Chapter 10: CHAPTER 10
Three months had passed, and I could honestly say I was living a dream. Every day with Alexander felt like a new adventure, a new layer of happiness and comfort I hadn't thought possible. My life had completely transformed in ways I never imagined.
It started with small gestures, thoughtful gifts that made me smile. Then came the big ones—life-changing, jaw-dropping surprises that left me speechless. Alexander had gone out of his way to ensure that I was not only cared for but thriving. The new apartment was more than I could have ever dreamed of: spacious, modern, and in a part of town I'd always considered out of my reach. When he handed me the keys, his eyes filled with excitement, I had been overwhelmed with gratitude.
"I want you to have a space that reflects how special you are," he had said, cupping my face in his hands. His words melted me.
Then came the car, a sleek, silver sedan with all the bells and whistles. I'd protested, of course, insisting that I didn't need such extravagance, but he had simply smiled and said, "You deserve to move through life in style."
His generosity and thoughtfulness knew no bounds, and I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest woman alive. My days were filled with laughter, affection, and surprises. My nights were spent in his arms, wrapped in warmth and a sense of belonging I had never known before.
Tonight, like so many others, promised to be another chapter of this fairytale. Alexander had planned a date, something he described as "a little fun with a dash of romance." We were heading to one of the city's trendiest spots, a fusion of games, live music, and fine dining. I couldn't wait.
---
The evening started perfectly. Alexander picked me up in his black SUV, looking as dashing as ever in a crisp navy suit. His smile was magnetic, and the way he looked at me made me feel like the only woman in the world.
"You look breathtaking," he said as I slid into the passenger seat, his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary.
"You don't look too bad yourself," I teased, though my cheeks warmed under his gaze.
As we drove through the city, we talked about everything and nothing. Alexander had a way of making even the most mundane topics feel fascinating. He asked about my day, about the new recipes Sarah and I had been experimenting with at the café, and about my plans for the weekend.
"Do you ever stop thinking about others?" I teased him as he turned the conversation toward my goals and dreams.
"Not when it comes to you," he replied smoothly, a grin playing on his lips.
---
The venue was everything he'd promised and more. The decor was whimsical yet elegant, with twinkling lights strung across the ceiling and soft music playing in the background. There were arcade games in one corner, a cozy dining area in another, and a small stage where a jazz band was setting up.
We started with dinner, sharing plates of gourmet appetizers and sipping on wine that Alexander insisted paired perfectly with the food.
"This is amazing," I said, savoring a bite of truffle pasta.
"I'm glad you think so," he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. "You deserve nothing less than the best."
His words, his tone, the way he reached across the table to take my hand—it was all perfect.
---
After dinner, we explored the arcade section, laughing like kids as we competed at air hockey and tried our hand at the claw machine. Alexander won me a stuffed bear on his third attempt, holding it out to me with a triumphant smile.
"For you," he said, his eyes sparkling.
I took it, laughing as I hugged it close. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
"Only for you," he replied, leaning in to steal a kiss.
---
The evening was going perfectly—until his phone rang.
It was a sharp sound, jarring against the harmony of our laughter and the soft hum of the jazz music. Alexander glanced at the screen, his expression unreadable, and then declined the call.
"Everything okay?" I asked, watching him closely.
"It's nothing," he said, smiling as he slipped the phone back into his pocket. "Nothing that can't wait."
I nodded, trusting his reassurance. If it wasn't important, then I wouldn't push it.
But then the phone rang again. And again. Each time, Alexander would glance at the screen, his jaw tightening just slightly before he hung up. By the third call, I couldn't ignore the flicker of unease in my chest.
"Are you sure it's not important?" I asked softly.
He looked at me, his expression softening. "It's nothing you need to worry about," he said, his tone gentle but firm.
I hesitated but nodded. If Alexander said it wasn't important, then I would trust him. Still, as the calls kept coming, I couldn't help but feel a small knot of worry forming in the pit of my stomach.
Eventually, Alexander turned off his phone altogether, slipping it into his jacket pocket with a sigh. "There," he said, smiling at me. "Now I'm all yours."
I tried to focus on the moment, to push the nagging thoughts aside. Alexander was here, with me, choosing to prioritize our time together. That had to mean something, right?
---
We ended the night dancing to the jazz band's lively tunes, swaying together under the soft glow of the string lights. Alexander held me close, his hands firm and steady on my waist, and I felt myself relax into his embrace.
"This has been a perfect night," I said, looking up at him.
"It's not over yet," he replied, his voice low and warm.
We stayed on the dance floor until the band played their final song, and then Alexander drove me home, his hand resting on my thigh the entire way.
As he walked me to my door, he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. "I'll see you soon," he promised, his voice like a balm to my restless thoughts.
I nodded, watching as he walked back to his car, my heart full yet tinged with a trace of unease. Alexander was perfect in so many ways, but tonight had left me with questions I wasn't sure how to ask. Still, I chose to trust him. For now, that would have to be enough.