On Friday, Naosa arrived at the office as usual, her heart pounding with a mix of nervous anticipation and fragile hope. She wanted nothing more than to see Alex.
But when she greeted everyone that morning with her usual brightness—he wasn’t there.
Alex had been away since the previous day, accompanying Mr. Ellis on an important business trip.
Naosa tried not to let her disappointment show, keeping her professional composure. Still, she comforted herself with a quiet thought: I’ll see him tomorrow at the beach festival.
Later that morning, she reached for the break room door—then froze.
Ashley and Millie’s voices drifted through the partially open doorway.
“Dr. O’Neill landed a massive promotion,” Ashley whispered. “He’s been selected for that research project in Africa. It’s absolutely career-defining.”
“I wonder who recommended him?” Millie replied thoughtfully. “Maybe Dr. López?”
Naosa stood motionless, her hand still on the doorknob as dread settled in her stomach.
Her worst fears were confirmed as their voices went on: Alex had been chosen for a prestigious international initiative at a rare-disease institute in Africa—the same place he had worked years before coming to Saint Clarion. He already had a strong record there. This opportunity would launch his career to extraordinary heights.
She stayed outwardly calm the rest of the day—smiling when needed, laughing when expected. But inside, her thoughts spiraled into darkness.
That night, she cried alone in her room, whispering into the dark, It’s better this way. He’s going where I can’t follow. He deserves that.
Through her tears, she made herself a promise: If I see him tomorrow, I’ll apologize. I’ll thank him. That’s all I can do.
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After their business trip, Mr. Ellis approached Alex with evident enthusiasm.
“There’s significant interest in your transfer to the Africa project,” he said. “I believe you’re the perfect fit.”
Alex’s response was thoughtful. “It’s an incredible opportunity… but I’d like some time to consider it.”
Mr. Ellis looked surprised but nodded. “Fair enough. Let me know by Monday.”
That night, as city lights blurred past the car window, Alex sat in silence.
She said she’d never be mine. Maybe I deserve that rejection. But the thought of someone else by her side…
He exhaled, barely a whisper. “But I don’t want to leave her.”
The next morning, Naosa arrived early at the beach festival, her heart heavy but determined. Volunteers were already unloading tents and supplies, their cheerful energy filling the air.
She spotted Alex in the distance, helping carry equipment from a large truck.
Before she could join in, the others had already taken everything.
Alex, a canvas bag slung over one shoulder, turned toward her with his familiar crooked smile.
“Well, if your hands are free…” He reached for her hand, his touch gentle. “Hold mine.”
Naosa took it without hesitation—and for a precious moment, the world felt perfect again.
The beach festival buzzed with color and laughter—bright tents, food trucks, the delighted shrieks of children carried on the sea breeze.
They walked together through the cheerful chaos until Naosa stopped at a handmade jewelry stall.
A pair of delicate pearl earrings caught her eye—tiny, lustrous pearls nestled in intricate silver.
She turned them over in her hand, admiring them in the small mirror, completely captivated by their quiet elegance.
While she was enchanted, Alex quietly stepped forward and paid the artist.
“Dr. O’Neill!” she gasped, catching him in the act.
He smiled, boyish and pleased. “I wanted to give you something beautiful.”
Blushing deeply, she put them on immediately. “How do they look?”
He took her hand again, his voice low and warm. “They’re perfect.”
The day unfolded like a dream—working side by side, laughing, teasing each other like family.
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As the sun began to dip toward the horizon and the fireworks drew near, Alex turned to her with quiet intent.
“Come with me,” he said softly. “Let’s find a quiet place to watch.”
They climbed a secluded grassy hill that overlooked the beach. He laid his jacket down carefully and motioned for her to sit beside him.
Their friends—Jill, Sally, Miguel, and Kevin—remained behind near the main tent, watching from a respectful distance. No one spoke, but everyone understood: this was the moment that would change everything.
Naosa broke the silence first.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly, her voice filled with remorse. “For the awful things I said that night.”
Alex shook his head. “I should be the one apologizing. I called Kazu. I followed you to the hotel. You had every right to be angry.”
“You were protecting someone you cared about,” she said quietly.
