WALK ME DOWN THE AISLE

* Chapter Twelve *

I wasn't ready for the shocking discovery I made about Scott's previous relationship. He was heartbroken, and although I felt his pain, I couldn't tell that our experiences were similar. When I discovered his secret, I felt compelled to figure out and help him in every way possible. Despite being an avid fan of his and secretly writing this story about him, I knew I couldn't incorporate this new aspect into our shared adventures. Our companionship was solid, but at times, it became tiring. I had solemnly promised myself that I would never reach the point where both of us become a rebound, yet here he was, acting in a way that I desperately wanted to avoid.

"Are you alright?" Scott leaned in, concern etched on his face.

"How many months have we been like this, Scott? Keeping our real feelings hidden, even though we can't fathom why?" I asked, my voice heavy with sadness. "What do you mean?" Scott replied, his astonishment oblivious in his tone.

"Um, like this? It feels like we're in a relationship, even though we're not." I spoke out, the uncertainty lingering in my voice. "Don't you want to be with me anymore?" Scott's voice held a hint of discomfort as he cupped my face with his hands. "If only you knew," I murmured, averting my gaze, unsure of how to express the depth of my emotions.

"If only I knew what?" Scott pressed, his hand still held gently against my face.
The words slipped out before I could stop them, betraying my true feelings. But there was a dilemma I couldn't shake off-I didn't want to appear desperate. I had always believed that he should make the first move, and now I had unintentionally placed us in a situation where he might feel compelled to be with me. It felt like a shame, a conflict between my heart and my pride.

"No, forget it," I said, refusing to meet Scott's gaze. "What? I'll listen to what you have to say, Danni. You have nothing to fear," Scott reassured me.

"You know what? Maybe we should just go home. My eyes are hurting so bad, and I just want to take a rest," I answered, standing up from where we were seated and trying to compose myself as I turned away from him, silently holding back my tears.

"I guess you're just avoiding me. If you have something to say, speak it out now," Scott expressed, his voice indicating anger. "Fine. It's embarrassing, but I need to tell you anyway. I want you to know that I'm falling for you, Scott," I admitted, nervously facing him while wiping away the tears that had escaped down my cheeks. Suddenly, there was silence. I had finally confessed my love for him, opening up my heart. I had loved him for so long from afar, and now he was right in front of me. I couldn't fathom whether I would melt with shame or blush with overwhelming pleasure at having him so close and yet so far.

I have become incredibly infatuated with him and have gone to great lengths to be by his side at all times. This constant presence serves as undeniable proof of the passion of my love for him. That my affection extends beyond being merely a fan and encompasses a profound adoration for him behind the lens of the cameras and for his authentic self.

"Danni, I'm at a loss for words. You're in love with me? But why me?" Scott questioned as I asked it to myself at the same time, he was seemingly oblivious to the reasons behind his enticement.

"Are you seriously asking me that? Seriously? Think about this, we may have only met once before, but we jumped into bed together instantly. Did you think I wished for a meaningless one-night stand with you? And what about our conversations? Our shared experiences? Don't you see that all these incredible moments we've had together are leading somewhere?" I snapped, my disappointment and anger noticeable.

"I had no idea I had such an impact on you, Danni. I was just trying to befriend you and develop a meaningful relationship-a feeling I haven't encountered with anyone else," Scott admitted with a weary sigh.

"Do you see me as nothing more than a friend with benefits? Are you only befriending me and showing me empathy because you want to backfire on your ex-girlfriend, who left you?" I said crying. "Well, Scott, I adore you deeply, but I won't subject myself to what you're putting me through. My gut feeling was right; being with you was too good to be true," I passionately cried out as I stormed away from him.

"Danni!"

Ever since that moment, when I poured my heart out and vulnerably, and admitted my feelings for him, we never crossed paths again. Perhaps David was onto something when he advised me to stay away from Scott due to the unpredictable nature of our world. What if he discovers that I have been penning our love story, even if it ultimately falls flat? He gave me false hope, foolishly leading me to believe that a Hollywood actor who is surrounded by beautiful women would ever truly love someone like me, someone who society does not consider conventionally attractive. How could such a thing even be possible?

I had finally finished off half of the manuscript detailing my and Scott's story. With a sense of accomplishment, I eagerly handed it over to my boss. But as he looked at me with that all-too-familiar disappointed expression, I couldn't help but wonder what else was new. It seemed like disappointment was his default emotion toward me.

Mitch took a moment to scrutinize my manuscript, his eyes scanning the pages and then meeting mine. His voice was laced with disappointment as he scanned, "Just this? Isn't it over yet?"

Feeling a surge of frustration, I responded, "Are you expecting more, boss?" He sighed and let his disappointment seep into his words: "You're ending your story with two people who had a lot of fun together. Making out, spending the night with bottles and cans of beer, only to face a disappointing outcome. It's not a romance novel, Danni. It's not even a love story, it's just...stupid!"

Despite the harsh criticism, I gathered my strength and reacted confidently but almost torn like a thin paper, "I'll try to come up with a new ending, boss."

"It better be! You didn't win the Best Screenplay at the Oscars with a story like this. Pull yourself together, Danni," Mitch warned as I exited his office, determined to prove him wrong.