CHIARA POV
I've been trying to reach Xander but my calls went unanswered. In thought of informing him about my plan, I resorted to sending him a text message, explaining that Ximara will accompany me to my friends' gathering with Alexa and Sanya.
The previous night, Xander was noticeably absent from home, and I couldn't help but wonder where he was. It was soon revealed that his absence was due to his demanding work schedule. I knew very well about his dedication and commitment to his job, so I understood the reason behind his prolonged absence.

Throughout the day, I patiently awaited his return, hoping that he would walk through our front door at any moment. However, as the hours ticked by, there was still no sign of him.
As the clock struck ten in the morning, Ximara and I bid farewell to Xander's condo and embarked on our journey to Alexa and Sanya's place. With a sense of anticipation, we made our way to their residence, where they still resided. Wanting to ensure they were present when we arrived, I had informed them in advance of our visit.
As we made our way towards their house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The sight of their charming and cozy abode instantly tugged at my heartstrings, wrapping me in a warm blanket of familiarity. A smile involuntarily played on my lips, knowing that the anticipation for our arrival had surely filled Alexa and Sanya's hearts with joy.
As I reached the doorstep, I extended my hand to press the doorbell, feeling a mixture of excitement and eagerness ebbing within me. The sound of the bell resonated through the air, bridging the gap between our worlds. It was a brief moment, but the anticipation felt like an eternity. And then, as if in response to my summon, the door swung open in a swift motion, unveiling the faint silhouettes of Sanya and Alexa standing before me.
A blissful rush of happiness flooded my senses as I beheld their shining eyes, brimming with pure delight at our arrival. It was as if they had been eagerly awaiting this reunion, just as I had. The mere sight of their radiant faces accentuated the glow inside me. I could sense the genuine excitement emanating from their beings, their anticipation seamlessly intertwining with mine. The air crackled with a shared sense of joy and togetherness.
Their presence was like a balm for my restless soul, instantly soothing any worries or doubts that had clung onto me. In that moment, all that mattered was the warmth of their welcome and the heartfelt connection we shared. Both Alexa and Sanya exuded an aura of happiness that was contagious, filling the air with an effervescent energy, as if the world had paused to celebrate our reunion.

As I stood there, basking in the embrace of their excited gazes, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the friendship we shared, for the cherished moments we had created together, and for the unwavering support they had always provided. It was a beautiful reminder of how powerful and fulfilling human connections could be.
The journey to their doorstep had come to an end, but the journey of our bond was far from over. With each passing moment, our friendship continued to blossom, fueled by the bonds we had forged and the memories we had woven into the fabric of our lives. And as we stepped into their welcoming embrace, I knew in my heart that this reunion was just the beginning of another beautiful chapter in our lives, one that we would treasure forever.
"Sanya! Alexa!" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with delight. In perfect unison, they both called out my name and rushed towards us. Sanya quickly unlatched the gate, allowing me to step forward and embrace her in a tight hug. In that moment, I had to let go of Ximara's hand to fully reciprocate Sanya's affection.
"I've missed you!" Sanya exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and longing. After we pulled away from each other, Alexa stepped forward to hug me next.

