-Shelley-

I stood on the balcony, staring down at the city below. The bright lights of the metropolis reveal the cityscape as the sun sets, illuminating the town in a rainbow of yellow, scarlet, blue, and green. Just being here made me tizzy. I lean on the rail to admire the view.

"What are you doing standing here all by yourself in this cold breeze?" says Ben as he joins me on the balcony.

"I came out here to enjoy some fresh air," I replied, turning to face him. "This viewpoint is breathtaking. What a lovely spot you have here."

"Thank you. The acquisition of this floor was quite costly for me. It makes me happy to hear that you like it. By the way, if the company inside is too much for you, just let me know. In times of great excitement, my buddies can be rather boisterous."

"I'm fine, Ben. You don't need to worry. I'm truly having a good time. This is the first time in a long time that I've laughed so hard. Besides, Miriam seems to be enjoying herself. I don't mind enduring anything that makes her smile."

"That is quite selfless of you, Miss Dickson. If you truly are having fun, then explain to me the anxious expression."

"It's nothing."

"Undoubtedly, it is something. What is it, Shel? Talk to me."

While I collect my thoughts, I look up at Ben and take a deep breath. "Regarding the kiss we had, let's pretend it never happened. No such thing can happen ever again. Taking into account my previous night's condition, I must admit that there was an excess of hormones that left me bewildered. I regret planting that kiss on you."

Casting a mischievous grin. He says, "If my memory serves me right, I was the one who kissed you, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

"Ben. I can't do this."

"You can't do what exactly?" He asked moving closer. "You mean you can't allow yourself to fall for me or admit your feelings for me?! I have told you before and will tell you again how I feel about you. My feelings for you are not going anywhere. The choice is yours to flee from this, but I must caution you: I am a man with a great deal of determination. Once my desires become clear, I will not hesitate to pursue them."

"I have time. I can wait as long as you want. I don't mind taking things slow at all."

Ben's presence was utterly irresistible, drawing me in with an almost magnetic force. As he stood in front of me on the balcony, his piercing gaze sent a shiver cascading down my spine. With a soft, barely audible whisper, he called my name, "Shel," and gently unfurled my folded arms, entwining his fingers with mine and bringing our foreheads together. I asked, "What do you want from me, Ben?" In a voice laced with desire, he confessed, "I want you." Our lips hovered just inches apart as his intense gaze held me captive, leaving me motionless with anticipation as he drew closer. Tilting my head to the side and closing my eyes, I longed for the impending kiss, only to have our moment shattered by a sudden, jarring yell from within, wrenching us apart.

I grinned mischievously as I overheard him muttering obscenities.

Once inside, Miriam asks, "Where have you two been? Dessert is the next course. Shelley's fruit cake is simply mouthwatering. May I ask where you bought it?"

"I baked it myself," I responded.

"Wow, she can bake too," she said as she winked at Ben. "Quite the package," she added with a playful smirk, which made me giggle.

After dessert, the rest of the night was spent playing Ludo without a hitch.

The time Ben dropped me off at my flat was close to eleven o'clock in the evening. For goodnight, he planted a kiss on my forehead.

***

-Adam POV-

After a busy week, I suddenly realized that my refrigerator needed restocking. I headed to the supermarket to pick up some essential groceries. As I carefully browsed through the aisles, searching for the items on my list, I unexpectedly ran into Mabel.

"'Hello.' Mabel, right?"

"Yes."

"It is really nice to run into you here. How have you been?"

"Good," she says. "And our lovely boy James, I believe."

"He is doing great. Thanks for asking."

"That's good to know. Ummm, Mabel, can I ask you a question about Shelley?" She nods. "Since you were an old friend of hers back in school, you might know more about her." Hesitating a bit, I continue, "The thing is I have been trying to get close to Shelley but she keeps pushing me away. I can't help but question whether her sexism stems only from her father's infidelity. There must be some other angle to it."

"I believe you're already aware of my feelings for her. I promise not to do anything that could harm her. All I need is for you to tell me what you know so that I can make sense of it."

"I know this is hardly the place to ask this of you, but can you please tell me something?... Anything."

"I don't understand her need to push me away," I say. Mabel examines me intently. I knew she understood what I was asking.

I'm grappling with a dilemma. It seems like Ben needs to unravel the reasons behind Shelley's wariness of men and earn her trust. I'm torn between staying loyal to Shelley and possibly helping Ben by giving him the information he needs to win her over. What should I do? "Um, Mr. Adam To be honest, I don't know anything more than what you already know."

"I understand," feeling dejected, I said, "I hate putting you in this uncomfortable situation. I deeply regret my actions. Please enjoy the rest of your shopping." As I was about to depart, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"'Wait please.' This place is not appropriate for our conversation, she says."

"My apologies. Just across the street from this spot, there is a restaurant. I suggest we talk there."

While Mabel and I settle our grocery bill, we stroll over to the eatery. When we get inside, we find a comfortable spot by the window. Once the server took our order, she vanished from the table. Just then, Mabel speaks up.

"Mr. Adam, when I said I didn't know more than you already knew, I meant it. But recently, Shelley confided in me about an accident she found herself in right after school," she says. "Hearing about her father's actions left her with a strong distaste for men. She attempted relationships immediately following her graduation from university but was unsuccessful in each one. It wasn't until she encountered the person she believed to be the perfect match that she began to believe in love."

"According to her, the towering and gorgeous dark gentleman was just three years her senior. Polite as well. Indeed, he had also completed his degree at the university level. Held the position of Bachelor of Architecture." Adjusting her spectacles she continues...

"A romantic relationship developed between the two. Everything was wonderful," she said, "until he asked her to spend an afternoon at his house. His attempt to impose himself on her was completely unexpected. She had to fight her way free of him. She even has the scars to prove it. She has made a concerted effort to avoid guys ever since this incident."

"Christ. I had no idea about this," I say in shock.

"Never again will she trust me if she finds out I informed you about this, so you should probably just don't ask."

"You have my word. She won't hear it from me."

"Promise me something, Mr. Adam. Promise me you will never hurt her," she said, her concern genuine.

Leaning forward I responded, "I promise."

Upon returning to my cosy house, I reflected on the information I had picked up from Mabel earlier in the day. I was astounded.

"Shit! This explains everything."

_

What do you think Ben will do with this piece of information?