The library was breathtaking, a perfect blend of sophistication and charm. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves crafted from dark oak lined the walls, their surfaces polished to a mirror-like sheen. Rows of leather-bound books, their spines embossed with gold lettering, filled every inch of the shelves. A grand fireplace stood at the center of the room, its mantle adorned with delicate antique vases and framed photographs. Above it, a crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting soft, warm light over the entire space.
The air was rich with the faint scent of aged paper and wood polish, a comforting combination that seemed to hush the world outside. Plush armchairs were scattered throughout, their upholstery a deep emerald green that added a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise earthy tones. In the corner, a polished mahogany desk held a neat stack of papers, a vintage globe, and a single glass of amber liquid left untouched.
Alessia couldn’t help but admire the room, its grandeur reminding her of the summers she had spent here as a child, curled up with books she could barely understand but loved nonetheless. Now, however, the room felt charged, the quiet elegance of the library a stark contrast to the tension between her and Theo.
Theo stood by the desk, leaning casually against its edge, his arms crossed as he watched Alessia inspect the room. He had taken off his suit jacket, and the crisp white shirt he wore clung to his frame in all the right ways. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing his strong forearms, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, giving him an effortlessly rugged charm.
“Don’t pretend we don’t know each other,” Theo said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was low and smooth, carrying just a hint of amusement.
Alessia’s heart skipped a beat, and she turned to face him, clutching the ring box in her hand. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her.
Theo smirked, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. “Oh, come on, Alessia. I had your whole body in my mouth a few days ago. You really want to play coy now?”
Her face turned scarlet, and she looked away, her heart pounding in her chest. “Theo,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “that… that was a mistake.”
“A mistake?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow. He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “Funny, it didn’t feel like one at the time.”
Alessia’s fingers tightened around the ring box as she tried to steady her breathing. “It was just a one-time thing. That’s all it was.”
Theo chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re really going to stick to that story, huh?”
“Yes,” Alessia said firmly, though her voice wavered. “It didn’t mean anything.”
He stepped even closer, the warmth of his presence making her pulse race. “Didn’t mean anything?” he repeated, his tone skeptical. “Then why did you run off in the middle of the night like some modern-day Cinderella?”
She froze, her lips parting slightly as she struggled to find an answer. “I… I didn’t think it mattered.”
Theo tilted his head, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It mattered to me.”
His words hung in the air, and Alessia’s resolve began to crumble. She took a step back, her legs brushing against one of the plush armchairs. “Theo, you’re making this more complicated than it needs to be.”
“Am I?” he asked, his voice softening slightly. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re the one making it complicated.”
She shook her head, her hands trembling. “We can’t do this. It’s just… not possible.”
Theo’s smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet determination. “And why not?”
“Because,” Alessia said, her voice breaking, “I’m not in a place to start anything. I have a baby on the way. My life is already complicated enough.”