Love at first sight

Love at first sight (Chapter 4)

# Chapter 4: Stay Away From Me

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Leigh’s life had found a precarious balance between his studies and his tumultuous relationship with Alexander. Despite their deep love, the shadows of Alexander’s world often loomed over them, threatening to tear them apart. Leigh’s resolve to stand by Alexander was strong, but it was about to be tested in ways he never imagined.

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One evening, Leigh was at the university library, buried in his textbooks. He was determined to ace his upcoming exams, knowing how much his future depended on his academic success. His phone buzzed, interrupting his concentration. It was a text from Alexander.

*We need to talk. Urgent. Can you come over tonight?*

Leigh frowned, his heart skipping a beat. Alexander rarely used the word “urgent” unless it was serious. He quickly packed his things and made his way to Alexander’s penthouse, his mind racing with possibilities.

When Leigh arrived, the tension in the air was palpable. Alexander was pacing the living room, his face a mask of worry.

“Alexander, what’s going on?” Leigh asked, stepping inside.

Alexander stopped pacing and turned to face him, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. “Leigh, I need you to stay away from me.”

Leigh’s heart dropped. “What? Why?”

Alexander took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. “The East Side gang is planning something big. They’re targeting me, and by extension, you. It’s not safe for you to be around me right now.”

Leigh shook his head, disbelief and hurt washing over him. “We’ve been through this, Alexander. I’m not leaving you.”

Alexander’s expression hardened. “This time it’s different, Leigh. They know about you. They’ve threatened to use you to get to me.”

Leigh’s eyes filled with tears. “So you’re just going to push me away? After everything we’ve been through?”

“It’s the only way to keep you safe,” Alexander said, his voice breaking. “I can’t live with myself if something happens to you because of me.”

Leigh’s heart ached, but he refused to back down. “We promised to face everything together. You can’t just decide this on your own.”

Alexander stepped closer, his eyes pleading. “Leigh, please. You have to trust me. This is the only way.”

Leigh stared at him, his heart torn in two. “Fine,” he said quietly, his voice trembling. “If that’s what you want.”

Alexander reached out to touch him, but Leigh stepped back. “Stay away from me, Alexander. If you really think this is for the best, then fine. But don’t expect me to just sit around and wait.”

With that, Leigh turned and walked out, his heart shattering with every step.

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The following days were a blur of pain and confusion for Leigh. He threw himself into his studies, trying to numb the hurt. Sarah noticed the change in him and cornered him one afternoon in the cafeteria.

“Okay, Leigh. Spill. What’s going on?”

Leigh sighed, unable to hold back the tears. “It’s Alexander. He told me to stay away from him.”

Sarah’s eyes widened. “What? Why?”

“He thinks it’s the only way to keep me safe,” Leigh said bitterly. “But it feels like he’s just pushing me away.”