Ember's Love: Lost in Time

Chapter Five

Ember gazed into Alexander's eyes, a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability in her own. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the ball, she felt a longing for a more intimate conversation, a moment where they could unravel the mysteries of their shared past. With a gentle touch on his arm, she softly spoke.

"Alexander, would you be willing to join me somewhere more quiet? I would love the opportunity to talk and catch up, away from the bustling crowd."

Alexander's warm smile flickered with understanding as he nodded. "Of course, lead the way."

Ember's heart fluttered as she led Alexander away from the dance floor and towards a quieter corner of the ballroom. They found a cozy alcove adorned with elegant drapes, providing a semblance of privacy amidst the festivities.

As they settled into a pair of plush chairs, Ember took a moment to gather her thoughts. The memories, still distant yet tantalizingly close, swirled in her mind, begging to be unveiled. With a deep breath, she mustered the courage to ask the question that weighed heavily on her heart.

Ember took a deep breath, gathering the courage to broach the subject that had lingered in her mind for far too long. She looked into Alexander's eyes, her voice filled with a mixture of apprehension and genuine concern.

"How have you been?"

Alexander's expression softened, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of warmth and honesty. He leaned back in his chair, a reflective look crossing his face before he began to speak.

"Elora, let's skip the unnecessary conversations. Tell me what you want to talk about."

Ember's heart sank as she observed the distant look in Alexander's eyes and the restrained tone in his voice. It felt as if an invisible barrier had sprung up between them, blocking the warmth and familiarity they once shared. She mustered the courage to address the growing tension, her voice filled with a mix of concern and vulnerability.

"I...I just wanted to ask you about the letter you sent me before you left."

Alexander's gaze flickered briefly towards Ember, but his expression remained guarded. He sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation.

"What about it?"

"I was hoping if maybe you could tell me the content of the letter again."

"What for? You could just read it again. You're wasting our time for this nonsense conversation, Elora. I have guests to great at the ball."

Ember felt a lump forming in her throat, her voice barely a whisper. "What...what happened to us? Why did you leave? I thought you loved me?"

He took a deep breath, his gaze wavering for a moment before steadying. "I did. I had loved you, Elora. What we had was beautiful but its all in the past now. Things have changed and there were many complications on both our ends. I am not the right man suited for you. It would be better for you to just forget about me."

Ember felt tears welling up in her eyes, her voice choked with emotion. "But I don't want to forget! I want to remember, Alexander."

Alexander's expression softened briefly before hardening once again. "There's no point at dwelling in the past, Elora. Our relationship ended months ago. You have to let us go."