104. Once And For All

104. Once And For All

Alina's Pov

I did it. I signed the last contract. Was it selfish of me to do that? Maybe. Do I regret it? No. Because I wasn't going to take another chance in my life because at first, it was just me. But now, my son is also involved. No one in the world would I allow anyone to be unjust to him. So I did it for his sake. Call me a gold digger or whatever, but I had to protect my son's future before anything.

As I stood in the kitchen, absently stirring my coffee, the events of last night replayed in my mind with startling clarity. Theodore and I had been lying on the cool garden grass, the stars glittering like diamonds above us. It was one of those rare, serene moments where the world seemed to pause just for us.

I remember the hesitation in Theodore's voice as he turned to me, his eyes reflecting the night sky. "Alina," he began slowly, "I don't want you to feel pressured into answering this, but I've been wondering... If I hadn't done the things I did in the past, do you think you would have fallen for me?"

For a moment, I stayed silent, the weight of his question hanging heavily in the air. Memories of our turbulent history flashed before my eyes. The hurt, the anger, the misunderstandings. But beneath all that, there was something deeper, something undeniable. Taking a deep breath, I replied honestly, "Theodore, I had already fallen for you four years ago. I couldn't quite name my feelings then, but I knew. It was hard to accept that I fell in love with the person I had vowed to hate, but it didn't change the truth."

He looked at me intensely, a small, almost sad smile playing on his lips. "You messed me up from the first time I saw you, Alina. At our wedding. I fell for you then, and I was in denial for so long. It was the first time in my life that something so beautiful happened to me, and I ruined it with my own hands, driving you away."

His words echoed in my mind, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Despite everything, despite the pain and the mistakes, there was a sense of inevitability to us. Whatever we had between us, it was real. I had finally come into terms with it. Because if I really hated him, then I would have made more efforts to disappear for the second time from his life like I had done it before. But my heart was liking the thrill of being chased by him after so long. It was a something that I had desired ever since I was 16. To be chased and loved by someone. And if I'm not wrong, I think every woman truly just desires this pureness. To be loved. To feel wanted. To feel appreciated. Something that I had not received growing up. It was maybe a family trauma that was stuck with me.

But all I wanted to focus on right now was to give a real chance to our relationship.

As I sat in the cozy corner of my living room, sipping tea and lost in thought, the phone rang abruptly, shattering the tranquility. Daniel's voice on the other end was urgent, his words hitting me like a sudden storm. "Alina, it's Theodore. He's had a minor accident. You need to come to the hospital."

Time seemed to freeze. My heart pounded in my chest as if trying to escape. Without a second thought, I rushed out of the house, my mind a whirlwind of worry and fear.

The hospital corridors blurred as I raced through them, finally reaching Theodore's room. There he lay, still and pale, his head swathed in bandages, one arm in a sling. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him, so vulnerable and unlike the strong, confident man I knew.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I approached his bedside, my fingers trembling as I reached out to touch his hand. "Theodore," I whispered, my voice breaking. "Please wake up. I can't bear to see you like this."

The silence in the room was heavy with unspoken words and the weight of realization. As I looked at him, the floodgates of my heart burst open. All the buried feelings, the doubts, the fears, suddenly crystalized into a single truth: I loved him.

"I love you," I murmured softly, almost to myself, not fully aware that the words had escaped my lips.

In that moment, Theodore stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and he turned his head to look at me, surprise and relief mingling in his expression. "Alina," he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible. "You... you love me?

I watch in surprise as he sits up. “Wait, you were not unconscious?”

“I guess a person is unconscious while he's sleeping. But that wasn't my question. What did you just say right now? You really mean it?” he looked at me amazed.

I nodded, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Yes," I confessed, my voice trembling with emotion. "I love you, Theodore. I can't imagine my life without you."

He reached out with his uninjured hand, gently brushing away my tears. "I love you too," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity and a hint of wonder. "I've always loved you."

