefly and went to greet the elders.Sofía was sure that, although he hid it well, she had seen at least a bit of jealousy in Pablo. After all, they had kissed once, and he couldn't have forgotten the softness of her lips so easily.Diego, without even congratulating her, walked out the still-open door."Cousin!" she called, confused, and tried to follow him, but Sebastián grabbed her wrist and stopped her."Let him go. You've hurt him enough," he said softly, slightly frowning."Me? Why? I would never hurt him!" she added, indignant."Didn't you realize he is in love with you? He has always loved you. Let him be alone with his pain," Sebastián said, and his words hit Sofía like a cold shower.In love with her? She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was this another one of Sebastián's lies? She didn't doubt Diego loved her dearly, just as she loved him. They were best friends, almost siblings. It had always been that way. Could Diego really have those kinds of feelings for her? Why had he never said anything if that was the case?