Chapter 15 Chapter 15 The car pulled up in front of the dance studio , but Rosalie suddenly gripped the door handle , refusing to get out . Ali , can we maybe do this another day ? Im … Im not ready for this . Alistairs expression softened , though his tone remained gentle but unyielding . Not today , Rosie . Hes been waiting for you for so long . Now that youre finally back , he cant wait another day . Rosalie paused , surprised . Waiting for a long time? Has he … had feelings for me for a while ? Alistair simply gave her one of those reassuring smiles that had always made her feel safe , even as a child . Trust me on this , just once more . When have I ever steered you wrong ? She couldnt argue with that . Reluctantly , she allowed him to come around and open her door , his hand warm and steady as he helped her out . Despite her anxiety , there was something comforting about Alistairs certainty , his unwavering confidence that this was right . The moment she walked in , Rosalie stood frozen in awe . The dance studio was beyond anything she could have imagined and yet , somehow exactly what shed always wanted . The sprung hardwood floors were the perfect shade of honey gold she preferred . The mirrors were positioned at the precise angle she had once casually mentioned created the best visual feedback for technique . The lighting was soft yet clear , avoiding the harsh fluorescents so many studios used . Most touching of all , one entire wall displayed framed photographs of her performances through the years , arranged in a beautiful timeline of her dance journey . Ali , this is … she whispered , emotion catching in her throat . She remembered mentioning these specific preferences to Dante once details hed dismissed with casual indifference , more interested in getting her clothes off than hearing about her passion . But Alistair had remembered every casual comment , every offhand wish shed ever expressed . You remembered everything , she said softly . Alistair smiled , satisfaction clear in his eyes . Of course I did . Every word youve ever said matters to me . He gestured around the space . Take your time . Look around . Ill go get him . As Alistair disappeared through a side door , Rosalie wandered the studio , running her fingers along the ballet barre , testing the floors give beneath her feet . The sound system was top of the line , with 13:03 The Ultimate Payback : When I Married Your Enemy , My Stepbrother 8.0 % Chapter 15 acoustic panels positioned exactly how shed once explained would create the perfect sound distribution . Unable to resist , she scrolled through the pre loaded playlist , smiling when she found all her favorite pieces . She pressed play , and as the opening notes of Debussys Clair de Lune filled the space , her body responded instinctively . For the first time in months , Rosalie danced without restraint . Here , in this space created with such attention to her needs , surrounded by evidence of someones genuine care , the armor shed built around herself in New York fell away . Her movements flowed like water , unbound by the tension and guardedness that had become her constant companions . She lost herself in the music , spinning and leaping , letting the melody carry her emotions where words couldnt reach . In this dance was her pain , her relief at being home , her gratitude all the feelings she couldnt yet articulate . As the final notes faded , she became aware of a presence . Alistair stood leaning against the doorframe , watching her with eyes that held nothing but warmth and something deeper , something shed always seen but never fully recognized . How long have you been standing there ? she asked , suddenly self conscious . Long enough , he replied , his voice soft with admiration . Youve never looked more beautiful than when youre dancing . Rosalie smiled , then remembered why they were there . She glanced behind him , expecting to see someone else . Where is he ? I thought you were bringing my potential fiancé . Alistair moved further into the room , his steps deliberate . Hes already here , Rosie . Confusion crossed her face as she looked around the empty studio . But theres no one else here . Just you . Exactly , Alistair said simply . The realization hit her like a physical force . Ali , are you saying … youre the one ? Youre my intended fiancé ? Alistair didnt speak immediately . For all his usual confidence , she could see a flicker of vulnerability cross his face that rare uncertainty shed glimpsed perhaps three times in her entire life . 13:03 The Ultimate Payback : When I Married Your Enemy , My Stepbrother 8.2 % Chapter 15 This isnt a joke , is it ? she whispered . He shook his head , his expression more serious than shed ever seen it . Rosie , Ive never been more serious about anything . You were too young to understand before , but I was adopted into the Lima family when I was four . We dont share blood . And all these years Ive cared for you … did you really never sense there was something more than brotherly affection ? Suddenly , countless memories rearranged themselves in her mind , clicking into a pattern shed somehow missed : How Alistair would cancel important meetings if she so much as mentioned feeling under the weather . The way hed researched every dance company in New York before she moved , creating detailed files on their reputations , their treatment of dancers , their safety records . How during her first year away , care packages would arrive weekly always containing her favorite snacks , books shed mentioned wanting to read , specialty teas for her voice . The tension in his voice whenever she mentioned Dante on their calls , the subtle shift in his tone , as if he was physically restraining himself from saying more . That time shed had pneumonia in college , and hed flown across the country , camped out in her dorm room for a week , cooking her soup and monitoring her medication with more dedication than her actual boyfriend had ever shown . All those moments when shed thought to herself : This is how a partner should behave . This is what real care looks like . It hadnt been her imagination after all . ♡ ( 0 ) 三 ( 0 ) Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.