Love at first sight

Love at first sight (Chapter 8)

# Chapter 8: "You Ruined My Life, Alexander"

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Leigh had spent the past few months trying to piece his life back together. Despite the constant ache in his heart, he had thrown himself into his studies and his work at the community center. His friends, particularly Sarah and Natalia, had been his anchors, helping him navigate the turbulent waters of his emotions. He had begun to see a therapist, and it was helping him to process the trauma of his relationship with Alexander.

But Leigh's progress was shattered one fateful evening when he unexpectedly ran into Alexander again.

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Leigh had just finished a long day at the community center. He was walking home, his mind occupied with thoughts of his upcoming exams and the new projects he was working on with the children at the center. It was a chilly evening, and he pulled his coat tighter around him as he hurried down the dimly lit street.

As he rounded a corner, he saw a familiar figure leaning against a lamppost. His heart sank. It was Alexander.

Alexander straightened up as Leigh approached, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination.

"Leigh," Alexander said softly, his voice carrying a hint of desperation.

Leigh stopped a few feet away, his body tense. "What do you want, Alexander?"

"I need to talk to you," Alexander said, stepping closer.

Leigh held up a hand, stopping him. "We've talked enough. There's nothing left to say."

Alexander's expression hardened. "No, there is. You need to hear this."

Leigh sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Fine. What is it?"

Alexander took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Leigh's. "I've left the mafia. For good. I've been working with the authorities to dismantle the organization from the inside. It's over."

Leigh's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"

"Because I realized that I couldn't keep living that life," Alexander said, his voice filled with conviction. "Not if it meant losing you."

Leigh's heart pounded in his chest, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He took a step back, shaking his head. "You think that changes anything? You think it erases all the pain you've caused me?"

Alexander's eyes filled with pain. "No, but I hope it shows you that I'm serious about changing. That I want to be a better man for you."

Leigh felt a surge of anger. "For me? You should have done this for yourself, Alexander. Not for me. You've ruined my life."

Alexander flinched at the harshness of Leigh's words. "I know, and I'm sorry. But I want to make things right."

Leigh laughed bitterly. "Make things right? How? By dismantling the organization that you willingly participated in for years? By leaving me with nothing but scars?"

Alexander's eyes pleaded with him. "Leigh, please. Give me a chance to prove that I've changed."

Leigh's anger boiled over. "You don't get to ask for chances, Alexander. Not after everything you've done. You ruined my life, and nothing you do will ever change that."

Alexander's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I understand if you hate me, Leigh. But I had to try."

Leigh took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "I don't hate you, Alexander. But I can't forgive you either. You need to move on, and so do I."