I lost my dad when I was seven or eight years old. We weren't rich or anything like that. But my old man was a man of values. He taught me about life, about money, about good versus bad, and most importantly, love.

Back in the days, for a guy to openly declared his love for his woman was frowned upon. It was considered unmanly. But my dad didn't care. He loved my mother and us so much, he'd never miss a day without showing us. He'd help her in the kitchen, massage her legs when she was tired, cook her favorite dishes and plan romantic dates for her. He was my idol and I wanted a love so selfless and pure.

It was a hard time for all of us after we lost him in an accident. We had no idea he'd never return from his trip. I still remember him saying to me, 'You're the only man now while I'm gone. Take good care of them, OK?' And I saluted him as if he'd signed me up for something important.

My sister, Dora, she was 3-4 years old and barely remembered him but I'd always teach her the same lessons my father taught me and then I'd go to my room and cry, missing him.

My mother would balance between 3 jobs without taking a break and I'd help her in any way I can. That's how I got interested in cooking. Her jobs made it impossible for her to cook a proper meal for us so I'd prepare it myself. We were all learning and adjusting without my dad.

After few years, we were hit by another blow. I was around 15 when my mother was diagnosed with an incurable disease. The doctors had lost their hopes for her to survive. I dropped out of my school and started working for my uncle at a restaurant. It was a hard time for Dora to see mom in such vulnerable condition. And so for our mom who was worried about us.

After working for few months with my uncle, he fired me from the job because he was bankrupt. I suggested purchasing his restaurant with all the savings we had. Mother agreed. I named it 'Sands & Witches' and turned it into a place for teens. I wanted to make it lively and full of joy so that I could forget about the environment back at my home.

And it worked. I hired all the ex-employees and asked them to work for free for few months. They were unemployed too but agreed. I remember my uncle telling me with his chubby arms on his hips, 'Andy Jr. I don't know what it's 'bout you but you brought life back to this place and people. You'll do well.'

The restaurant was booming with success after few months. Tourist, locals- everyone would visit there.

And that's how I met Gabriela.

A beautiful girl around my age with big round eyes entered the restaurant one weekend and I had spilled all her coffee over her.

"Wait. Around your age? She was way older than you." Rick interrupted for the first time.

"She was a true witch and could appear in any age she wishes."

"Interesting." Rick murmured before Ander continued.

She was with a group of friends. It made me nostalgic as I wasn't in touch with my pals. After they ordered, I approached them to invite them for my restaurant's success party. We originally planned to invite our loyal customers but there was something about her that I couldn't resist.

Just as I explained about the party, a waiter came back with their order. And I was so mesmerized in her, I accidentally poked my elbow to the waiter and spilled all the contents on her.

"So you've been bumping into waiters since centuries. Literally!" Rick interrupted again, remembering the mess Ander made on his and Claire's 'date'. "But, that bitch deserved it."

Ander eyed him in annoyance.

"I mean witch."

Ander ignored him and continued.

I was so embarrassed! I apologized her again and again. I also walked her to the restroom. She introduced herself and I did the same. Now when I think about it, she turned more flirtatious when she learned I was the owner of that restaurant. Then she asked me if I should do her a favor.

'Can you please not fire that waiter? It was just an accident.' She'd asked gently and shyly.

'Why would I want to do that? It was my fault.'

She'd assumed I was some jerk who'd blame their juniors for some mishaps. Hearing my genuine reply, she smiled and she'd told me later that it was at that particular moment she started liking me.

For me too. When she asked me not to fire that poor guy, I was more attracted towards her. Only if I knew what was her true intention behind that favor.

Later she and her friends agreed to the party. And they'd appeared too. I asked her out and she agreed.

I was the prodigy of the town; young and successful. I even had a beautiful girlfriend I'd show off about. I had everything except the favor of my good luck.

Gabriela won my mother's heart and she'd regularly visit her. Dora hated her from the beginning but she was more jealous I was giving Gabriela more time. And I? I was smitten in love. My dad's word would repeat me. 'All a man needs is good work where he could earn good money and a good wife where he could spend it.'

And I thought she was the one.

I won't lie. She was as understanding and caring and independent person I'd always wished for. I was blind to all her negative sides, her snide remarks for my mother and sister, her secret boyfriend.

During that time, I'd purchased the property by the lake and built a house on it. The one in which Claire lives now. I was balancing a life with a restaurant to manage, an ill mother to look after, a sister to care of, and fulfill a young and beautiful girlfriend's needs. Too much for an 18-year old but I hardly complained. I thought I was happy.

Months later, ma passed away and it was a very hard time for me again. Gabriela was still studying and we'd hardly meet. Dora was devastated.

That's when I made a decision. I wanted to marry Gabriela. She was going to graduate and had shown interest in working with me. I won't be alone and Dora would have a female figure to guide her; she was in early teens.

I proposed Gabriela on one date night. Unsurprisingly, she said yes. Dora wasn't happy. We had a huge fight. But I was deaf to her complaints. Dora was secretly seeing a guy as well. Benedict Monroe. And I despised him. I thought he was worthless and unsuitable for my sister as he was dull in studies and just not sophisticated enough. Very awkward and odd. And a few years older than her. I grounded her and said things to her. I still regret how I acted with my 14-year-old sister who had no one but me. I was the dumbest lad on the planet.

And then the wedding planning started. Behind my back, Gabriela and Dora would've huge fights. Gabriela would taunt Dora that it was her who was holding me back. Dora would cry and fight and warn her to get her acts straight. And I was busy making money and dreaming of far greater things than my life span.

And then came the wedding day. Well, that day never came for any of us. On the previous evening, I was double checking with the hotel I booked our honeymoon when Dora called me.

'I'm sorry, Andy. This is going to make you very mad but you have to see this.' She'd grabbed me and took me to the backyard which was decorated for the wedding on one side - the place where Monroes live now.

The slope down to shore wasn't there as the lake was filled with water up to house level back then and we had a floating boat dock right past the backyard. And that's where I saw them.

Gabriela and a guy.

They were in a heated discussion; the guy was holding Gabriela tightly while she was struggling, explaining something. As an overprotective lover, I rushed to her aid. It looked as if he was forcing himself on her.

As I neared him on the dock, I realized he was the guy I knew too well. He was one of my managers who'd previously been a waiter. The same waiter Gabriela begged not to fire. However, I was too angry to think practically. I tried to detach Gabriela from him but he was drunk. The fight got messier. He didn't listen. I punched him tearing his lip, he kicked me and my Colt Pocket Hammerless pistol fell out of my pants.

And that's when things got rough. He grabbed it and tried to fire anywhere while I tried to snatch it out. It fired and hit him. He died instantly. I had killed a person and that was just the beginning.

I was too shocked to apprehend what I did. But then, Gabriela decided to reveal her real plans. She was in love with that guy. 'True love' she'd quoted. Everything with me was fake and she'd planned to ditch me after getting hold of my money or some bull like that.

And then she'd cursed me.