"I missed you too, Ara," Alexa whispered as our embrace softened and we separated. I couldn't help but feel a sense of emotional connection with both of them, as if time and distance had never truly kept us apart.
"And I missed both of you as well!" I replied, a genuine smile playing on my lips. As I turned my gaze towards Ximara, my heart swelled with pride. It was time to introduce my precious daughter to these dear friends of mine.
"This is Ximara, my daughter," I introduced, my voice filled with a sense of pride. Alexa and Sanya enveloped Ximara in their warm embrace, their smiles mirroring the joy on their faces. My heart filled with warmth as I watched Ximara reciprocate their love, smiling radiantly.
Sanya's warm praise for my daughter, Ximara, filled me with pride as she gently squeezed her cheek. "Your daughter is very beautiful!" she exclaimed. I couldn't help but smile in response, feeling a surge of maternal love for my little girl.
But just as quickly as the joy entered my heart, it was replaced with a wave of worry when Alexa brought up Maximo. "Does Maximo already know?" she asked, causing my smile to fade. I shook my head in response, revealing that Maximo was still unaware of the situation.
Sanya intervened, diverting the conversation away from Maximo for the time being. "Don't talk about Maximo first, let's go inside," she suggested, guiding Ximara into the house. Alexa and I exchanged glances before following suit, stepping into the familiar surroundings.
As I took in the scene, I noticed the familiar arrangement of household items in their usual places and the foods that they prepared. It brought a sense of comfort and familiarity, even in the midst of the uncertainty we faced.
Alexa seized the moment to inquire about my relationship with Xander, "Are you and Xander already in a relationship?" I turned my gaze towards Ximara and Sanya, who had settled in the living room, enjoying their meal. When I redirected my attention to Alexa, I noticed the seriousness in her eyes. I momentarily looked away, feeling a mix of emotions, before finally nodding in confirmation.
"When are you going to tell Maximo about Ximara?" she asked, her voice calm and understanding. I turned to face her, meeting her eyes directly.
"But what if Maximo doesn't approve of Ximara? I don't want to hurt my daughter, Alexa," I confessed, feeling a weight of concern weighing down on me.
"You won't know until you try. And I believe Maximo is not like that, you know it too," she reassured me, her voice gentle yet firm. I shook my head in uncertainty.
"But I don't want to destroy his relationship with Rhian, they are on the verge of becoming a family," I explained, my worry evident in my voice.
"What do you mean by 'they are becoming a family'?" Sanya questioned, confusion etched on her face. It was then that I realized she had quietly approached us, unnoticed by me. I turned to sneak a glance at Ximara, who appeared completely at ease, munching on a snack and engrossed in the cartoons playing on the television.
"What family?" Sanya pressed, her voice full of confusion, and as I turned to face her, it was clear from her expression that Alexa shared the same perplexity. They truly had no idea.
"I happened to see Rhian and Luis together when Xander and I went to the mall. Rhian is pregnant, they are going to have a baby," I disclosed, expecting shock or concern. However, to my surprise, I saw Sanya bursting into laughter.
"Huh?! What do you mean they're going to have a baby? Who told you that? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAH HA HA HAH" Confusion engulfed me as Sanya's raucous laughter echoed through the room.
I couldn't fathom why she found the news of Rhian and Maximo expecting a child amusing. Amidst my bewilderment, I glanced at Alexa, who mirrored Sanya's reaction with a subtle shake of her head as if she couldn't contain her amusement and hinting that she too found the situation amusing.
Amidst the laughter, Sanya added, "Rhian is already married!" The laughter continued, but I couldn't focus on it anymore. My heart sank, and I could feel the pain in my chest. So, they were already married, and I had no idea. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I couldn't help but look away, trying to hide the hurt in my eyes.
Sanya's laughter continued, seemingly never-ending. She held onto her stomach, laughing so hard that tears started streaming down her face. I couldn't understand how she found this so amusing when all I felt was pain.
I reached a breaking point, my patience wearing thin as I watched Sanya continue to laugh uncontrollably. Desperate to bring her back to reality, I gently tugged on her hair, hoping to grab her attention. Frustration colored my voice as I questioned her, "Why are you laughing so intensely? Are you out of your mind?"
Briefly composing herself amidst her unending laughter, Sanya managed to gasp out a response, her words interwoven with her persistent giggles. "It's you, silly," she finally articulated, her laughter still permeating her speech. "Do you really think Rhian and Maximo got married?" Her explanation remained muddled by her constant giggling, leaving me even more puzzled and unable to grasp her intended meaning.
"Rhian and Maximo are not married," In an attempt to shed some light on the situation, Alexa interjected. Confusion flooded my mind as I tried to process this new information. Only moments ago, they had claimed to be wedded, and now suddenly that was not the case?