Page 15 of Depraved Temptation

We settle onto the couch, and she wraps an arm around me like she used to do when I was younger. “I genuinely thought that Alexander and I could be happy. But there’s just so much history. So much baggage.”

She tilts her head slightly, a soft, understanding look in her eyes. "Love isn't always straightforward, Lila. Sometimes, it's tangled and messy."

I chew my lip, thinking. "With Alexander, it feels like we're drawn together, despite all logic saying we shouldn’t be."

She nods slowly. "That kind of passion can be intoxicating. But passion isn't the same as a lasting love."

I look down, feeling a weight in my chest. "And then there's Cameron. I never wanted to hurt him, Mom. But every step I take with Alexander feels like a betrayal to what Cam and I once shared."

She reaches over, taking my hand in hers. "Lila, you can't let your past with Cameron dictate your future. You need to decide what's best for you. Not for Cameron, not for Alexander. For Lila."

A tear rolls down my cheek. "But what if choosing my happiness means causing pain to others?"

She smiles gently. "Life is full of choices, and sometimes they aren't easy. But sacrificing your own happiness out of fear won't lead to true contentment. Remember, love should uplift you, not constantly drag you into doubt and guilt."

I lean into her, drawing strength from her wisdom. "Thanks, Mom. I just... I need to figure things out."

"And you will, in time. Just remember to always trust your heart and your instincts."

Another knock at my door interrupts our conversation. This knocking is purposeful, each rap conveying a sense of urgency and determination. My heart races, and even without peeking through the peephole, I instinctively know who's on the other side.

I glance at my mother, whose eyes narrow slightly in recognition. She nods firmly, silently urging me to face the situation head-on.

"Trust yourself,” she reminds me.

I swing the door open and am met with Alexander's towering presence. He stands there, every inch the confident billionaire with his sharp suit and intense gaze. But there's a fire in his eyes tonight, something raw and magnetic. The energy rolling off him is palpable, drawing me in.

“Lila,” his deep voice fills the silence, commanding as ever but with an undertone of urgency.

I can't help but whisper his name in response, "Alexander." The moment stretches, the world narrowing to just the two of us.

Without breaking eye contact, he takes a slight step forward, invading my personal space. "I won’t pretend I'm not the reason for those tears," he starts, the gravelly texture of his voice betraying his anxiety. "But we can’t leave it like this.”

“No, we can’t,” I agree. “But Alexander, maybe this... us, was a mistake."

Alexander's gaze softens, the anguish evident. "Is that what you believe?”

Taking a shaky breath, I admit, "No. But I never wanted to be the reason for a rift between you and Cameron.”

He takes a step closer, the intensity between us undeniable. "Lila, the rift between Cameron and me started a long time before you and I did. And God knows, if there was any way to protect Cameron from the pain, I would. But hiding our feelings, pretending like there’s nothing between us, isn’t going to help him either."

Despite the confusion, the pain, the history, seeing him there, so sure of himself yet showing a sliver of vulnerability just for me, gives me a jolt of clarity. I remember my mother's words, urging me to trust my instincts.

"So, what do we do now?” I ask.

Alexander runs a hand through his hair, clearly torn. "We need to be honest with him. With ourselves. We need to give him time, but we can't deny what’s between us either.”

My heart aches as I repeat my earlier sentiment. "It's all so complicated.”

With a faint, humorless smile, he murmurs, "Isn't that life, though? But in the middle of the mess, there's clarity. And when I see you, everything else fades away."

His words wrap around my heart, offering solace amidst the storm. The path ahead is unclear, but with Alexander by my side, I feel a glimmer of hope that we can navigate it together.

“Come home with me, Lila,” he says, offering me his hand. “Give me another chance.”

I want to reach for him, but I freeze, staring at his hand, standing at a crossroads, knowing what I want to do, what my heart wants to do, but hesitating. The chasm between past entanglements and the promise of a future undefined feels vast. Still, through every interaction with Alexander, I sense a tether pulling me toward a possibility, a chance to rewrite my story. Going with him isn't just a choice for love but a nod to my own resilience. It's a chance to rewrite my story and embrace the unknown with courage.

It’s about following my heart and choosing hope, always hope, as my compass.