Chapter 9 Alisha's Advice

*Author*

Selene sat at her desk, her mind heavy with thoughts of Roy. The events of the past few days replayed in her mind like a broken record, and she couldn't shake the feeling of regret that gnawed at her heart.

She barely noticed when her best friend Alisha entered the room, concern written all over her face. Alisha could see that Selene was lost in her thoughts, so she decided to speak up.

"What's wrong, Selene?" Alisha asked gently, sitting down beside her friend. "You seem so distracted lately. Is everything okay?"

Selene let out a deep sigh, finally turning to face Alisha. "It's Roy," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't stop thinking about him. I think I made a mistake by returning the flower bouquet he sent me."

Alisha's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, you returned the flowers? Why would you do that?"

Selene bit her lip, feeling the weight of her decisions pressing down on her. "I don't know, Alisha. I was so caught off guard by his gesture that I didn't know how to react. I panicked and thought it was best to push him away before things got too complicated."

Alisha placed a comforting hand on Selene's shoulder. "Listen, Selene. I know you're scared, but you can't let fear dictate your actions. If Roy really likes you, he won't give up that easily. Maybe you should give him a chance."

Selene's eyes widened with disbelief. "But what if I get hurt, Alisha? What if this all ends in heartbreak?"

Alisha smiled softly, her gaze unwavering. "Love is always a risk, Selene. But it's a risk worth taking. You've been so focused on your career that you've neglected your heart for far too long. Maybe it's time to let yourself feel again."

Selene hesitated, the fear still lurking in the depths of her heart. But she knew that Alisha was right. She had been living in a safety bubble for too long, afraid to let anyone in. Maybe it was time to break free from her self-imposed barriers.

"Thank you, Alisha," Selene whispered, her voice laced with gratitude. "I'll give Roy a chance. Who knows, maybe it won't hurt to take a leap of faith for once."

Alisha grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's the spirit, Selene! Now go out there and give love a chance. You deserve to be happy."

With a newfound determination in her heart, Selene stood up and straightened her shoulders. She was ready to face whatever the future held, with Alisha by her side every step of the way.

As she walked out of her office, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Maybe, just maybe, love was worth the risk after all. And as she thought of Roy, a warm fluttering sensation bloomed in her chest, filling her with hope and anticipation for what was to come.

And so, with Alisha's advice echoing in her mind, Selene ventured into the unknown, ready to embrace the complexities of love and all the emotions that came with it.