Eternal Echoes

Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Endings We Choose

3rd Person POV

Michaella stayed at Matthew's place after sharing the exciting news with Elijah. They were still buzzing with the thought of Elijah going to London. Amidst the excitement, Elijah turned to Michaella.

"What do you have now?" he asked, noticing her pensive expression.

"I have to meet up with Alex and tell him my decision," she replied, her voice laced with hesitation. "But I don't want to do it alone."

Matthew gave her a reassuring smile. "You're strong, Ella. You can do everything."

"Yeah," Michaella responded with a weak nod, not entirely convinced.

Elijah jumped in, "Tell you what, we go in my car, we'll wait for you, and when you finish, we all go and have dinner together. I'll call Alan as well. And if you need anything, just send me a message."

Matthew and Marian nodded in agreement.

"Okay," Michaella said, feeling a little comforted by their support.

She took her phone and sent a message to Alex: "Meet me at La Café, in 30 minutes."

Of course, I will, he replied almost instantly.

They drove together, Elijah glancing at Michaella every now and then, making sure she was okay. When they arrived, she took a deep breath before stepping out of the car. Her heart pounded as she approached the entrance of La Café. She spotted Alex sitting at a table near the window, and when he saw her, he stood up.

"Hello, beautiful," he said with a soft smile.

"Hi," she replied, trying to return the smile but feeling it falter.

The waitress approached their table, ready to take their order.

"Ladies first," Alex said, smiling at Michaella.

"Uhmm, actually... I'll have soda water with a slice of lemon," Michaella said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"And for you, sir?" the waitress turned to Alex.

"I'll get a double espresso," he replied, still focused on Michaella.

Once the waitress walked away, Michaella took a deep breath. "So, I asked to see you because I wanted to make everything clear today."

Alex leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense, waiting for her to continue.

"Alex, you know how much I respect you and how much I value our friendship and our work together," she started, her voice trembling a little.

He sighed, shaking his head. "Oh, I know where this is going," he said, his expression darkening.

"Alex, please..." Michaella's eyes began to well up.

"Michaella, if you don't feel anything for me, why did you kiss me back?" Alex's voice cracked, a mix of pain and frustration evident.

Michaella swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly. "I was confused and vulnerable, Alex. I can't... I'm still attached to Gabrielle. I can't think of anyone else. As hard as I try, it's just... so hard. I don't want to wrong you or Ethan. I can't lead you on. You are a great person, and when you meet the right girl, someone who loves you the way you deserve... you'll thank me, because I can't give you that." Her voice broke as a tear slipped down her cheek.

Alex's expression softened, and he leaned back in his chair, the tension leaving his shoulders. "Don't cry, Ella," he said gently. "I don't deserve that."