Chapter 92: Unveiling the Shadows

The atmosphere between Taylor and Alex was palpable, and there was a feeling that something was about to happen between the two. The feeling of his arms around her was still palpable, and the sound of Alex’s heartbeat soothed her ears. The world outside seemed so small—as if they were the only two people in the whole wide world. Taylor could not help but focus her attention on the look in Alex’s eyes. She could see the intensity of his gaze matching the sentiments she felt, and her heart began to pound. This moment was different; it was like the world was waiting for something big to happen that was going to alter the relationship between the two. “Taylor.” Alex’s tone was gentle, but there was something in his voice that made Taylor feel like she stopped breathing momentarily. “I have something that I have to share with you. ”Taylor nodded, and her heartbeat accelerated. She could sense the tension; the seriousness of the words that Alex was saying to her drew her in. Alex just stood there for a moment, as if something in her mind was trying to find the appropriate words to say. But when she finally spoke, her voice was very strong and at the same time very weak, full of determination and weakness. “I have been trying to downplay the feelings that I have for you, to convince myself that we are just good friends, but the truth is... I am in love with you, Taylor; I believe I have been for quite some time now.” Taylor felt her pulse race. The words lingered in the atmosphere, thick and powerful. She had always longed to hear such words, but now that they have been said, she does not know what to say. She felt every emotion from joy to fear, hope, and relief all at once, and the whirlwind of such feelings overwhelmed her. The man smiled and then moved closer to Alex, who was now standing only a few feet away from him. You may not feel the same way, and this might be a surprise, but I could not keep this to myself any longer. Any time we are together, I feel the rest of the world vanishes, and all that is left is you, and I do not want to keep this to myself. Taylor looked at me, and tears filled his eyes, yet they were not tears of anger or sadness. They were tears of joy and happiness, which had no mixture of any sort or kind. It was impossible for Taylor not to be aware that Alex was unique, but hearing her say that she loved her was something that made Taylor’s heart melt with joy. Not a word was spoken as Taylor moved in and placed her hands on Alex’s face and brought their faces close together. She stared into her eyes, trying to find some sort of trace of uncertainty or a sign of hesitation, but nothing of that was found in those beautiful eyes—only love. “Alex,” Taylor whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, “I’ve been in love with you too. I just... I didn’t know how to tell you I was afraid of ruining what we have by losing you if things didn’t work out, but now hearing you say those words, I can’t keep it inside any longer. A bright grin spread across Alex’s face, and for that moment all the anxiety and stress left his face. They were both able to finally fulfill what they really wanted to do—to leave behind those things that kept them from accepting the love that was so visible for quite some time now. Taylor closed her lips gently against Alex's, and their lips met in a gentle, passionate, and affectionate kiss that had been bottled for many years. It was a kiss that even spoke of a future to come, a future of hope, and a love to be created. They brought their lips together, and when they parted again, both were panting heavily with their pulses racing. This time the connection between them seemed even closer, as if they had entered a new phase of their lives. Alex breathed out heavily. “It can’t be real,” she said, leaning her forehead against Taylor’s. “I have always wished to be here, but I never expected that we would be here today.” 'Yes, it is,’ Taylor answered without a flinch, her voice strong and full of confidence. “And I don’t wish to stay one more second being insincere about how I feel about this anymore. I want you, Alex, with no hold barred.” Taylor felt a new warmth in her chest at the realization that her words went deep. This was what she had always wanted, and she had always been too afraid to admit it to herself. But now, with Alex standing before her, she realized that she could not turn her back on the situation. This was the start of something special, something that could turn out to be a life-altering experience. And as they stood there, the two of them embracing, it was as if the whole of the world around them was awakening. The night breeze was fragranced with the sweet smell of flowers, and the moonlight painted everything with a silver hue. It was as if the whole world was rejoicing at the joining of their spirits together. They were almost ready to kiss again when a loud sound interrupted the calmness [of the scene]. Taylor and Alex looked around to their surprise to see a person coming toward them who they never thought they would meet. This turned out to be Jordan, Taylor’s ex, who looked lost and broken at the same time. Taylor saw something new in Jordan’s eyes—a combination of sorrow and lust. Just seeing her, the girl, made Taylor feel something she never thought she would; a flood of emotions swept over her. “Jordan?” Taylor’s voice had surprise and confusion in it. ‘What are you doing here?’ Jordan paused and looked from Taylor to Alex. ”I had to come and see you, Taylor. I understand this can hardly be the right time, but there is something I have to tell you.” Alex’s arm wrapped around Taylor, her fingers clutching the other girl's shirt as if she were trying to shield her from the next words that were going to be spoken. But one day curiosity got the better of Taylor. She simply had to know what Jordan had to say. “Carry on,” Taylor encouraged her; her heart was pounding now. Jordan inhaled deeply and stared straight into Taylor’s eyes. “I was wrong, Taylor; I was wrong to let you go. The day I let you go was the biggest mistake I have ever made as a man. As I walked out on the woman I loved more than anything in this world, I thought I could move on, but I can’t, Taylor. I’m still in love with you, and I want another chance to make things right between us if you will have me back.”. This confession was a shock for Taylor, as if someone put a ton of bricks on his head. This was the last thing she had expected to hear, especially now that she has freely admitted her feelings for Alex. Taylor felt the tension between the three of them, as though she was being torn between two people. Alex’s fingers squeezed hers, and Taylor could hear the silent desperation in that action. Yet words that Jordan said stirred something in her, something that could not be suppressed any longer. Taylor was confused between the feelings she developed for Alex, to whom she had just confessed her love, and the feelings that she thought were long buried for Jordan. This was a turning point in the story, when she had to choose the right thing to do and she didn’t know what to do. As she remained in between two men, Taylor learned that this was the ultimate challenge that her heart had to face. And whichever decision she was to make, she could not reverse it; she had to live with it.