Chapter Forty

“The moon is out,” Alex murmured, eyes fixed on the silver orb hanging high above. He sat on the hilltop, palms braced behind him, leaning back slightly as the breeze brushed his skin.

Isa watched his profile—the way his tousled hair danced in the wind. He looked carefree, yet the calm confidence in his presence lingered like a quiet storm. She drew in a deep breath, lifting her gaze to the moon glowing milky-white amid a shroud of dark clouds. It shone bright—clear and bold—against the night’s shadowed canvas.

“It’s lovely,” she whispered, a faint smile curving her lips. The wind swept strands of her hair across her face, brushing her cheeks like silk.

Behind them, leaves rustled softly, and the air shifted—carrying a scent, a feeling so familiar it fluttered against Isa’s heart. She closed her eyes, letting the breeze pull her into memory.

She felt warm lips graze hers again, slow and tender. Arms wrapped around her like a blanket of heat. Soft whispers stirred her ears, and warmth bloomed beneath her skin as she remembered those piercing blue eyes gazing into hers.

A chill rushed through her as the image sharpened—not the boy from the woods, but her boss. That same intense gaze, the same warmth wrapped around her wrist like an imprint that refused to fade.

“Are you okay?” Chris’s voice echoed in her memory—low, concerned, eyes scanning her face for injuries. “I hope you’re not hurt.”

Isa’s eyes flew open. Breathless. What am I thinking? She shook her head slightly. Why did he look so worried? Was he… concerned about me?

Heat flushed her cheeks. She squeezed her eyes shut tighter. Get it together. She exhaled—softly, silently.

“I remember the first time I saw you... I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Alex’s voice jolted her from her thoughts. He was still gazing at the moon. She followed his eyes up… until she felt his gaze shift toward her. Slowly, she turned—and their eyes met.

“You stole my heart, Isa,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. Her lips parted as he held her in his stare. “And you’re still holding it.”

Seconds passed.

Isa couldn’t hear the wind any more, couldn’t feel the cold. Only him—only his voice.

“Back then,” Alex sighed, breaking eye contact as he returned his gaze to the sky. “When I saw you with Steven… I was jealous. I lost hope.”

Isa’s breath shook as her eyes dropped to the space before her. Memories of Steven—his laugh, his words, the ache of his absence—burned through her chest. The haunting vision of him lying cold in a coffin still haunted her. She had dreamt of it—his funeral, the mourners, the sound of sand hitting his casket.

She hugged herself as the chill in the air deepened and goosebumps rose on her skin.

“I know you still love him,” Alex said gently.

Isa glanced at him and sighed. He sighed too, sitting upright.

“Sometimes I wish I were him.” He paused. “Do you know why I use the perfume I wear now?”

Isa’s brows knit together—then a faint, familiar scent drifted through the air. Her eyes widened as she recalled the perfume bottle in his car.

“You mean… the almond perfume?”

He smiled faintly and nodded. “You’re right.”

“That can’t be true,” Isa said quickly. “It’s not because of me.”

“But it is.” Alex looked away, hands clasped on his lap. “When I couldn’t be with you, I thought… maybe I could at least feel like you were with me.”

Isa let out a small laugh, low and uncertain. “But why?” She paused. “Why-- why do you love me?”

Alex leaned back, shaking his head with a soft smile. “I don’t know, Isa. I just do.”

She stared at him, stunned. “I’m… speechless.”

“I wish I could be with you for real now, Isa.”

Isa blinked. Her heart thudded wildly.

Alex chuckled. “You don’t need to answer now,” he said, nodding slowly. “I’ll wait. Just… don’t take too long.”

Isa lowered her gaze to her lap, her fingers knotting together. Her heart still pounded. Her thoughts drifted back to those blue eyes—her boss. She touched the wrist he had held. What am I thinking? Nothing will happen between us… right?

Nothing?

She pressed her lips together, catching herself as if she were guilty of a forbidden thought.

She exhaled hard and stood abruptly. “We should head back. It’s getting late.”

