CHAPTER 2: THREE YEARS OF PROMISES

Three years.

That was how long Arabella Rose Montgomery had loved Alexander Blackwood.

Three years of shared memories, whispered promises, romantic dinners, and dreams of building a future together. She had given him her trust without hesitation, believing that their relationship was strong enough to survive anything.

The following morning, Arabella woke up with a smile.

She reached for her phone on the bedside table, hoping to see a message from Alexander.

There was one.

Alexander: Good morning, sweetheart. Have a wonderful day. I love you.

Her face immediately brightened.

Arabella: Good morning, Alex. I hope you have a great day too. I love you.

She placed her phone against her chest, smiling to herself.

Last night's conversation about marriage had left her disappointed, but she refused to let one difficult discussion ruin everything. Perhaps Alexander simply needed more time.

After getting dressed, she went downstairs and found her mother preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, Mom."

"Good morning, sweetheart. Did Alexander message you?"

Arabella smiled as she took her seat.

"Yes. He greeted me this morning."

Margaret glanced at her daughter.

"That's nice. But did he explain what he meant last night?"

Arabella shook her head.

"Not yet. I think he's just dealing with some responsibilities at the company."

Her mother sighed softly.

"Arabella, I know you love him. But remember that a relationship requires two people making an effort."

"I know, Mom."

Margaret reached for her hand.

"I just don't want to see you getting hurt."

Arabella squeezed her mother's fingers.

"You won't, I promise."

She believed it.

Later that afternoon, Arabella visited a small flower shop near the business district.

She wanted to buy something special for Alexander because he had been unusually busy lately.

After choosing a beautiful arrangement of white roses, she asked the florist to prepare them for delivery.

"Are these for someone special?" the florist asked.

Arabella smiled.

"For my boyfriend."

"You're lucky to have each other."

Arabella laughed softly.

"I certainly hope so."

She attached a small handwritten card to the flowers.

Thank you for being part of my life. I look forward to the future we'll build together. Love, Arabella.

Meanwhile, across the city, Alexander was sitting inside his private office when his phone rang.

It was Vanessa.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?" she asked.

"At the office. Why?"

"I miss you."

Alexander glanced at his watch.

"I have a meeting later."

Vanessa sounded annoyed.

"You always have an excuse."

"Vanessa, I'm working."

"Then make time for me tonight."

Before Alexander could respond, his secretary knocked and entered with a bouquet of white roses.

"Mr. Blackwood, these just arrived for you."

Alexander immediately recognized the flowers.

Arabella.

He read the card and placed it on his desk.

Vanessa's voice suddenly came through the phone again.

"Who sent you flowers?"

"Arabella."

There was a brief silence.

"Your girlfriend?"

"Yes."

Vanessa laughed bitterly.

"How romantic."

Alexander ignored her comment.

"Listen, I have to go."

He ended the call and stared at the flowers.

For a moment, he felt something resembling guilt.

But instead of appreciating the woman who continued to make an effort for him, he pushed the bouquet aside and returned to his work.

That evening, Alexander finally arrived at Arabella's house.

She welcomed him with a warm smile.

"Alex! I wasn't expecting you tonight."

He kissed her cheek.

"I thought I should spend some time with you."

Arabella's eyes brightened.

"Really?"

"Of course."

She invited him inside and prepared his favorite coffee.

They sat together in the living room, talking about their day.

For a while, everything felt normal.

Then Arabella noticed him checking his phone.

"Are you expecting someone?"

Alexander immediately turned the screen facedown.

"No. Just work."

She nodded, although his sudden movement made her uncomfortable.

"Alex, can I ask you something?"

He looked at her.

"What is it?"

"Do you still see yourself marrying me someday?"

Alexander stared at her for several seconds.

"Why are you asking that again?"

"Because I want to understand where our relationship is going."

He leaned back.

"Arabella, we're happy together. Why do we need to complicate things?"

She looked down at her hands.

"Because I want more than promises."

His expression hardened slightly.

"I told you that I need time."

"I understand. I just don't want to wait forever."

Alexander reached for her hand.

"Stop worrying. You're the woman I've been with for three years. That should mean something."

Arabella forced a smile.

"It means everything to me."

He kissed her forehead, and she rested her head against his shoulder.

She wanted to believe him.

She wanted to believe that the man beside her was still the same person she had fallen in love with.

But some promises were easier to make than to keep.

When Alexander finally left, Arabella walked him to his car.

"Drive safely," she said.

"I will. Good night, sweetheart."

"Good night, Alex."

She watched his car disappear down the street before returning inside.

Unknown to her, Alexander had no intention of going home.

His phone vibrated as soon as he reached the main road.

Vanessa: I'm waiting for you. Don't disappoint me tonight.

He glanced at the message and smiled faintly.

Then he changed direction.

At that moment, Arabella was upstairs, looking at the photograph of them together.

She gently placed it back inside her bedside drawer.

"Three years," she whispered. "And many more to come."

She closed the drawer and turned off the bedroom light.

She still believed their love story had a beautiful future.

But while Arabella continued holding on to their promises, Alexander was slowly building a life that had no place for her.

And the truth was getting closer.