That day felt different for Selena. Since morning, there had been an unexplainable flutter in her chest, as if something beautiful yet confusing was about to happen. At the office, everything seemed normal, but for Selena, anything related to Alexander always felt special even though she tried to ignore it.
At nine in the morning, a short message appeared on her phone.
"Do you have time for a coffee in my office?" The message was from Alexander.
Selena unintentionally smiled. The message was simple, but somehow, it made her heart flutter warmly.
After tidying up some documents on her desk, Selena walked toward Alexander's office. She knocked gently before entering. Inside, Alexander was already waiting with a cup of coffee prepared especially for her.
"Good morning, Selena," Alexander greeted with his signature charming smile. "I thought we could start the day with something sweet."
Selena sat across from him, trying to keep her expression neutral despite feeling nervous inside. "Coffee made by the big boss? I'm honored," she joked, trying to ease the atmosphere.
Alexander chuckled softly. "I just wanted to make sure your day starts off well." His gaze was warm and full of concern, making it hard for Selena to maintain the distance she usually kept.
Their conversation flowed naturally. Alexander didn't speak as a CEO, but as someone who genuinely cared about Selena. He asked how she was feeling, whether anything was bothering her at work, and if there was anything he could help with.
"I'm fine," Selena answered briefly, trying to avoid Alexander's intense gaze.
But Alexander didn't stop there. "Selena, I want you to know something I'll always be here if you need someone. I know you're the type who likes to keep things to yourself, but… you don't have to do that with me."
Those words struck straight to Selena's heart. She had always been used to keeping things to herself, even from those closest to her. But with Alexander, something felt different. His presence gave her a sense of security she had never felt before.
Days passed, and Selena began to feel warmth that was increasingly hard to ignore. Alexander never stopped showing his sweet gestures, from bringing her lunch, inviting her to dinner, to sending short messages that made her smile amidst her busy workday.
"I really don't know how to act," Selena muttered one afternoon while she was with Clara in the office pantry.
Clara gave her a knowing look. "Selena, you know Alexander isn't just any guy. He's clearly interested in you, and I can see how hard he's trying to make you feel comfortable."
Selena let out a long sigh. "That's the problem. I'm afraid to open my heart, Clara. I'm scared that if I get too close, I'll end up hurt again."
Clara patted Selena's shoulder gently. "I know your past wasn't easy, but that doesn't mean every man will be the same. Sometimes, we have to give people a chance, especially someone who clearly cares about us."
Clara's words lingered in Selena's mind.
______________
That night, Selena received a message from Alexander.
"There's a place I'd like to show you. If you have time, I can pick you up now."
Selena paused for a moment, her heart pounding. But for some reason, this time she wanted to follow her heart.
"Okay, I'm ready."
Alexander arrived on time to pick her up. With his comfortable car, they drove to a place Selena had never visited before a small city park hidden among tall buildings.
"This place is special to me," Alexander said, gazing at the park illuminated by small lights. "Whenever I feel too overwhelmed with the world, I come here. I thought you might like it too."
Selena was touched by Alexander's thoughtfulness. They sat on a park bench, enjoying the quiet night. The cold air made Selena shiver slightly, and without saying much, Alexander took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Thank you," Selena whispered softly, her eyes meeting Alexander's with mixed emotions admiration, fascination, and fear.
Alexander smiled, gazing at her with gentle eyes. "Selena, I won't push you. I know you need time, and I'll wait. But there's one thing you should know I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here."
Selena felt something warm flow through her heart. Alexander wasn't just an attractive man; he was someone who truly understood her. For the first time, she felt there was someone she could rely on.
Over time, their relationship grew closer. Selena still tried to maintain boundaries, but gradually, the walls she had built began to crumble. Alexander patiently waited, never forcing her, only continuing to show that he cared.
One day, while they were having lunch together at a café near the office, Selena finally mustered the courage to speak.
"Alexander, I don't know how to say this, but I feel… comfortable with you. You give me a sense of calm I've never felt before."
Alexander gently held her hand, his eyes looking deeply into hers. "That's exactly what I want to do, Selena. I want you to feel calm, feel loved, feel enough."
Selena couldn't hold back the smile that slowly appeared on her face. For the first time, she felt that maybe just maybe she could open her heart again, even though fear still haunted her.
Yet behind that sweet moment, there was an uneasy feeling in Selena's heart a feeling that something would happen, something that could change everything.