Hearts Unveiled

The café buzzed with the sounds of clinking cups and quiet conversations, but Elysia’s mind was elsewhere. She fiddled with her phone, glancing at the door every few seconds, heart racing at the thought of Alaric walking in. The lingering effects of their social media stunt weighed heavily on her, a mix of excitement and guilt swirling within.

Just then, the door swung open, and Alaric stepped inside, his presence commanding attention. He looked as effortlessly handsome as ever, wearing a fitted jacket that accentuated his broad shoulders. Elysia’s breath caught in her throat.

“Elysia!” Alaric called out, his voice warm and inviting as he approached. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“Of course,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She gestured to the seat across from her, her heart racing. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

He shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Not at all. I was actually looking forward to this.”

As he settled into the chair, Elysia noticed the slight furrow in his brow, hinting at the tension underneath his calm exterior. “So, I saw the post...”

Elysia felt her stomach drop. “Yeah, about that. I didn’t mean for it to—”

“I know it wasn’t your intention to cause drama,” Alaric interrupted, his tone softening. “But it’s stirred quite a conversation.”

She swallowed hard, the weight of her actions pressing down on her. “I just thought... maybe it would help you see things differently, you know?”

Alaric leaned back, crossing his arms thoughtfully. “Help me see things differently? Or help you?”

Elysia’s heart raced as she met his gaze, the warmth in his brown eyes both comforting and intimidating. “A bit of both, I guess. I just wanted you to know that you deserve to be with someone who truly makes you happy.”

“Isolde does make me happy,” he replied, his expression serious. “But I also appreciate you looking out for me. You’re a good friend, Elysia.”

Her chest tightened at the word ‘friend.’ “But do you really see her as the one? Is she really what you want?”

Alaric hesitated, his brow furrowing. “Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve always been drawn to Isolde, but lately... things feel different. It’s like she’s more focused on appearances than on us.”

Elysia leaned forward, encouraged by his honesty. “That’s understandable. Sometimes, the people we think we want aren’t the ones who are actually right for us.”

“Right,” he nodded, running a hand through his hair. “I feel like I’m stuck in this cycle where everyone expects us to be perfect together, and I’m not sure if that’s what I really want.”

Her heart raced with hope, the connection between them strengthening. “You don’t have to stay in that cycle, Alaric. It’s your life, and you deserve to be happy.”

He smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across his face. “You make a good point. I just wish it were easier.”

Elysia's pulse quickened, and she sensed the moment shifting. She took a deep breath, ready to share her feelings. “It’s okay to question things. I know I’ve made some mistakes, but I want you to know that I care about you. More than just a friend.”

Alaric’s gaze held hers, the atmosphere between them electric. “Elysia, I—”

Before he could finish, the café door swung open, and in walked Isolde, her presence demanding attention. She sauntered in, her designer outfit a stark contrast to the cozy café.

“Alaric!” she called, her voice sweet but laced with possessiveness. “There you are! I’ve been looking for you.”

Elysia’s heart sank as Isolde approached, a forced smile plastered on her face. “What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to find you here.”

Alaric shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing between Elysia and Isolde. “I was just catching up with Elysia.”

Isolde’s smile faltered slightly, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. “Oh, how lovely. Elysia, always the supportive friend.”

Elysia forced a smile, her stomach churning. “Yes, just discussing... life choices.”

“Interesting,” Isolde replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You know, Alaric, we were supposed to meet at that new restaurant for lunch. I thought you’d be there.”

Alaric looked uncomfortable, glancing between the two women. “I thought we could talk here first.”

“Talk? About what?” Isolde’s eyes sparkled with false innocence. “Your admiration for our dear Elysia? Or perhaps discussing the latest gossip surrounding you two?”

Elysia clenched her fists under the table, her heart pounding with a mix of frustration and determination. “We were just having a conversation, Isolde. No need to turn this into a spectacle.”

Isolde’s smile turned into a smirk. “Oh, but it’s all quite entertaining, isn’t it? The great Alaric torn between two worlds. Who will he choose? The loyal girlfriend or the aspiring rival?”

Alaric shifted awkwardly, clearly torn. “Can we just have a civil conversation here?”

“Civil? With Elysia?” Isolde scoffed, crossing her arms. “I think not. She’s always had her sights set on you, hasn’t she?”

Elysia’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, anger bubbling inside her. “That’s not true! I just want what’s best for you, Alaric.”

Alaric’s expression softened, the tension palpable as he turned to Elysia. “I appreciate that, Elysia. But Isolde has a point. I need to figure things out for myself.”

Elysia felt her heart shatter slightly, the weight of the situation crashing down on her. “I get it. I really do.”

Isolde smirked, triumph evident in her eyes. “Well, good luck with that, Alaric. I hope you choose wisely.”

With that, Isolde strutted out of the café, leaving Elysia and Alaric in a tense silence.

Elysia’s stomach churned as she looked at Alaric, who wore a conflicted expression. “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean for it to get so... messy.”

“No, it’s okay,” he said softly. “You’ve got to stand your ground, and I admire that. I just wish I knew how to make things easier for us.”

Elysia nodded, determination sparking within her. “We’ll figure it out. You don’t have to be trapped in this cycle anymore.”

As they sat together, the air thick with unresolved feelings, Elysia realized this was just the beginning. With each conversation, each moment shared, she was starting to see a glimmer of hope—a chance to rewrite their story, one step at a time.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***