+25 Points
18
Bastian
Later that night, I found myself outside Dahlia’s apartment, my nerves wound tighter than I cared to admit. I had made a snap decision to see Kaida, despite knowing she might not be thrilled to hear from me. But something about the conversation with Ben earlier, and the way Kaida had stormed off at the party, made it impossible for me to let things be.
I knocked on the door and waited, listening to the faint sounds of movement inside. When the door opened, it was Dahlia who stood there, her face reflecting a mixture of surprise and
curiosity.
“Bastian?” she asked, glancing behind her, probably wondering why I was here.
“I was hoping to talk to Kaida,” I said, keeping my voice calm, though inside I was more anxious than I should’ve been. “If she’s up for it.”
Dahlia raised an eyebrow, and for a moment, I thought she might turn me away. But then she nodded and stepped aside, allowing me in. “She’s in the living room. I’ll ask if she’s willing to see you.”
I stood awkwardly by the door as Dahlia disappeared down the hallway. The apartment had a cozy feel to it, a stark contrast to the tension I was carrying. I couldn’t help but wonder how Kaida was feeling after everything that had happened-especially after learning that I knew the truth about her past.
A few minutes later, Kaida emerged, her expression a mix of reluctance and curiosity. I didn’t blame her for being hesitant. I had pushed too far last time, and now I was here again, hoping for another chance to talk.
“Hey,” I said, my voice soft as I took a step forward. “I know it’s late, but I was wondering if you’d let me take you out. Just dinner. No pressure.”
Kaida hesitated, her arms crossed over her chest. She looked at me for a long moment, as if trying to read my intentions. I waited, not wanting to push her. If she said no, I’d respect that, but I hoped she’d give me a chance to make up for the other night.
Finally, she sighed. “Dinner?”
“Yeah. I won’t keep you out too long,” I promised. “I just want to talk. Get to know you better, if that’s alright.”
Her gaze softened, and after a moment, she nodded. “Alright. Dinner it is.”
1/4
<18
+25 Points>
We left the apartment, and I took her to one of the finest restaurants in the city-a place that required reservations weeks in advance. But being an Alpha had its perks, and I’d managed to secure us a table at the last minute.
As we were seated in the dimly lit dining room, I could sense her apprehension easing, though it still lingered in the way she held herself-guarded, cautious. I didn’t blame her. Trust wasn’t something that could be earned overnight, especially with everything she’d been through.
I opened the menu and glanced at her, trying to read her mood. “So, what do you like? Any favorite dishes?”
Kaida looked at the menu for a moment, then smiled faintly. “I’m not that picky, but I do love seafood. Salmon, specifically.”
I grinned, making a mental note. “Good choice. Let’s go with that.”
I waved over the waiter and ordered her favorite-pan-seared salmon with a side of vegetables. She seemed surprised that I remembered her preference from our brief conversation, but I wanted to show her that I was paying attention.
Once the waiter left, the silence stretched between us, and I knew it was now or never. I had to address the elephant in the room, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.
“Kaida,” I began, keeping my voice gentle, “I want to be honest with you. I know about your past. About your marriage to Kaelen… and that he’s the father of your baby.”
Her reaction was immediate-her eyes widened, her body stiffened, and for a second, I thought she might get up and leave. But instead, she took a deep breath, steadying herself.
“How do you know?” she asked, her voice low, almost resigned.
“Dahlia and Ben told me,” I admitted, not wanting to lie. “After I asked. I didn’t mean to pry, but I needed to understand.”
Kaida’s hands tightened around her napkin, her gaze dropping to the table. I could tell she wasn’t used to discussing her past, especially not with someone like me-someone who had no business poking around in her personal life.
“I don’t talk about it much,” she said after a moment, her voice strained. “Kaelen and I… it’s over. I don’t want to dredge up the past.”
“I understand,” I said quickly. “And I’m not asking you to. I just wanted you to know that I’m aware of it-and that I don’t think any less of you because of it.”
She glanced up at me, surprise flickering across her face. “You don’t?”
2/4
$ 18
+25 Points
“No,” I said firmly. “Kaida, you’ve been through more than most people could handle, and you’ve come out stronger because of it. That’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of.”
She didn’t respond right away, but I could see the wheels turning in her mind, processing my words. I hoped that maybe, just maybe, I was getting through to her.
“I didn’t ask for any of this,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “The divorce, the pregnancy… it wasn’t supposed to happen this way.”
“I know,” I said softly. “But it did. And now you’re here, starting over.”
Her eyes met mine, and for the first time, I saw a crack in the wall she’d built around herself. There was pain there, but also a glimmer of hope-a hope that maybe things could be
different this time.
“I don’t need anyone’s pity,” she said, her voice stronger now. “I’m not some fragile damsel in
distress.”
“I know that,” I said, my tone sincere. “You’re anything but fragile.”
Kaida looked away, her fingers tracing the edge of her water glass. “So why are you doing this? Why take me out, listen to me? What’s in it for you?”
The question caught me off guard, but I knew it was a fair one. She had every right to be skeptical. I took a deep breath before answering.
“Because I like you, Kaida,” I said simply. “I don’t have any hidden agendas. I just… want to get to know you. And maybe, if you let me, I can be someone you can rely on.”
Her eyes softened, though the uncertainty remained. “You barely know me.”
“True,” I agreed. “But I’d like to change that.”
Before she could respond, our food arrived, and the waiter placed the plates in front of us. The aroma of the salmon filled the air, and Kaida’s face relaxed slightly as she took in the
scent.
We ate in silence for a few moments, the tension easing as we focused on the meal. I could tell Kaida was still guarded, but there was a shift-a small one, but a shift nonetheless.
After a while, she set her fork down and looked at me, her expression unreadable. “Thank you. For not judging me.”
I smiled softly. “You don’t have to thank me, Kaida. I’m just glad you gave me the chance to take you out.”
3/4
(18
+25 Points
She nodded, her gaze lingering on mine for a moment longer before she looked away. I could tell she wasn’t used to this-letting someone in, trusting someone with her vulnerability.
But I was patient. I would wait, as long as it took, if it meant earning her trust.
As we finished our meal and prepared to leave, I couldn’t help but feel like tonight had been a step in the right direction. Kaida wasn’t ready to open up fully, but she had taken a small step toward letting me in.
A
1
Comments
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
