Page 59 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

"Alexander, I... I don't know what to say." My voice falters, betraying my uncertainty.

"Say you've missed me too," he suggests, his eyes searching mine for an answer.

The truth hangs heavy on my tongue, but I'm hesitant to let it out. The past between us feels like a chasm that's grown too wide to cross. And yet, as we continue to dance, our bodies moving closer, I can't deny that there's still something there — something worth fighting for.

"Okay," I whisper, finally meeting his gaze. "I've missed you too."

He grins, his hands tightening on me slightly. “Maybe we should remedy that.”

My heart leaps, relieved that Alexander feels the same way I do. It's as if the connection we once had has been revived, and I can't help but smile at the thought.

"Alexander," I say, my voice full of hope. "Maybe we should pick up where we left off."

His eyes widen with surprise before he shakes his head firmly. "No, we can't do that."

My heart starts to sink, and I look away, trying to hide the disappointment in my eyes. "Oh," I murmur, suddenly feeling foolish for having admitted my feelings.

"Wait." Alexander's grip on me tightens, pulling me back to face him. "It's not that I don't want to be with you, but simply picking up where we left off isn't enough."

Before I can ask what he means, he steps back from our dance, leading me towards the stage at the edge of the ballroom. My mind races with questions, but I allow him to guide me, trusting him despite the uncertainty.

As Alexander helps me up onto the stage, I notice the curious glances from the attendees below. My cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I instinctively look to Alexander for reassurance. He offers a soft smile in return, his hand warm and steady in mine.

"Clara," he begins, his voice carrying across the now-silent room, "I need you to know how much you mean to me."

His words fill me with both warmth and trepidation as I try to guess what he's planning. The anticipation is overwhelming, but I find solace in Alexander's unwavering gaze, which is filled with sincerity and love.

The moment hangs between us like the suspended notes of a symphony, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. As Alexander gazes at me – really looks at me – I see something flicker behind his eyes, something raw and vulnerable that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Clara," he says again, a tremor in his voice this time, "I love you. I think I have loved you since the day we met."

His words echo through the grand ballroom, and it's as if someone has knocked the wind from my lungs. My eyes widen in disbelief, the sparkling chandeliers above us casting kaleidoscope patterns across Alexander's face. Is this real? Has he truly just professed his love for me in front of everyone?

"Alex…" I breathe, unable to muster any words beyond his name. The room spins around me, a dizzying blur of silk and satin gowns, shimmering champagne flutes, and the scent of roses heavy in the air. All I know for certain is the warmth of Alexander's hand still holding mine.

"Clara." He squeezes my hand, grounding me in the whirlwind of emotions threatening to tear me apart. "I mean it. Every word."

My chest swells with both the thrill and fear of vulnerability, but I cannot deny the truth in Alexander's eyes. He loves me, despite everything we've been through, every misstep and mistake along the way.

"Alex," I whisper, my voice barely audible even to myself, "I don't know what to say."

"Say you believe me," he pleads, desperation tinting his words. "Say you'll give us a chance."

His earnestness pulls at my heartstrings, and I realize there's nothing I want more than to explore this unexpected connection between us. I nod, an unspoken promise to leap into the unknown together.

"Okay," I say, the word barely more than a breath. "I believe you."

I take a deep breath, my heart still pounding in my chest. The past, with all its mistakes and regrets, swirls around us like a misty fog. Yet, here we are, at the precipice of change. Alexander's eyes meet mine, their intensity never wavering.

"Alex," I say, my voice stronger now. "I forgive you for everything that happened in the past. I love you too."

A wave of relief washes over his face, and he beams with pure joy. My stomach flutters as he takes my hand in his. This moment, this connection between us, feels more real than anything I've ever experienced.

"Clara," he begins, his voice cracking with emotion. Alexander gets down on one knee, his grip on my hand tightening. My breath catches in my throat, the world around us fading into insignificance.

"Will you marry me?"

The ring he presents glitters under the chandelier's light, a symbol not only of our love but also of our newfound understanding. A future together filled with laughter, support, and happiness stretches out before us, and I'm suddenly awash with certainty.

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