Unrequited Love

Chapter 32 - Honeymoon

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the pristine beach where Alex and Aldora lounged under a large umbrella. The sound of waves crashing against the shore created a soothing melody, and for a brief moment, Alex felt the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. They were finally on their honeymoon, a time meant for relaxation and bliss.

Aldora reclined beside him, sipping a tropical drink with a little umbrella perched on the rim. She looked radiant, her laughter mingling with the sounds of the ocean, and Alex couldn't help but smile at how happy she seemed. "This is perfect," she said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "Just us, away from everything."

"Yeah, perfect," he replied, forcing enthusiasm he didn't fully feel. Deep down, he was determined to make this trip memorable, to push aside any lingering doubts and focus on building a future with her.

As they chatted and enjoyed the sun, Aldora pulled out her phone to snap a few pictures. Alex watched her, admiring how easily she shifted into the role of the carefree bride. He had promised himself that this was a new chapter, a chance to leave behind the shadows of his past, especially his tumultuous history with Kyra.

Just then, a notification chimed on his phone. It was a message from one of his old friends, asking if he knew a particular person. Curious, Alex opened it, and his heart sank as he saw the attached photo. It was Kyra—smiling, carefree, with Finn's arm wrapped around her waist as they posed at a party. The sight ignited a wave of emotions he had fought hard to suppress.

"Alex? What's wrong?" Aldora's voice broke through his daze, and he quickly attempted to hide the phone, but it was too late. The flicker of concern on her face told him she had caught a glimpse of Kyra.

"Nothing, just a friend sent me a photo," he said, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.

"Of who?" Aldora asked, her eyes narrowing, suspicion creeping in. "Is it Kyra?"

"It's just a photo," he insisted, but the defensiveness in his tone only made her more alert.

"Is it her?" Aldora pressed, frustration simmering beneath her words.

Alex sighed, deciding it would be best to show her the message instead of lying. He turned the phone toward her, revealing the photo with Kyra and Finn. "Look, it's just a picture my friend sent. He wanted to know if I knew her."

Aldora's eyes widened as she processed the image. "Who is the man beside her?" she said, her voice tight. "What is this supposed to mean?"

"I don't know and I didn't want to know," he replied, trying to downplay it. "I don't care about it. I thought we left all that behind."

"Did we?" Aldora snapped, her brows furrowing. "Because it looks like you're not really over her if you're still talking about her, even indirectly."

"I'm not talking about her," he shot back, frustration creeping in. "Can we please let this go? It's our honeymoon; I don't want to ruin it over a stupid picture."

Aldora crossed her arms, the tension palpable. "It just feels like you're still attached to her in some way. How can I trust that you want this if you keep bringing her up?"

Alex clenched his jaw, the knot in his stomach tightening. "I'm here with you, aren't I? I want us to work," he said, trying to sound convincing. "I just didn't expect to see that photo. Can we focus on us and enjoy this time together?"

As Aldora turned away, hurt flickering in her eyes, he felt the conflict between his desire to move forward and the unresolved feelings about Kyra weighing heavily on him. "I promise, I'm committed to us," he added softly, but the words felt hollow against the turmoil brewing inside.