Then It Is Love

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER FIVE

The meal progressed, as general Alex gracefully, with an obviously ingrained noble etiquette, ate his food.

General Alex could feel the secret stares from Lily, who sat alone at the customers' service counter, with a book covering her face, and he felt so amused, even with his own hidden desires to engrave her beautiful smiles and pure eyes in his heart. 

It was a magical and romantic moment, as they both found themselves engaged in silent dance of stolen glances. 

A shy and charmed smile on Lily's buried face and a subtle intrigued smile on general Alex's face.

Their eyes spoke volumes, conveying longings and desires that both didn't notice were sparkling in their eyes. While Lily's affection was innocently bare, the general's affection was confoundedly and deeply hidden in his eyes, threatening to be released.

Lily was charmed by this man full of perfection, but she also had a strong lack of confidence, uncertainty, and anxiety. A vulnerability she thought she was doing well in hiding, not aware that the man separated by the space between them, saw it all.

When she looked up again, and found herself caught, Lily couldn't help but smile so lovely at that man she had no idea she had turned his world upside down. General Alex, as if time suddenly paused, found himself momentarily lost in it, the pure and bashful smile that felt like feathers on his heart, before he found himself unable to resist returning the smile. He had no idea what that smile did. An anxious and insecure village girl of common background, found her confidence building back with that simple but honest smile. 

As general Alex finished his serving, he found himself unfilled. His eyes went to Lily, who was also stealing a long stare at him, not expecting him to look up. 

She blushed, and then shocked when he motioned her to come. 

A momentary fluster and excitement was suppressed, as she walked to his table. 

It was then  general Alex asked her for another helping, to which she hurried to fulfil. Overwhelmed by her steadily and strongly growing affection for the general, Lily, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, decided to seize the chance to demonstrate her feelings in a subtle yet meaningful way to him. Thus, added an extra portion of meat to his plate, a small act of care and affection known only to them.

Lily's gesture and act did not go unnoticed by general Alex. So, as soon as he discovered the additional meat, an amused and touched smile spread on his face. He may not have lacked the ability to earn that one meat and much more, but her small act of care truly touched his heart.

As soon as general Alex finished his meal, he summoned her to come again, paying his bill calculated by Lily, while leaving a generous tip for her. 

Their hands brushed again, intentionally this time, as he handed the payment to her. It was a subtle yet meaningful gesture that conveyed his appreciation and desire to see her again.

They shared a lingering touch, which both of them conceded to, their eyes meeting and locking.

Saying nothing to each other, they let go of the other's hands, general Alex confirming completely that something was truly wrong with him. This time, he could make a guess, though a slight uncertainty merged with it.

Before taking the first step, with a final glance, general Alex left the restaurant. His heart filled with newfound emotions he was yet to explore and fully understand. Before then, he still wanted to see her. Again. For she had sparked a strong interest in his monotonous heart and life.

Lily watched him go, her heart breeding with possibilities that lay ahead.

It was obvious that the flame of romance sparked between them could never be ignored.