Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 41: Date with Alex

Adrian kept his distance. It was subtle at first—missed glances, short responses—but soon, everyone noticed. Even Mary and Ryan exchanged looks when Adrian didn't join them at their usual table.

Elaine felt the weight of it all, the guilt gnawing at her. She missed their easy conversations, their playful banter. Now, it was just silence, and it was her fault.

Mary nudged her. "Okay, spill. What's going on with Adrian?"

Elaine forced a small smile. "Nothing... we just had a small fight."

Mary waved a hand dismissively. "Please. That's normal in a relationship. You'll both get over it." She squeezed Elaine's hand. "Don't worry too much. It'll work itself out."

Elaine nodded weakly, but deep down, she knew this wasn't just a fight.

When she returned to the hostel that evening, exhaustion weighed on her. Her heart felt heavy with emotions she couldn't quite put into words. But as she neared the entrance, she saw a familiar figure leaning against a sleek car.

Alex.

His gaze immediately locked onto her face, his brows knitting together. "What's wrong?"

Elaine quickly shook her head. "Nothing. Just college assignments. A bit overwhelming, that's all."

Alex studied her for a moment, unconvinced. Then, with a smirk, he said, "Well, forget the assignments. I'm taking you on a date."

Elaine blinked in surprise. "A date? Alex, people will see us—"

"Let them," he interrupted, stepping closer. "Everything is under control."

Elaine hesitated. A part of her wanted to resist, but another part... the one longing for a distraction, for a moment of relief, found herself nodding.

"Okay," she said softly.

Alex grinned. "Good. Let's go."

And just like that, he took her hand and led her to the car, as if the world beyond them didn't matter.

---

Alex took Elaine to a rooftop restaurant, one that he had booked entirely for them. The moment she stepped onto the terrace, her eyes widened in awe. The soft glow of fairy lights intertwined with the warm hues of the setting sun, casting a golden shimmer over the elegant space. A light breeze carried the faint scent of flowers, and the entire floor was decorated with soft candles, creating an intimate atmosphere.

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Elaine turned to him, surprised. "This place is beautiful."

Alex smiled, guiding her to a chair and pulling it out for her. "I'm glad you like it." He then handed her a bouquet of fresh lilies, their delicate scent filling the air.

Elaine's heart softened at the gesture. She took the flowers with a small smile, running her fingers gently over the petals. "Thank you... You didn't have to do all this."

"I wanted to," Alex said simply. He sat across from her, his gaze steady and warm. "So, what do you want to order?"

Elaine hesitated. "I'll let you decide. You own this place, so you must know what's best."

His lips curved into an amused smile. "Good choice." He called the waiter and ordered for both of them, along with a bottle of red wine.

Elaine exhaled softly. "I suppose I can indulge a little now that I'm an adult."

Alex chuckled. "That's the spirit." He poured them both a glass before reaching across the table to take her hand. His thumb brushed over her fingers, his voice gentle. "Now, tell me... what's wrong? You've looked down all day."

Elaine sighed, staring at their intertwined hands for a moment before meeting his eyes. "I told Adrian about us."

Alex's expression didn't change, but she could feel the slight shift in his grip. "And?"

She hesitated, trying to find the right words. "He... he's keeping his distance. I don't know, I just feel sad about it. I miss our friendship." She paused, debating whether to tell him the full truth. "I didn't tell you before, but ... he liked me."

Alex inhaled deeply, as if he had already suspected it. He leaned back slightly, swirling the wine in his glass. "That explains a lot."

Elaine looked down. "I just— I know how he feels. One-sided love is painful. I know he's happy for me, but at the same time, love doesn't just disappear. It lingers, and it hurts."

Alex was silent for a moment before he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Give him time. He'll come around."

Elaine nodded, but deep down, she wasn't sure. She knew what it was like to love someone who didn't love you back. It wasn't something that faded easily. And knowing Adrian, he would never let her see how much it hurt.

She lifted her wine glass, taking a slow sip as she stared at the city lights below. Tonight was beautiful, but a part of her couldn't shake the sadness that came with losing a friendship she once held so close.

Alex watched Elaine, he noticed the lingering sadness in her eyes. He didn't want the night to end with that weight on her heart. The soft melody of a violin played in the background, filling the space with a tender warmth.

He stood, extending his hand toward her. "My lady, would you honor me with a dance?"

Elaine blinked, surprised, but then a small smile tugged at her lips. She placed her hand in his, letting him pull her gently onto the open terrace. The night breeze brushed against them as they swayed to the soft rhythm. His arm rested securely on her waist, while her hand rested lightly on his shoulder.

Their movements were slow, effortless, as if the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them beneath the stars. Elaine's gaze lifted to meet his, and for a moment, she forgot everything—the guilt, the sadness, even her fears. The way he was looking at her, as if she were the only thing that mattered, sent warmth spreading through her chest.

Alex felt his breath hitch. The way she looked tonight—bathed in the soft glow of the lights, her eyes reflecting the starlit sky—made his heart ache in the most beautiful way. He wanted to protect this moment, to shield her from anything that could ever take away this happiness.

His gaze dropped to her lips, and for a second, he hesitated, as if silently asking for permission.

Elaine felt her heart race. There was something about the way he held her, the way his touch made her feel safe yet breathless at the same time. Slowly, she closed the distance.

Their lips met softly, tentatively at first, as if afraid to shatter the fragile moment. But then, as warmth spread between them, everything else disappeared—the city below, the past heartaches, the uncertainties of the future. All that mattered was the way they fit together, the way his hand tightened slightly around her waist, pulling her just a little closer, as if he never wanted to let go.

The kiss was unhurried, filled with the quiet understanding of two souls who had finally found their way to each other.

When they finally pulled apart, Elaine's cheeks were flushed, her breath slightly uneven. Alex rested his forehead against hers, his fingers gently tracing small circles on her back.

"You're perfect," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Elaine smiled, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. "So are you."

And in that moment, with the stars above them and their hearts finally aligned, nothing else mattered.