CHAPTER 8

Alessandro sat behind the wheel of his car, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as rain pounded against the windshield. The rhythmic sound matched the storm raging inside him, an internal battle between jealousy and reason.

He couldn't deny the truth any longer. Seeing Isabella and James locked in a kiss had ignited a fierce wave of jealousy within him. As he navigated the rain-soaked roads, the image replayed in his mind, each time intensifying the ache in his chest.

Why did it affect him so deeply? Alessandro berated himself, his knuckles turning white from the pressure on the steering wheel. Isabella was not his to lay claim to, and James had every right to pursue a connection with her. Yet, he couldn't shake off the sting of betrayal, the feeling that he had been cast aside as an insignificant bystander in their budding romance.

He tried to rationalize, to convince himself that it was just a fleeting moment of attraction, a passing fancy, nothing more. But deep down, he knew that it wasn't enough to quell the uneasy feeling in his chest.

As the windshield wipers swished back and forth, Alessandro clenched his jaw, resolute in his decision to bury his feelings. He chastised himself for being weak, for succumbing to this wave of jealousy. He couldn't afford to let personal emotions cloud his judgment or jeopardize the hard-earned success he had built.

Yet, as the rain cascaded down, he couldn't deny the longing that tugged at his heart. Alessandro's mind drifted to Isabella's smile, her laughter and in that moment he decided to ask Isabella out.

***

Isabella slouched comfortably on her couch, wrapped in a cozy sweater as she chatted with her closest friends on a video call, they always had a way of brightening her spirits.

"So, spill the tea, Isabella! Any juicy office gossip?" Mia asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Isabella chuckled, running a hand through her hair. "Well, things are going pretty smoothly in the office as usual. No major drama or scandals."

Emma winked playfully. "And what about the hot guys? Have you had any flings with your dashing colleagues?"

Isabella blushed, her smile growing wider. "Okay, I'll admit there is someone who's caught my attention. James, the project manager, he's been a real gem. He's got this calm personality, always with a warm laugh that puts everyone at ease. And those calm blue eyes of his..."

Mia whistled at Sophia with an excited whisper, "Ooh, sounds dreamy!"

"But wait, weren't you and Alessandro getting cosy as well?" Sophia chimed in, a playful tone in her voice. "Who needs one when you can have both?"

Isabella laughed softly, her cheeks still tinged with a faint blush. "Alessandro is... different. I feel this electric energy whenever we're near each other, like all my senses are on high alert. But he hasn't made any moves yet, just that he's becoming calm and more accepting towards me." "Would he revert back to his crazy attitude after witnessing that kiss", Isabella thought to herself.

Mia grinned mischievously. "Well, my dear, I say why not have some fun and go for both of them? You deserve to explore what's out there, especially after your long break from the dating pool."

Sophia nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Absolutely! You should enjoy the attention and see where it leads. Who knows, one of them might surprise you!"

Isabella considered their words, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty swirling within her. She valued her friendship with James, and the thought of potentially dating either of them felt simultaneously thrilling and nerve-wracking.

"I'll definitely keep an open mind," Isabella replied, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "But for now, I just want to enjoy getting to know them better as friends. Who knows what the future holds?"

As the conversation continued, their laughter echoed through the room, filling the air with warmth and joy. Isabella couldn't help but feel grateful for these wonderful friends who never hesitated to lift her spirits and offer their support.

Eventually, the late hour caught up with Isabella, and she felt her eyes grow heavy. Still on the call, she drifted off to sleep, her phone resting gently in her hand. Mia, Emma, and Sophia stayed connected, their voices hushed as they admired the peaceful sight of their friend dozing off.

"Sweet dreams, Isabella," Emma whispered, her voice brimming with affection. "May love find you, and may you find what fills your heart with joy."

With that heartfelt sentiment, the friends ended the call, their connection stronger than ever. And as Isabella slept, her dreams filled with possibilities, there was a sense of excitement in the air—a feeling that new beginnings were just around the corner.