Alex tilted his head and smiled as he rose. He gently took her hand, lacing his fingers through hers.

Isa shivered at the cold contact. She looked down at their joined hands and exhaled softly.

“Let’s go,” Alex said, swinging their hands lightly as he stepped forward.

Isa smiled and let him lead.

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At the front of the car, Alex slowly released her hand.

Isa laced her fingers together once they parted and looked up at him, a glowing warmth blooming in her chest and lighting her face.

Alex slid his hands into his pockets, smiling. “Thanks for today.” He glanced at the black gate. “I’ll be off now.”

Isa nodded.

He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her.

“Good night,” he whispered in her ear, then slowly stepped back.

He looked into her eyes. She glanced away, tucking her hair behind her ear. He smiled and stepped toward his car.

The embrace reminded her of Steven—his gentle hugs, the way she had always felt seen and safe. But this… this was different. Alex had defended her when no one else did, comforted her with kindness, handled her with care. Ever since Steven disappeared, no one had respected her choices—until now.

She thought about Chris—how he’d gone from cold to warm just hours ago. But she couldn’t dwell on that. He could return to that aloof, commanding self again, shutting her out without a word of gratitude.

Isa watched Alex walk toward his car. She opened her mouth, then closed it and swallowed hard.

“Alex.”

He paused and turned to her, raising a brow.

Isa swallowed, heart pounding.

“What if I gave you… a chance?” she murmured, her voice barely audible—but she knew he heard.

She watched him freeze. Then came silence—only the steady thud of two hearts echoing in the stillness.

“Is that… a yes?”

Isa met his gaze, her breath caught in her chest. And slowly, she nodded.

Alex rushed back to her, pulling her into his arms and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Isa’s eyes widened as his lips met hers. Warmth spilled through her like light chasing away shadows—but her mind recoiled with a quiet pang. Her stomach twisted. But when he pulled her closer, the familiarity wrapped around her like a memory, and her eyes fluttered shut. Slowly, she kissed him back.

Then, he pulled away. Both breathless, faces close.

“I love you, Isa.”

Isa opened her eyes to find his brimming with emotion. She forced a smile and lifted her eyes to the night sky.

“You should leave now,” she muttered as she hugged herself and stepped back. “It’s getting darker.”

Alex grinned and nodded. “Let me watch you go in.”

Isa chuckled, waved, and turned. As she walked toward the gate, he called after her.

“I don’t have your number.”

She looked back, raising a brow. “Oh!” she gasped. “I left my phone at the studio. Can I have yours instead?”

“Sure.” He opened his car. “Let me get a pen.”

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Meanwhile, from the upstairs balcony of the house, Chris stood silently, wine glass in hand. He’d spent the evening restlessly, calling Isa’s phone without response. He fought the urge to go looking for her, choosing instead to drown his unease in wine and the distant view.

And now, she was back—with Alex, wearing that same smile she used to save just for him. Their fingers intertwined, hand in hand.

His grip tightened around the glass. His chest constricted. But then he exhaled, loosening his hold.

They looked good together, he admitted silently, swirling his glass by the stem. He smirked as Alex pulled Isa into an embrace.

He never imagined his doctor embracing a woman. The only evidence of affection had been that almond perfume—and now, he understood why.

Since when had he fallen in love with her? Silvercrest?

Chris scoffed and shook his head.

But then he saw Isa’s lips move—and Alex turned to her. Chris watched in silence as Alex rushed over, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her.

When Isa kissed him back, Chris froze. A wave of cold washed over him, and every hair on his body stood on end.

He turned his gaze away and his jaw clenched. He exhaled slowly and straightened up. He downed the rest of his wine.

It’s for the best, he told himself, staring at the empty glass. I don’t have to worry anymore.

But he winced. And despite himself, his eyes drifted back to the couple. His face twisted with something he couldn’t name.

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I’ve always found writing romance scenes a little tricky, but I’m learning as I go. If you connected with this chapter, I’d love to hear your thoughts—maybe even a 1 to 10 rating. It’ll help me grow and write better for you.