End of the tunnel

chapter one

In the heart of New York City, Nicholas Durant (Dante) Stonebridge, a British-Italian young man with a passion for books and classical music, begins a new chapter after his mother's tragic demise. A widowed professor, his father, guides him through the labyrinth of grief. As Cole, he immerses himself in the diverse culture of the city and its vibrant school.

Cole's world intertwines with that of Ashely Aurora Michael Espinoza (Ash), a brilliant American-Mexican girl with a love for languages. She captivates him with her intelligence, beauty, and a touch of wildness. Unbeknownst to Cole, Ash harbors a secret admiration for him same way he does for her, even as her best friend Emily James kindles a romance with him.

Emily, a bubbly American girl fluent in multiple languages, believes in soulmates and dreams of a love akin to her favorite Korean dramas. Fate, however, has a different script for her. As she starts dating Cole, Emily's heart sways in unexpected directions, challenging her convictions about true love.

Amidst the bustling city and the school's corridors, Cole grapples with conflicting emotions. His internal struggle to suppress his feelings for Ash intensifies as he discovers that she embodies the qualities he longs for—intelligence, beauty, kindness captivating eyes, seductive countenance and a shared passion for books. The thought of Ash clouds his mind as he stepped into the elevator heading up to his dorm....lifting up his head to his surprise it was Ash I'm the elevator with him that made his heart skip a bit

the dimly lit dormitory hallway echoed with the distant laughter of students, but inside the cramped elevator, Cole and Ash found themselves in a cocoon of silence. The air was charged with unspoken tension as the elevator hummed to life, ascending to the higher floors.Cole stole a glance at Ash, her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions. The confined space seemed to amplify the intensity between them. Suddenly, the elevator jolted, causing Cole to instinctively reach out and steady Ash, his hand lingering on hers. Time stood still as their eyes locked, and the world outside the elevator disappeared.A flicker of vulnerability passed through Ash's eyes, a silent invitation. Cole's heart raced, entangled in the magnetic pull between them. The air was thick with unspoken words, a dance of desires left unsaid. The hum of the elevator seemed to synchronize with the pulsating rhythm of their hearts.As the elevator reached their floor, neither of them moved. The outside world pressed against the confined space, demanding their separation. But in that moment, Cole cupped Ash's face, and Ash kept repeating to herself im her head saying "This is wrong Emily is your best friend" his thumb grazing her lower lip sending sensations to her whole body....there and then she realised the words in her head isn't as strong as the desire of her body and soul....with no hesitation she gave in to the desire and Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss that spoke volumes of pent-up passion.

The world outside faded away, leaving only the echo of their shared breaths. Ash's hands found refuge in Cole's hair, while his tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. It was a collision of souls, a union of longing hearts.....The elevator chimed, signaling their arrival, and they reluctantly broke the kiss, breathless and tangled in each other's gaze. The door slid open, revealing the outside world, but the intensity of that stolen moment lingered, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of their shared destiny....In hesitation, Ash worked out of the elevator leaving Cole behind with saying a word to him or looking him in the face....she left with heavy guilt in her heart feeling she had betrayed her friend.
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Chapter Two would be published on Sunday stay stunned