Chapter 8 The whole way , I couldn't take my eyes off Dariel . He noticed and smiled , " Why do you keep looking at me like that ? " I smiled back . " I just want to look at you . " It was only then that I understood why , when people are about to say goodbye , they stare so intently at the person they once loved . That's what farewell really means . Just then , a little girl selling flowers ran up to us with a bouquet in her arms . " Sir , buy a rose for the beautiful lady ? " I glanced at those fiery red roses and couldn't help but smile bitterly . The language of roses is " passionate love , " but unfortunately , that kind of love never existed between Dariel and me . I took out some change and pressed it into the little girl's hand . " Sweetheart , we won't buy any flowers , but you can use this to buy yourself some candy . " To my surprise , she shook her head . " If you don't buy any flowers , I can't take your money . " I was left speechless . Dariel , on the other hand , bought every single flower the girl had and piled them all into my arms . " It just hit me - I've never given you flowers , not once , all these years . " 00 % 10.521 Chapter 8 288 Vouchers The sunlight fell softly on his gentle features , making my eyes sting with heat . The roses smelled wonderful , but they were never really meant for me . Still , I could only swallow the ache in my chest and force a smile . " Thank you . " That night . I lay on the bed pretending to sleep while Dariel stood out on the balcony , talking to Elodie on the phone . Through the glass door , I could only make out a few vague words- " try harder , " " cherish what you have . " After a long while , I heard footsteps approach , and the mattress dipped as he lay down beside me . Dariel's voice was soft . " Are you asleep ? " I didn't answer . He sounded amused . " You probably don't know this , but when you fake sleep , your eyelashes always flutter . " There was a pause , then Dariel spoke again , his voice low and thoughtful . " Do you remember how much we loved watching 'Titanic ' back in the day ? It reminds me of a quote , ' Fate had already decided for us . ' " I always felt that way , too . Wasn't our marriage just fate's arrangement ? " Hearing him say that after all these years brought a rush of emotion I couldn't name . " Even if we were fated once , that fate has run its course , " I replied quietly . 27 40 % 10 5203 Chapter 8 PAVOGS Dariel's tone grew tense . " Didn't you say you wanted one more month to give us another chance ? I think we could- " I cut him off . " I'm tired . Let's sleep . " He fell silent , then suddenly pulled me into his arms , holding me tightly . " Alexis , I'm sorry ... " I swallowed the lump in my throat and didn't pull away . Let this be our final embrace . The night grew deeper . Even in sleep , Dariel held me close . I looked at the roses on the windowsill . Bathed in cold moonlight , their scarlet petals seemed to burn against the darkness , just like Dariel and me , a perfect match only on the surface . Roses bloom brightest in the sun . I watched Dariel's sleeping face , reached out , and gently stroked his cheek . All I wanted , truly , was for him to be happy . Suitcase in hand , I slipped quietly away into the night . *** Morning sunlight streamed into the room , Dariel woke , groggy , and instinctively reached for the spot beside him- only to find it cold and empty . 65134 10.520.3 Chapter 8 He sat up , still half asleep , staring at the vacant space . " Did Alexis go out ? " he wondered . 208 Wouchers Rubbing his tousled hair , his gaze landed on the roses on the windowsill . The vivid red brought back the memory of Alexis's smile when he gave her the flowers . Suddenly , his phone rang . It was Elodie . For the first time , Dariel didn't answer right away . Before Elodie , he'd often asked himself - did he truly love Alexis ? Did she love him ? He remembered the promise they made when they got married , how he'd tried to love another woman . But sometimes , he couldn't help but see Alexis in Elodie - because she reminded him so much of Alexis at 18 . Lost in thought , he didn't notice the ringing had stopped . Glancing at the place where Alexis had slept , the knot in his heart slowly began to unravel . He realized , at last , that what he'd been searching for all along was the one who had always been by his side . The thought hit him like a bolt of clarity , and the urge to see Alexis grew overwhelming . He grabbed his phone and sent her a message . 67.70 % 10:52 C Chapter 8 " Babe , where are you ? " Then , a single gray tick appeared , making his heart clench . A wave of unfamiliar anxiety washed over him . He tried to steady himself and dialed her number . " Sorry , the number you have dialed is currently busy . Please try again later ... " He called again and again before it finally dawned on him - Alexis had blocked him . www His eyes trembled as he looked instinctively toward the closet . Her suitcase was gone , too ! A cold emptiness pressed down on his chest , making it hard to breathe . Without a second thought , he rushed out the door and hurried to the front desk . " Where's the woman who was staying with me ? " The receptionist handed him a letter . " Mr. Roskin , Ms. Ospen left at five this morning . She asked me to give you this note , and she left you a message . " " She said ... ' If fate gave you the wrong love , then may it also give you the best forever ' . " 82.87 % Title: A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way Author: CrushReels Genre: Romance, Modern Status: ongoing In "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" by CrushReels, Felix Lloyd finds himself in a predicament as he seeks to pacify his family's marriage expectations by renting a girlfriend for the holiday season. However, a serendipitous airport mishap leads Kendal Scott, the wrong woman, into his life. As Felix and Kendal navigate this unexpected twist of fate, the novel delves into themes of familial pressure, mistaken identities, and the complexities of modern relationships. CrushReels intricately weaves together elements of romance and contemporary dilemmas to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers seeking a blend of heartwarming moments and unforeseen connections. What sets "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" apart is its ability to balance light-hearted humor with poignant insights into the intricacies of human emotions. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, this ongoing romance promises a captivating read for fans of modern love stories. Experience the unfolding tale of Felix and Kendal at CrushReels and immerse yourself in a world where love finds its way through unexpected avenues. Read online at CrushReels today to discover the enchanting journey awaiting within these digital pages.