feeling more and more at ease in Alexander's presence. The conversation flowed eff

stened intently, her eyes locked onto his, and her heart racing with excitement.

empty, and the staff started to clear the tabl

the staff from going home," he said, his eyes t

As they walked out of the restaurant, the cool night

ng the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Alexander

" he said, his voice low and husky. "I'

est. "I've enjoyed it too, Alexander," she

comfortable, more intimate. Sophia felt like she wa

her. His eyes locked onto hers, and Sophia

aid, his voice low and serious. "What do yo

nsure of how to respond. But as she looked into

steady. "I think you're driven, ambitious, and passionate. But I a

wondered if she had overstepped. But t

said, his voice filled with admi

cker, more palpable. Sophia felt like she was standing

against hers. The world around Sophia melted away

shed him away and took off running. He stood there, frozen

called out, but s

minute they were sharing a romantic moment, and the next, she was running away fro

at Sophia's reaction had been sudden and unexpected, and he wondered what had

Sophia. He didn't want to leave things unresolved b

canning the streets for any sign of Sophia. He spotted her

alled out, jog

her feet pounding the pavement. Alexander

café, gasping for breath. Alexander caught

he asked, his voice gentl

er eyes flashing with a mi

nder," she said, her voice barely

I'll give you space. But can we talk abo

en nodded. "Okay, br

began to dissipate. Alexander smiled, relieved

8 am," he said, his e

small smile pla

't help but wonder what had triggered her sudden