As Pasco worked to redeem himself, Debbie found herself growing closer to Filex. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their conversations flowed effortlessly.
One night, they sat on the balcony of Filex's apartment, the city lights twinkling below.
"Do you ever think about what might've been?" Debbie asked, her voice soft.
Filex looked at her, his gaze steady. "Sometimes. But I think more about what could be."
Debbie smiled, the warmth in his words soothing her lingering doubts. "You make it sound so easy."
"It's not," Filex admitted. "But I've learned that life is too short to hold back. If you feel something, you should say it. Do something about it."
Debbie met his gaze, her heart pounding. "And what do you feel right now?"
Without hesitation, Filex leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was both tender and electrifying.
"I feel like I could fall in love with you, Debbie," he
whispered against her lips.
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, all the noise in her head quieted. She allowed herself to let go, to trust in the possibility of something new.