Flashbackweeks earlier....
Emilia's POV
We strolled through the quiet streets of our hometown, the warm sun casting a gentle glow over everything, I feel a sense of comfort and ease that I've never experienced with anyone else. Adrian, my childhood friend and confidant, walks beside me, his eyes scanning the horizon as we chat about life.
"I'm telling you, Em, I'm so done with the corporate world," Adrian says, his voice laced with frustration. "I feel like I'm just going through the motions, you know? Making money, attending meetings, but what's the point of it all?"
I nod sympathetically, having heard Adrian's complaints about his job before. But I also know that he's not just talking about his job - he's talking about his whole life. As the son of a wealthy and influential family, Adrian's always felt a sense of pressure to live up to his family's expectations. But I know that deep down, he's always wanted to forge his own path.
"I get it," I say, trying to offer some words of encouragement. "But you're not just a cog in a machine, Adrian. You're a brilliant businessman, and you have so much to offer. Maybe you just need to find a new challenge, something that really excites you."
Adrian turns to me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You always know just what to say, Em," he says, smiling. "You're the one person who really gets me."
I feel a flutter in my chest as he says this, a flutter that I've been trying to ignore for years. Because the truth is, I've had feelings for Adrian for a long time - feelings that go far beyond friendship. But I've never dared to say anything, afraid of ruining our friendship.
As we continue walking, the silence between us is comfortable and easy. We've been friends for so long that we don't need to fill every moment with conversation. But as we walk, I find myself stealing glances at Adrian, wondering what it would be like if we were more than just friends.
We continued walking, Adrian suddenly reaches out and takes my hand in his. I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body as his warm fingers wrap around mine. I look up at him, my heart racing with excitement, and see that he's gazing at me with a soft, tender expression.
"Em, can I tell you something?" he asks, his voice low and husky.
I nod, my throat suddenly dry. "Of course," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian's eyes lock onto mine, and he begins to speak in a slow, measured tone. "You're the best person I've ever met, Em," he says. "You're kind, and smart, and beautiful... and you make me feel seen and heard in a way that no one else ever has."
My heart is racing now, and I can feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. No one has ever spoken to me like this before, with such sincerity and affection.
"I'm so grateful to have you in my life, Em," Adrian continues. "You're my rock, my confidante... my best friend.
I feel like I'm melting into his words, like they're wrapping around my heart and squeezing tight. I've loved Adrian for so long, and to hear him speak like this... it's almost too much to bear.
"Adrian," I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion.
He looks at me, his eyes searching mine. "What is it, Em?" he asks, his voice soft and gentle.
I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "I've loved you for so long," I say, the words tumbling out of my mouth like a confession.
As I finish speaking, Adrian's face breaks out into a warm, gentle smile. "Thank you, Em," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "That means more to me than you'll ever know."
I feel a pang of uncertainty, wondering if I've misread the situation entirely. Maybe he doesn't feel the same way. Maybe he's just being kind.
But then Adrian's expression changes, his eyes locking onto mine with a newfound intensity. "Em, I have to tell you something," he says, his voice low and husky. "I've been feeling the same way about you for a long time. I just didn't know how to say it."
My heart skips a beat as I process his words. He feels the same way? Oh my god, this is really happening.
"Really?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "Really," he repeats. "I love you, Em. I've loved you for so long, but I was too afraid to say anything."
I feel like I'm floating on air, my heart soaring with joy. This is it, this is the moment I've been waiting for.
"I love you too," I say, my voice filled with emotion. "I've loved you for so long, Adrian."
Adrian's face breaks out into a wide, happy smile. "I'm so glad," he says, pulling me into his arms. "I'm so glad we finally said something."
As we hug, I feel a sense of happiness and contentment wash over me. This is it, this is the start of something amazing.
As we pull back from our hug, I can see the happiness radiating from Adrian's face. He's beaming with joy, and I can feel my own heart overflowing with emotion.
"We did it," Adrian says, his voice filled with excitement. "We finally said it out loud."
I nod, feeling a little dazed but incredibly happy. "We did," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian takes my hand again, and we start walking together, enjoying the warm sunshine and the happy feeling that's buzzing between us.
"I'm so glad we're doing this," Adrian says, squeezing my hand. "I feel like I've been waiting for this moment for forever."
I smile, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "Me too," I reply. "I've loved you for so long, Adrian."
Adrian stops walking and turns to face me. "I love you too," he says, his eyes locked onto mine. "I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
My heart skips a beat as I process his words. This is really happening. We're really doing this.
"I want that too," I reply, my voice filled with emotion.
Adrian smiles and pulls me into his arms. We kiss, our lips meeting in a soft, sweet caress. It's our first kiss, but it feels like we've been doing this forever.
We pulled back from our kiss, I can see the happiness shining in Adrian's eyes. We're finally together, and it feels amazing.
"I'm so happy," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian smiles and takes my hand again. "Me too," he replies. "Let's go celebrate."
We walk hand in hand, enjoying the warm sunshine and the happy feeling that's buzzing between us. We're finally together, and it feels like the whole world is opening up for us.