Alex looked at her for a long moment, then spoke with the weight of a decision.
“Mr. Ellis offered me the Africa position—the research project I mentioned.”
Naosa forced a bright smile, though her heart was breaking. “Congratulations. You absolutely deserve it.”
“Thank you.”
The first fireworks bloomed across the sky, scattering stars of light over the dark sea.
Alex turned to her fully and extended his hand with quiet formality.
“Thank you,” he said, voice low with gratitude. “For everything you’ve brought to my life. I’m glad I met you.”
She took his offered hand, her voice trembling. “I’m the one who should be grateful. You’ll be missed—more than you know.”
But he didn’t let go.
“Nao,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “I need the truth. I can’t go to Africa without understanding. I don’t care about status or prestige—I’m considering it because I can’t stand being near you and not being able to call you mine.”
He leaned closer, his gaze unwavering.
“Give me one real reason why we can’t be together. Just one I can believe.”
Naosa looked away, her voice trembling.
“You’re too good for me,” she whispered. “You’re brilliant, kind, impossibly handsome. I’m none of those things.”
Alex shook his head. “That’s not a reason. You’re all of those things—and more.”
She lowered her gaze, overwhelmed by his faith in her.
He took her hands gently in his. “Tell me the truth. Do you really not love me?”
Tears filled her eyes as the words spilled out.
“You promised you’d never let go of my hand,” she said brokenly. “But now you’re leaving me. You’ve always protected me from everything. I didn’t want to make things harder for you.”
His voice cracked. “Then I won’t go.”
She blinked. “What?”
“I’ll stay,” he said with quiet conviction. “If you want me to, I’ll always stay. But I need you to be honest with me.”
She stared at him, unable to speak.
“Is there any real reason to keep pushing me away?”
Naosa’s voice was barely a whisper. “Yes. Even if I love you with all my heart… I still have reasons.”
“Then tell me what they are.”
She looked up, eyes full of pain.
“I might not live long. You deserve a real future—someone who can give you a family. I can’t give you that.”
Alex smiled with infinite tenderness. “That’s not a valid reason either.”
She tried to protest. “You don’t understand. Illness hurts everyone around it.”
“Then I’ll hurt with you,” he replied without hesitation.
His voice softened. “I would never tell someone sick that they don’t deserve love.”
He leaned closer. “Can’t you see? I can’t live without you anymore. Do you love me?”
She nodded through her tears. “Yes. I’m completely crazy about you.”
Alex exhaled—relief, joy, disbelief all at once.
“Then that’s it. There are no valid reasons left.”
She laughed through her tears. “There are still a few.”
“Like what?”
“I’m incredibly jealous. Obsessive about cleanliness.” Her tone softened. “I don’t want you being too kind to other women. No touching them. No kissing anyone else. Ever.”
Alex grinned. “That’s exactly what I already love about you.”
“And…” she hesitated, blushing. “I’m already chronically ill—I can’t risk getting another disease. You’ve been with other women. I need to know you’re safe.”
Alex nodded. “I’ll get tested next week—full panel. I’ll show you everything, I promise.”
She looked relieved. “Thank you.”
He smiled, eyes bright. “So… can I kiss you now?”
She hesitated playfully. “Not yet.”
He blinked. “Why not?”
She whispered, “Because our friends are watching.”
He glanced toward the beach. Sure enough—Jill, Sally, Miguel, and Kevin were pretending to look elsewhere while clearly watching.
Alex smiled with quiet resolve. “Then I’ll show them exactly how I feel.”
He kissed her—fully, fiercely, finally.
The sky erupted in color above them, as if the universe itself were celebrating.
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As the night wound down and the crowd began to thin, they returned to the tent hand in hand.
Naosa picked up his jacket, brushing off the sand with gentle care.
“Dr. O’Neill.”
He turned toward her voice.
“Please,” he said softly, “call me Alex.”
She smiled—radiant, tearful, perfect.
“Alex… my Alex. Thank you for finding me.”
She touched his cheek tenderly and kissed him again.
He held her close, burying his face in her shoulder as tears of pure joy slipped down his cheeks.
It was you after all, he thought, awed. I finally found you.
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