6. Shores of Reflection

Marissa came downstairs, a mischievous grin lighting up her face as she neared the dining room. Daniella and Juan were getting ready to sit down at the dinner table.

Marissa hurriedly claimed Daniella's seat. "Good morning, sister-in-law. Could you take my seat? Juan and I have an important matter to discuss," In a sly tone, she said.

Daniella, smiling slightly, replied, "Why not?"

Juan took his seat and paid no attention to her.

Marissa found herself in a bit of a standoff with Carlos as he questioned her move to separate the newly engaged couple. She brushed it off with a nonchalant mutter, "What?"

"Why split them up? Can't this wait till after breakfast?" Carlos mouthed.

"Why can't I sit near Juan? After all, he will be abandoning us after getting married to his beloved Dani?" Marissa retorted.

Carlos clarified, "No, Juan's not leaving. He'll be staying with us."

Rolling her eyes at the response, Marissa insisted, "Dani, come on over and take your spot."

Daniella, however, replied calmly, her easygoing nature shining through. "No, I really don't mind."

* * *

Following breakfast, Marissa made her way to the stables to visit her foal. Leaning in close to the white foal, she whispered her thoughts, as if confiding in an old friend.

"You saw it all, didn't you, Juan?" she murmured, reminiscing about the memorable moment. "My first kiss. It was incredible, indescribable... He kissed me back, and it was like magic."

Her grin widened as she tossed her hair, reliving the enchantment of the experience. However, when Marissa noticed Juan heading towards his office, she called out to him with affection in her voice.

However, a worker from the ranch interrupted Juan's movement, capturing his attention. Despite Marissa's efforts to get his attention, the worker's urgent need momentarily diverted her course, delaying her impending conversation with Juan.

"I'm on my way, baby Juan," she said with delight, pausing briefly to ensure the foal's good behavior. "Mother and father need to have a chat."

The worker concluded their conversation with Juan and walked away, leaving Marissa to approach him, concerned about his mood. "Do you need help?" she inquired, noticing his sigh.

As Juan began to walk away, Marissa followed. "Why the silent treatment? You can't just act like our kiss didn't happen," she pressed.

He stopped walking and turned to face her, his eyes revealing a hint of coldness. Unfazed, Marissa nervously twisted her fingers, meeting his gaze.

Just as Juan was about to walk away again, Marissa reached out, holding his hand. "Do you really think I'd be foolish enough to kiss my own brother? We both know we're not siblings, Juan," she asserted, her words waiting for his reaction.

Juan looked at her in surprise, seeming a bit thrown off.

"Ever since you came back here, I've had this overwhelming feeling that I thought was wrong, almost sinful. It made me feel so low, so depressed. But it was undeniable, and I couldn't ignore it. But the truth is the heart doesn't lie."

Juan pulled his hand away from her grasp and continued walking, appearing unwilling to talk.

Tears welled up in Marissa's eyes as she watched him leave. "All I know for certain right now is that I love you. Nothing else seems to matter," She confessed, her voice trembling with the intensity of her emotions.

* * *

Marissa, having retreated to the kitchen for a moment, grabbed a water bottle from the fridge just as Carlos entered.

"I want to make Danna happy, but I don't know how. Any tips?" Carlos inquired, seeking advice.

Marissa replied, "Love tips aren't really my area of expertise, brother."

Carlos chuckled, acknowledging Marissa's lack of relationship experience.

Just then, Daniella entered the room, causing Carlos to redirect his question to her. "Hey, Dani," he greeted. "I've got a question for you."

Daniella faced him. "Go ahead, ask."

"In case big brother wanted to do something special, like get you a gift or plan a date, what would truly make you happy?" Carlos inquired.

Daniella sighed, a smile gracing her lips. "All I want from him is to love me endlessly and remain faithful."

Daniella replied with a warm smile on her face, and Carlos smiled back, admiring the depth and simplicity of her desire.

* * *

During dinner, Carlos proposed a family trip to the river for the next day.

"That's a fantastic idea! A family outing will be great," Miguel replied, with a smile on his face, clearly on board with the suggestion.

Meanwhile, Marissa, who was sitting across from Juan, directed her attention to Daniella, who was enjoying her meal. "Daniella, will you be joining us?"

Daniella, taken aback, dropped her fork onto her plate. "Are you talking to me?" she asked, surprised.

Annoyance flickered across Marissa's face as she rolled her eyes. "Aren't you Daniella Duran, my brother's fiancée?"

Daniella, sensing the tension, attempted to clarify, "I was just surprised, that's all."

With a dismissive tone, Marissa made a snide remark, "Oops, silly me for forgetting the world revolves around you."

"I didn't mean to offend you. It's just the way you've been with me."

Marissa, sarcastically, remarked, "Oh, Dani... a change of heart."

* * *

The Valientes arrived at the river the following day, welcomed by the endless stretch of sandy shore meeting the serene, azure waters glistening under the bright sun. Seagulls glided overhead, adding to the symphony of crashing waves and distant laughter.

Juan arranged two beach chairs close together, a thoughtful setup for shared relaxation for his parents.

Miguel, enveloping Rosario in a gentle hug, mused, "Is there anything more serene than strolling along the riverbank?"

"Enjoy yourselves, everyone," Rosario wished.

Daniella, clad in a vibrant pink bikini and sporting stylish sunglasses, reclined on a comfortable beach blanket. "At least the weather's fantastic," she remarked, appreciating the perfect conditions for a day at the river.

Carlos and Danna gleefully waded into the water, relishing the playful splashes exchanged between them.

Meanwhile, Juan took a spot beside Daniella.

"Why not take a swim?" Daniella suggested, sitting upright. "I might not be able to, but don't let that hold you back... Marissa?"

Marissa answered Daniella's call as she walked to them, "Did you need me, Dani?"

Admitting her own inability to swim, Daniella proposed, "I don't know how to swim. Why don't you join Juan for a swim? I don't want to hold him back or feel guilty."

"Of course, Dani, I'd love to," Marissa agreed, a teasing grin twisting her lips as she turned to face Juan, her eyes glimmering with excitement. "Ready for that swim?"