"Do you like it?" Alex said without turning around.
"Yes, I love it. Thanks." Isabelle replied.
Alex raised an eyebrow, "For what?"
"Thank you for bringing me here. I can see the beauty of nature that soothes my heart," Isabelle said with a smile that mesmerized Alex.
"And I can forget my problems for a while," she added pensively.
"No need to thank me. I'm just happy to see you happy. You look beautiful when you smile," Alex complimented, causing Isabelle's cheeks to blush and her heart to beat faster.
'Why is this happening? It's not the first time a guy has said sweet words to me, but why does my heart race so much when it's Alex saying them, while with my husband, I feel so ordinary?' Isabelle wondered silently and shook her head.
"What's wrong?" Alex asked, puzzled.
"N-nothing, Alex," she stammered.
"Are you sure?"
-DING-DING-
"Alex, excuse me, I want to pick up this call," Isabelle said, avoiding Alex's questions.
"Alright," Alex replied with a nod.
Isabelle moved a bit away from Alex to answer the call. Unbeknownst to her, Alex continued to watch her closely as she spoke on the phone.
"Hello, Lydia," Isabelle greeted.
"Hello. Are you busy?"
"No, I'm just on vacation, taking a break. Oh, by the way, has there been any progress in my divorce case?"
"I wanted to inform you about your divorce case. The court summons is with me."
"When is the hearing scheduled?"
"According to the invitation letter I have, it's in two days, ma'am, at 9 in the morning."
"Alright, I'll try to make it to the hearing. Thank you for the information. Hope you have a good day."
After they finished their conversation over the phone, Isabelle walked back towards Alex.
"Who called? And why did you seem so serious, distancing yourself from me?" Alex inquired.
"Could you take me to the hotel to pick up my things?" Isabelle asked, feeling uneasy.
Alex raised an eyebrow, not understanding Isabelle's request.
"Can you take me to the hotel, Alex?" she asked again.
"Sure, where are you headed?"
"Back to my home, my apartment."
"Alright, I'll take you to the hotel. And I'll also drive you to your destination."
"But..."
"No objections."
Isabelle sighed and followed Alex to the waiting car. They got into the vehicle, and Alex started the engine.
As they drove towards the airport, Isabelle couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She was grateful to Alex for his kindness, but she also couldn't deny the growing unease she felt about their growing closeness. The way Alex looked at her, his sweet words, and his protective gestures were starting to affect her more deeply than she had anticipated.
"Alex, I really appreciate everything you've done for me," Isabelle began, breaking the silence that had settled in the car.
Alex glanced at her with a warm smile. "It's my pleasure, Isabelle. I'm glad I could make your trip a little better."
Isabelle hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But I can't help but wonder why you're going out of your way for me like this."
Alex's smile faded slightly, and sighed, "There is no need to worry."
Isabelle felt a mixture of curiosity and anxiety. She nodded and decided to trust Alex for the time being. The journey to the airport continued in silence, with Isabelle's mind racing with questions.
**********
One hour later, they arrived at the hotel. Isabelle packed her belongings while Alex waited outside the room.
Inside her hotel room, Isabelle meticuosly folded her clothes and placed them into her suitcase. Memories of her vacation flashed through her mind-the beautiful beaches, the delicious food, and, most of all, the unexpected encounter with Anthony and Alex that had turned her vacation into an adventure.
As she packed, she couldn't help but wonder about the complexities of her life. Her impending divorce was a stark contrast to the budding connection she felt with Alex. She knew she had to confront the challenges that lay ahead, but at this moment, she couldn't deny the warmth she felt in Alex's presence.
Outside the room, Alex leaned against the wall, lost in thought. He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was happening between him and Isabelle. Her smile, her laughter, and the way she looked at him had stirred emotions he hadn't felt in a long time.
After 20 minutes, Isabelle emerged from her room with her suitcase.
"Are you ready?" she asked, and Alex nodded.
"Let's go..."
"Where to?" Isabelle asked, puzzled.
Alex furrowed his brow. "I'll drive you to your home."
"That's not necessary, Alex. I can manage on my own," she declined.
"Come on..."
Alex pulled Isabelle's hand towards his car.
**********
They arrived at the airport, and Alex led Isabelle to the waiting area. There, they found a comfortable spot to sit while they waited for the person who was supposed to pick them up.
"Wait, wait. Someone will pick us up shortly," Alex said, and Isabelle nodded.
Isabelle couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. She appreciated Alex's unexpected kindness, but she was also overwhelmed by the impending divorce hearing. Her heart was heavy with the weight of her failed marriage and the uncertainty of her future.
"Why are you willing to drive me all the way back to my home, Alex?" Isabelle finally asked, breaking the silence.
"Shh," Alex stayed silent, still puzzled about what had come over him.
"Alex..." Isabelle tapped Alex's shoulder, startling him.
"Oh, uh... Yes?" Alex stammered. 'What did she say earlier?'
"Why are you willing to..."
"Isabelle, the car is here. Let's go," Alex interrupted Isabelle's question, frustrating her.
She simply followed Alex from behind.
Alex suddenly stopped, causing Isabelle to bump into his back.
"Ouch..." Isabelle exclaimed, rubbing her forehead. "Alex, why didn't you say you were stopping? My forehead hurts so much now," she scolded.
"It's your fault, Isabelle. Why were you walking behind me instead of beside me?" Alex retorded, not wanting to take the blame.
**********
TO BE CONTINUED...