Chapter 5 5.

CHLOE'S POV

"Tell me, Joe, please," I implored, but he virtually ignored me as he hopped onto the couch, engrossed in his cell phone.

"Barbie doll, go get ready. I'm not going to spill the beans," he taunted, sticking his tongue out at me.

Entering my room, I traded my attire for a casual, sunny yellow summer dress. I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and returned to find Joe.

To my surprise, I discovered him dozing off. I couldn't help but chuckle and decided to tickle him. Instantly, he leaped away and retaliated, tickling me in return.

"Joe, please stop," I yelled amid fits of laughter. However, he persisted, pushing me onto the couch and intensifying the tickling.

"Say that I'm the most attractive person on this planet," he teased, winking.

"I'm the most attractive person on this planet," I repeated through my laughter.

"Haha, very funny," he replied sarcastically, sending us both into fits of laughter.

"Am I interrupting something?" A voice suddenly broke our tickle battle, and we quickly scrambled to our feet.

A pair of intense, emotionless eyes locked onto me, leaving me struggling to swallow my saliva and avoid their gaze.

Alex.

"No, nothing at all," Joe chuckled.

"I'll be waiting outside," Alex said through clenched teeth before departing.

I turned to Joe. "Why is he here?"

"Doll, you have a dinner date with your fiancé," he smirked.

My jaw dropped. What? A dinner date with Alex? Nervousness started to overwhelm me. How was I supposed to go through with this? I mean, it's not like I haven't been alone with him before, but a date?

I squeezed my eyes shut, his face lingering in the back of my mind, and a smile crept across my face.

Alright.

"Now, go before he changes his mind. It took my never-ending efforts to get him to agree to take you out," Joe dramatically wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead.

I nodded hesitantly and made my way outside.

There he sat, nestled within the car's confines, his countenance as inscrutable as ever. With the car door ajar, I wasted no time and promptly slipped inside. My hands trembled as I fumbled with the seatbelt, attempting to secure it. After several fruitless efforts, his strong arms reached over and effortlessly fastened the seatbelt, his cologne evoking memories of the previous night.

He grasped the steering wheel with his rugged hands, steering the car with a firm grip. Something felt amiss, though. I couldn't help but wonder, "What's wrong? Are you upset with me?" The words escaped my lips before I could reconsider, and immediately, I regretted uttering them.

"I apologize," I hastily added, but he didn't even glance in my direction.

His peculiar behavior continued to confound me. Unlike his usual outbursts or piercing glares, he remained strangely composed. Should I confront him? The idea briefly crossed my mind but was swiftly dismissed as I turned on the music player. A smile graced my lips as I closed my eyes and rested my head against the seat.

The lyrics played, and I was transported back to the day we first met. I held my breath, feeling the familiarity of our journey together from the very beginning. It was evident that I had discovered a sanctuary where my heart raced. Amidst a sea of colors and promises, I pondered how to muster the courage to love when fear loomed over every potential fall.

But as I watched him sitting there, steadfast and solitary, my doubts inexplicably dissipated. We were one step closer to something unspoken. The notion of waiting for him had been a daily, unceasing death, and I whispered, "Darling, don't be afraid, for I have loved you for a thousand years, and I will continue to love you for a thousand more."

I'm deeply enamored by this song. It's as though delicate knots have entwined within my stomach, and every word resonates with a newfound sensation coursing through my nerves. Although I've heard this song before, this time, the emotions feel authentic. Alex's image springs to mind, and inexplicably, my smile intensifies. Am I losing my sanity?

Suddenly, he switches off the music. I furrow my brows as I observe the tension etching onto his face. His countenance, once emotionless, now betrays inner turmoil that he struggles to conceal. "Are you okay?" I inquire.

He snaps, "Never play such songs in my presence."

I sigh, resolved not to cause Alex any pain. "I won't, Alex. I'll refrain from doing anything that hurts you."

"We've arrived," he states, drawing my attention to our destination. As I step out, I realize he's brought me to an exquisite restaurant. He intertwines his fingers with mine, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.

It's becoming apparent that I may need to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist soon.

I smile, recognizing the influence of Joe's company as I find myself starting to crack silly jokes. We enter the restaurant, and I do my best to ignore the curious stares directed at us. "Welcome, sir and madam. Please take your seats," a lovely hostess invites us.

I express my gratitude, and we settle at a table. Surveying our surroundings, I notice that everyone is impeccably dressed in elegant attire. A blush creeps onto my cheeks as I realize my own modest outfit.

"You're dressed perfectly, much better than those revealing clothes you wear daily," he remarks while perusing the menu.

I smile, surprised at how my insecurities dissipate. "I had no idea I'd be coming with you; otherwise, I might have dressed differently."

"Your attire is perfect," he insists. "Quit looking around. I'm famished; order something."

I nod, a broad grin on my face, and we place our order. Yet, once again, an uncomfortable silence envelops us.

"Tell me something about yourself," he suddenly says, glancing at his wristwatch. But before I can respond, his expression shifts, and I fall silent.

"What were you doing with Joe on the same couch?" His tone sharpens, and I flinch, lowering my gaze to the table, suddenly fearful.

His mood swings baffle me. Why does he have to be so enigmatic? "Answer me, dammit," he shouts.

"W-we were just tickling each other," I stammer. "I'm sorry." Perhaps an apology will help soothe him.

After biting my lip, I steal a glance in his direction, and to my astonishment, he does the same. "Do you have a boyfriend?" He asks, emphasizing the word 'boyfriend' with bitterness.

I smile at the question. "Let's assume, hypothetically, that I did have a boyfriend. Do you truly think I'd be here, with you?" I gesture toward our table, and he presses his lips into a thin line.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" I nervously inquire. He chuckles humorlessly.

"No, I don't."

"Why?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Isn't that obvious? I'm destined to have a wife, and keeping a girlfriend would be a crime, wouldn't it?"

"Or maybe Joe would hunt you down," I tease. For a brief moment, it feels like we truly understand each other, perhaps.

After my comment, he laughs, revealing a genuine smile adorned with a charming dimple. My heart flutters as I witness the sparkle in his eyes.

This is undoubtedly a DATE TO REMEMBER. But just as I'm starting to think of something new blossoming between us, he abruptly reverts to his dark and aloof demeanor.

"Not having a girlfriend doesn't mean I'll accept you as my wife," he asserts.

Tears well up, but I fight to keep them at bay. Why does it hurt? We're not even in a relationship, after all. But why?

We finish our meal in silence, and I dare not look at him. I release a deep breath, feeling content that he laughed today, even if only briefly. Every journey starts somewhere, right? Maybe his smile was the beginning of something new.