Chapter 31: Goodnight, Elena

She nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I agree. I want to get to know you, Elena. Really know you."

There was something in her eyes, a depth of emotion that took me by surprise. It was as if she was letting her guard down, revealing a part of herself that she usually kept hidden. It made me feel closer to her, and I found myself wanting to know more about this enigmatic woman.

"Why did you propose to me, Carmen?" I asked, the question slipping out before I could stop myself. "It was so sudden. Do you really think it's a good idea?"

Carmen leaned back in her chair, her gaze never wavering. "Honestly, I didn't think much before I said it. It just came out. But when I saw your reaction, I realized how impulsive it must have seemed."

"It did catch me off guard," I admitted. "But it also made me think. You must have had some reason, even if it was impulsive."