Love at first sight

Love at first sight (Chapter 3)

# Chapter 3: Words That Cut

Leigh’s life had changed drastically since he met Alexander. Their love was deep, passionate, and all-consuming. But the dangerous world Alexander inhabited meant their relationship was constantly tested. Leigh had accepted this challenge, determined to stand by Alexander no matter what.

One crisp evening, Leigh was preparing dinner in Alexander's penthouse. He hummed softly, lost in thoughts of their future. Despite the shadows of Alexander’s past and the constant threat of his enemies, Leigh had faith in their love.

Alexander walked in, looking weary. His meetings had been particularly grueling, tensions with the East Side gang escalating. He dropped his coat on a chair and headed straight for the kitchen, where Leigh was busy chopping vegetables.

“Hey, you,” Leigh greeted with a smile. “Rough day?”

Alexander forced a smile, but his eyes were distant. “You could say that.”

Leigh set the knife down and approached him, wrapping his arms around Alexander’s waist. “Anything I can do to help?”

Alexander stiffened, his mind still preoccupied with the day’s events. “Just let me breathe, Leigh.”

The sharpness in his tone made Leigh step back, hurt flashing across his face. “I’m just trying to be supportive.”

Alexander sighed, rubbing his temples. “I know. It’s just… there’s a lot going on.”

Leigh nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. “I’ll give you some space.”

As Leigh turned back to the stove, Alexander’s phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at it, his expression darkening. Leigh noticed and asked, “Everything okay?”

“It’s just business,” Alexander replied curtly. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Leigh’s heart sank. He hated feeling shut out, especially after everything they’d been through. “You can talk to me, Alexander. I’m here for you.”

Alexander’s frustration boiled over. “You don’t get it, Leigh! This isn’t some university drama. It’s life and death. You’re out of your depth.”

Leigh flinched at the harshness of his words. “I know it’s dangerous. I’m trying to be a part of your life, all of it.”

“You think you can handle my world?” Alexander snapped, his anger rising. “You’re just a student. You have no idea what it’s like.”

Leigh’s eyes filled with tears. “I may not understand everything, but I love you. Doesn’t that count for something?”

Alexander’s face hardened. “Love isn’t enough, Leigh. Not in my world. You’re better off staying out of it.”

The words cut deep, leaving Leigh reeling. He had never seen Alexander like this—so cold, so distant. He turned away, blinking back tears. “Maybe you’re right.”

Alexander watched as Leigh walked out of the kitchen, the weight of his words sinking in. He wanted to call out, to apologize, but the fear of losing Leigh to his dangerous life held him back. Instead, he stood there in silence, the chasm between them widening.

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Leigh spent the next few days avoiding Alexander. He stayed at his own apartment, throwing himself into his studies and part-time job. The pain of Alexander’s words lingered, but he tried to focus on anything else.

Sarah, noticing Leigh’s uncharacteristic silence, cornered him one afternoon in the campus café. “Okay, spill. What’s going on?”

Leigh sighed, stirring his coffee absentmindedly. “It’s Alexander. We had a fight.”