He took a deep breath, his heart racing as he looked into her eyes and the intensity of his feelings reflecting back at him.
"I see how fiercely you love me and it's beautiful. But I want you to know that my heart is yours―completely and unconditionally."
Julia's expression was that of shock and then quickly turned into joy and bliss. When Alex hugged her the way he just did, she assumed he was only showing his concern for how she felt.
In her mind, this was only natural as they had that unspoken relationship. But his words brought light into her otherwise darkening world. She couldn't help but smile in happiness.
Noticing her expression, Alex continued, "I know sometimes it might seem like my attention wavers or that others might catch my eye. But please believe me when I say that no one else holds a candle to you.
"I want to promise you this; no matter what happens around us, my feelings for will never fade." Alex could feel his emotions rise as his voice was choked with it. He swallowed the lump in his throat and continued.
"So please, let go of those worries that creep into your mind. I'm here for you―now and always. You have all of me, and I want you to trust that what I feel for you is forever and nothing will ever change that."
Julia quietly listened to his confession as her gaze remained fixed on his. The sincerity in his voice couldn't be missed and her expression softened.
Her smile brightened when Alex finished his confession, and Julia had never felt such happiness in her life. She had no words to say and simply returned to his embrace, hugging him tightly.
Naturally, Alex returned the embrace and even placed a kiss on her head before whispering.
"You good?"
"Very." She replied with a smile filled with warmth and bliss. If left to her devices, she would have been jumping around like a little girl. She had imagined that Alex would wait till he solved his level issue, but she was not complaining.
"Then I'm glad."
They continued to remain in that position for a few minutes before they stepped back from the embrace. Even then, Julia held onto his right hand and the smile on her face refused to disappear. She was that excited and happy.
"Let's return to the others," Alex suggested once Julia calmed down from her excitement.
"Mm..." She nodded enthusiastically. Her day was perfect and there was nothing that was going to ruin it, not even some Abigail.
She had finally claimed what was hers and while she wasn't the one who confessed, it was still her win. After all, a win's a win. She had the minimum guarantee in the form of a promise no one could take away.
Alex and Julia made their way back to their table with Julia tightly gripping his hand, refusing to let go. Alex could only shake his head at her childish actions.
...…
Ross watched as Alex and Julia made their way over from wherever they went and the moment he saw Julia's expression and actions, he revealed a knowing smile.
Abigail and Ethan noticed this and turned to look and saw the returning duo.
'Whatever Alex said to her must have made her extremely happy. I'm glad it all worked out.' Ethan mused and shifted his gaze away.
Abigail continued to stare at them with wide eyes till they returned to their seats, "Someone's happy." She commented to test the waters.
Her curiosity demanded she know what they talked about, but she couldn't ask directly. Her relationship with Julia was nonexistent and Alex was the only one who could give a reply.
But she didn't have to wait long as Ross indirectly revealed with his question, "Took you guys long enough. Who confessed?"
"Alex did!" Julia replied with excitement and Alex could only shake his head in resignation. The girl was simply too excited.
"Congratulations to the two of you," Abigail said and Ethan nodded in agreement. This wasn't really his concern as he was only here to meet Alex. But making a few friends with Ross and Abigail wasn't a bad idea either.
"Thanks." Alex and Julia both replied.
"Sometimes I wonder what took you so long. Literally, everyone around knew this was going to happen sooner or later. So, the delay on your part was confusing. And while I get why, it still bugs me." Ross stated and looked at the duo who now appeared to be attached to the hip; well, mostly Julia, but same difference.
"I know what you mean…" Alex said with his sights focused on Julia who returned it with an intensity that threatened to drown him.
'I've never seen her this beautiful…' He swallowed the more he looked at her dazzling expression. He redrew his gaze a few seconds to look at the others.
Julia then turned to Abigail, her hands still holding onto Alex's and said, "Abigail… I want to apologize for my behaviour before. I was a little on edge and I am sorry if I made you feel unwelcomed." She bowed slightly towards her to show her sincerity.
"O-oh… No worries. It's water under the bridge. It's my fault as well for not recognizing my actions would make trouble for you." Abigail hastily waved her hands to stop the actions of Julia.
'At least she won't come after me for just talking with Alex…' She thought in silence as the wry smile remained on her face. The only thing that remained was whether to accept the suggestion Alex made earlier about the main event.
"Of course." Julia nodded in agreement and settled in comfortably by Alex's side. Whatever he was going to suggest to her was none of her concern anymore.
Now that this was taken care of, Alex could finally release a sigh of relief. Hopefully, his assurance to Julia would keep her in line
'We can continue with our discussions then...'
Alex cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Now then, where were we?"