THE CONGRESSMAN'S MUSE (Sandro Marcos)

Chapter 11: Close Encounters

In the days that followed their evening in Vigan, Lexi and Sandro found themselves growing bolder, the allure of their connection pushing them to seek out each other's company more frequently. They were careful, always mindful of the risks, but the more time they spent together, the harder it became to resist the pull between them. What had started as a series of stolen moments now began to blur into something more—a quiet, unspoken understanding that they were no longer just passing time; they were building something real.

One afternoon, Sandro found himself at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital, visiting a friend who had recently undergone surgery. As he navigated the busy corridors, he was mindful of the discreet glances from hospital staff and patients who recognized him. He'd become used to the attention by now, but today, his thoughts were elsewhere. He hadn't told Lexi he'd be in the area, but a part of him hoped he might run into her.

As he turned a corner, his heart skipped a beat. There she was, standing by a coffee vending machine, seemingly lost in thought. Lexi was dressed in a simple white blouse and jeans, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She looked different from her usual glamorous self, yet Sandro thought she'd never looked more beautiful.

For a moment, he hesitated, wondering if he should approach her. But as if sensing his presence, Lexi glanced up, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Sandro?" she said, a smile spreading across her face. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Sandro replied, stepping closer. "But I'm visiting a friend. You?"

Lexi shrugged, gesturing to the cup of coffee she had just purchased. "I had a meeting nearby, and I thought I'd stop by for a quick visit to one of my charity projects here. I volunteer sometimes when I'm in town."

Sandro nodded, impressed but not surprised. It was just like Lexi to be involved in something meaningful, always finding ways to give back despite her busy schedule. It was one of the many things he admired about her.

"I'm glad I ran into you," Sandro said, his voice soft. "It feels like fate, doesn't it?"

Lexi laughed, the sound light and musical. "Or maybe it's just a small world," she teased, though her eyes sparkled with the same sense of wonder that Sandro felt.

They stood there for a moment, the bustling hospital fading into the background as they basked in the comfort of each other's company. But before they could settle into their conversation, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted their brief escape.

"Congressman Marcos!" A young nurse, flushed with excitement, hurried over. "It's such an honor to see you here. Can I get a quick picture?"

Sandro's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, offering a gracious nod. "Of course," he replied, glancing at Lexi with a hint of apology in his eyes. She gave him a reassuring smile, stepping aside to give them space.

As Sandro posed for the photo, Lexi watched from a distance, her heart heavy with the reminder of the public life Sandro led. It wasn't that she envied his position, but it was a stark reminder of the complexities that came with being involved with someone in the public eye. It wasn't just the attention; it was the scrutiny, the expectations, the constant pressure to maintain an image.

When the nurse finally left, Sandro turned back to Lexi, his expression sheepish. "Sorry about that," he said, running a hand through his hair. "It happens a lot."

Lexi shook her head, her smile understanding. "I get it, Sandro. It's part of who you are. But it does make these... encounters a little tricky, doesn't it?"

Sandro nodded, his gaze serious. "I know. And I don't want you to feel like you're just another part of the show. You're more than that, Lexi. You're... you're everything."