As Theodore pulled me closer, I buried my face in his chest, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. It was meant to be. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't deny the attraction, the pull I felt towards this guy.

I finally pulled away from him, smacking him on the injured arm lightly, making him wince. “You scared me!” He chuckled.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.”

“How did it happen?” His eyes darkened at my question before he sighed.

“Nathan.” He said plainly.

“What? I thought he was back in jail for what he did?”

“He is. But he had already paid someone when he got out before this. To take me down in an accident if the police takes him again and he doesn't succeed in his plan.” Theodore explained.

“This bastard! I'm going to kill!”

“That's already taken care of,” Daniel entered with a smirk into the room, his hands tucked lazily in his pocket. Rebecca was also beside him holding a bouquet of flowers. They both entered before Rebecca placed the bouquet on the table.

“Wait really? What do you mean?” Theodore chuckled at my question.

“You don't have to worry about it, kitten.” He said pulling me in his embrace and kissing my forehead.

“Awe, isn't that lovely?” Rebecca cooed, teasing Theodore, making me hide my face in his neck.

“You know what's more lovely? You standing beside my best friend, looking like you belong there,” Theodore commented making Rebecca blush and Daniel smirk.

“Yeah, take that!” I added not feeling so shy anymore.

“I have a call to make,” Rebecca added hurriedly trying to leave.

“No you don't,” Daniel challenged.

“Yes I do!” Rebecca said firmly with wide eyes before marching out of the room.

Daniel shook his head amused. “I thought you'd be alone so I came to give you company before she could arrive. Guess she is faster than lightning.” Daniel pointed at me.

“Excuse me! I'm sitting right here!” Theodore had formally introduced me to Daniel last month and over the past few days we had become like a family. He became like an older brother I never had.

“So I’m aware. Enjoy you two. I'll go check on her mysterious phone call.”

As Daniel left the room with a playful wink, Theodore and I sat together in a quiet moment of relief and closeness. His fingers gently traced the lines of my face, his touch grounding me in the reality of our shared love and the harrowing ordeal we had just faced.

"I can't believe Nathan stooped this low," I murmured, anger still simmering beneath my relief. "But I'm so glad you're okay."

Theodore nodded solemnly, his gaze intense yet tender. "I'm sorry you had to go through this because of me, Alina. I promise to do everything in my power to keep you and Asher safe."

"You already do," I replied softly, placing my hand over his heart. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Just then, Rebecca re-entered the room, looking slightly flustered but relieved. She smiled warmly at us. "Everything's taken care of. Nathan's little plan won't be a threat anymore."

"Thank you, Rebecca," Theodore said gratefully, squeezing my hand. "You're a lifesaver."

Rebecca chuckled. "Enough about that. I think we could all use some good news now."

Daniel returned shortly after, his expression more relaxed. "Rebecca's right. The less we think about Nathan, the better. How about we focus on celebrating that you're here, safe and together?"

Theodore nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving mine. "Sounds perfect."

And so, in that hospital room filled with the echoes of fear and love, we found solace in each other's presence. Anders had brought Asher to the hospital as well after a while and he wasted no time in hoping on his injured daddy, not caring about his wounds as he cried his heart out. Theodore did his best to calm him down and assure him that he was alright and that they could watch superman once he gets home. That finally put Asher to sleep in his arms as he lay beside. As the hours passed, we laughed, we shared stories, and we held onto each other tightly, grateful for the second chance fate had granted us.

Days turned into weeks, and Theodore recovered fully from his injuries. Our bond only grew stronger, forged in the crucible of adversity and tested by the fires of love and loyalty. Nathan's shadow gradually faded into the past, a dark chapter in our lives that ultimately strengthened our resolve to cherish every moment together. Where did he disappear, Theodore still refuses to tell me that, but assured me he will never disturb us again.

As we stood hand in hand outside the hospital on a sunny afternoon, Theodore leaned in to kiss me gently. "I love you, Alina," he whispered, his voice carrying a promise of forever.

"I love you too," I replied, my heart overflowing with happiness and gratitude.