Chapter 3: The Name That Stuck

The days after their rainy meeting passed by faster than Liza had ever known. Every morning, she would wake up with a soft smile on her face, and every night, she would lie in bed replaying their short conversation in her mind. They exchanged messages throughout the day, sharing small details of their routines, laughing at silly jokes, and listening to each other’s worries and hopes. Even simple texts felt special now, because every word was a gentle reminder that they were slowly becoming important parts of each other’s world.

Kiko never failed to make her feel seen and valued. He remembered the smallest things she told him—her favorite snack, the places she loved to visit, even the little things that made her happy or quiet. To Liza, it felt like he was paying attention to every part of her, as if he had been waiting to know her for a very long time. She realized then that his words were not just empty promises; they were proof of how genuine and sincere he truly was.

When the day of their second meeting finally arrived, Liza spent more time than usual getting ready. She chose her favorite soft dress, fixed her hair carefully, and took a deep breath to calm the flutter in her stomach. She arrived at the agreed park a few minutes early, her heart beating a little faster with every passing second. And just as she looked around, she saw Kiko standing near the entrance, waiting for her.

He looked up the moment he noticed her, and a bright, warm smile spread across his face—the same smile that had made her heart skip a beat on that gray rainy afternoon. He walked toward her slowly, and when he stopped in front of her, he said softly, “You look even more beautiful than I remembered.” Liza felt her cheeks turn warm, but this time, the feeling was sweeter, more comfortable than before.

They spent the whole afternoon walking along the tree-lined paths, talking and laughing like old friends who had just found each other again. Every moment they shared felt natural and peaceful, as if they had known each other for years. Kiko told her about his dreams and plans, and Liza shared her own hopes and fears, feeling safe and at ease every time she spoke to him.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and pink, Kiko stopped walking and turned to face her. “Liza,” he said gently, his eyes holding so much warmth and truth. “Every time I am with you, I feel like I am exactly where I am meant to be. I never believed in fate or destiny before, but meeting you changed everything. I know now that you are the one the universe prepared for me.”

Liza looked back at him, her heart full of joy and hope. She knew deep in her soul that this connection between them was no coincidence. It was the work of destiny, bringing two hearts together to start a love written in the stars long before they were born.

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