That day, the rain fell heavily, blurring the windows of Selena's office building. The dark sky seemed to reflect her heart, full of doubts. After her encounter with Alexander the previous night, her mind was filled with countless questions. Why was Alexander so persistent in chasing after her? Why didn't he give up, even when she kept trying to create distance between them?
Selena sat quietly at her desk, staring blankly out the window. The sound of raindrops hitting the glass was like a mournful melody accompanying her restless thoughts. Since meeting Alexander, her life had changed. Not only because of the strange feelings that began to grow in her heart but also because of the inexplicable calm he brought. His presence made her usually chaotic mind, filled with memories of the past, more stable. Yet behind that calmness was a deep fear a fear that getting too close would lead to something terrible.
"Selena," Reza's voice broke her reverie. "Are you okay?"
Selena snapped out of her thoughts and tried to smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired."
Reza frowned, looking unconvinced. "I know you're strong, but if something's bothering you, you can talk to me. Don't keep it all to yourself."
Hearing those words, Selena's heart trembled.
She had always been used to keeping her feelings to herself. To her, showing weakness was taboo. But since Alexander appeared, her walls of defense had slowly started to crumble. She began to feel that someone truly cared about her, even though she wasn't ready to accept those feelings entirely.
As the afternoon wore on, the rain began to subside. Selena decided to leave work early. She felt she needed time alone to understand what she truly felt. However, as she stepped out of the office building, she saw Alexander standing near his car, waiting for her with an expression she couldn't quite decipher.
"Selena," Alexander called out gently but firmly.
Selena stopped in her tracks, her heart beating faster than usual. "Alexander? What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to make sure you got home safely," he replied, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Selena lowered her gaze, trying to avoid his eyes. There was something in the way Alexander looked at her that made her feel vulnerable, made her want to believe that perhaps she deserved to be loved despite her past scars. But that fear struck her again the fear of losing, the fear of hurting, and the fear of being hurt.
"I can go home by myself," Selena said, her voice soft but firm.
Alexander stepped closer, the distance between them now only a few steps. "I know you can, Selena. But just this once, can you let me be by your side?"
Selena held her breath. His words were simple, yet they pierced deep into her heart. She wanted to say no, wanted to push him away. But deep down, she knew she could no longer ignore his presence. He had come too close, too deep, making her afraid of something she didn't yet understand.
Hesitantly, Selena nodded. Alexander smiled a sincere, warm smile. They walked together toward his car, while the remaining drizzle fell slowly like leftover tears from the sky.
During the drive, they didn't talk much. Only the soft sound of music from the radio accompanied the silence. Yet that silence made them sink deeper into their own thoughts.
Selena recalled her childhood filled with wounds memories of loss, loneliness, and a constant feeling of worthlessness that haunted her. On the other hand, Alexander remembered his equally dark past. Losing the people he loved had turned him into a hardened, ambitious man. But beneath it all, there was a longing for true love a love that could heal his broken heart.
When they arrived at Selena's apartment, Alexander gathered his courage to speak. "Selena, I know you're carrying a lot inside you.
I also know you're afraid to open up. But I want you to know one thing I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here because I care, and I want to be by your side."
Selena remained silent, gazing at the man before her with eyes that began to glisten. "I... I'm afraid, Alexander. Afraid that if I open my heart, I'll lose again. I don't want to feel that pain anymore."
Alexander stepped closer, gently holding Selena's hand. "I'm afraid too, Selena. But I believe we can face that fear together. We can heal each other."
Selena felt the warmth of his hand. For the first time, she felt that perhaps, just perhaps, she could trust again. But behind that feeling, the vision of their future flashed in her mind a vision where Alexander would get hurt if they stayed together.
With a heavy heart, Selena withdrew her hand and said softly, "I need time, Alexander."
Alexander nodded, understanding, though there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "I'll wait, Selena. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait for you."
As Alexander left, Selena's tears finally fell. She knew her heart was beginning to soften, beginning to accept his presence. But she also knew their journey wouldn't be easy. There would be many obstacles, much pain, and perhaps many tears.
Yet behind all that, there was hope hope for a love that could heal, hope for a possible happiness, and hope that one day she could live a passionate love story with Alexander without fear.