Chapter 4 4.

I roused myself to gently part my eyelids, and in the very next moment, the potent and manly aroma of rich cologne wafted into my nostrils, triggering a flutter of tension in my stomach. A faint smile graced my lips as I basked in the warmth that enveloped me. With intentions of rising from the bed, I perceived an insistent grasp encircling my waist. My movements froze, and it dawned on me that I rested within Alex's embrace. In that instant, a flood of recollections from just a few hours prior surged into my consciousness.

"My body grew restless, prompting a swift attempt to disentangle myself from his grasp, but my efforts proved futile. A warm breath caressed my neck, and all I could manage was to compose myself. A furtive glance over my shoulder revealed his face nestled in the crook of my neck. The proximity sent shivers down my spine, and all I yearned for was an escape before he stirred.

Awkward.

I tried once more, only to be met with failure.

"Please, don't leave me alone," he whispered against my neck.

Perhaps he's already awake, I mused, but I was mistaken. My thoughts wandered to what might be tormenting him.

Is he plagued by nightmares? His reactions were quite evident. Is this a recurring ordeal for him, and if so, why?

I craved answers, but how could I obtain them?

Frustration welled up within me, and after several attempts, I finally managed to extricate myself from his embrace. Placing a pillow beneath his arms, he clung to it like a child seeking solace from their fears. A smile tugged at my lips, inexplicably drawn to the sight before me. His countenance appeared remarkably serene and endearing, in stark contrast to his usual demeanor when awake. The stern Alex had momentarily transformed into a vulnerable child. I clicked my tongue in mild amusement as I observed him, dressed in his business attire, slumbering soundly.

Seriously?

Taking a step closer, I gently removed his shoes, followed by his tie and wristwatch. How could he sleep clad in all these? Comfort should also be a consideration.

"Silence, Chloe," I chided myself. After draping a blanket over him, I quietly exited his abode.

***

"Chloe, where on earth were you? It's been four hours since you entered his room. I was starting to worry that he might have buried you alive," Joe exclaimed, lacing his words with sarcasm.

I mouthed a quick apology.

"What happened that you couldn't answer my twenty-three calls or even reply to my twenty-eight messages?"

Should I disclose it?

"Err... Joe, actually-"

"Cat got your tongue or something?"

"I think Alex is experiencing nightmares. I don't know how I drifted off to sleep. I'm sorry."

Joe's expression turned blank upon hearing my revelation.

"That means he might have woken up, so how- I don't get it, Chloe," he said, hesitatingly.

I blushed intensely.

Joe had dared me to kiss Alex on the cheek while he was asleep, and when I had completed the dare, I realized he was having nightmares, and the next thing I knew, I was in his arms.

"Did you enjoy the company of your fiancé?" Joe teased.

And now he was back to his usual self.

I smiled.

"Joe, remember our deal?" I inquired, arching an eyebrow.

"What deal?"

"This isn't fair. You promised to tell me everything if I kissed Alex."

"Fine, I'll tell you," Joe sighed.

I guessed he didn't really want to discuss it; perhaps it was too painful a topic.

"It's okay if you don't want to share. Some things are too personal to divulge," I reassured him.

"I loved her, but she never loved me back," Joe chuckled, albeit faintly. "Sophia. She's now Alex's secretary. You know, doll, what's painful?"

I urged him to continue with a glance.

"Seeing the person you once planned your entire future with now happily living their life without you," he said, clenching his fists and avoiding my gaze.

"Do you still love her?" I asked.

"No, I don't. But how can I forget the person with whom I once dreamed of a future?" he admitted, wearing a weak smile.

I had no words to offer, so I returned a feeble smile in response.

"I hate this silly thing called love. It's turned me into a heartbroken, lovelorn puppy," Joe joked, though his eyes lacked their usual sparkle.

Joe was the one who cracked jokes and laughed as if there were no tomorrow, but beneath the surface, he was hurting. And Alex, who typically appeared gruff and arrogant, concealed a world of his own that no one else knew about. Both of them tried to shield their true selves, but who was there to judge when everyone had their own demons?

"Some relationships aren't meant to last forever, but they still enter our lives, Joe. The sooner you accept that, the better," I offered.

"I'll try, doll," he replied, offering a smile. "Can I ask one more favor of you?"

"Anything, Joe."

"Make his life better," he said, gesturing toward the ring that Alex had given me.

I started to say something but ended up digging my nails into my thigh instead.

"H-How?" I stammered.

"You're asking me, Chloe? Just be with him, and his life will naturally improve."

But what about me? Did I deserve him? He was Alex Peterson, the person who had been my role model since he entered the business world. Few understood the hard work and struggle behind his vast business empire.

"This picture, though. You kissing my best friend. How adorable," Joe teased.

"Oh, please," I retorted.

"Someone's blushing."

"Joe."

"Okay, okay. Barbie doll, it's already three in the morning. Get some proper rest; tomorrow is a special day for you."

"What's so special about tomorrow?"

"Your wedding." My jaw dropped, and a wave of shock washed over me.

"Are you serious?" I stammered.

"Idiot, I was kidding."

I felt relieved for now, but what was Joe planning for tomorrow?"