I Am The Real One.....

As Alex and Elara moved closer, Alex felt himself losing control, almost overwhelmed by the moment. Just as he leaned in for a kiss, Elara pulled back suddenly, surprising him. Alex paused, staring at her in surprise, unsure of what he’d done wrong.

Elara looked at him, a bit flustered, and said, “I think… I think I need a little more time for this.”

A silence fell between them, thick with awkwardness. After a few moments, Elara tried to lighten the mood. "Do you, um, need anything else?"

Alex shook his head. "No…"

Elara smiled, trying to smooth things over. “Okay, then. Want to watch a movie?”

Alex’s face brightened instantly. “Yes, let’s do that.”

They sat down, putting the earlier tension behind them. As the movie played, they grew comfortable beside each other. Slowly, their tired eyes closed, and they both drifted off, sleeping side by side.

Morning...

Elara awoke to find herself wrapped in Alex’s arms, his face relaxed in sleep, looking softer and more innocent than usual. An amused smile spread across her face. She reached over for a pen nearby and couldn’t resist the temptation—she began doodling strange little designs on his face.

As she leaned closer to add a few final touches, her loose hair brushed against his cheek, tickling him awake. His eyes fluttered open, and he was startled to find Elara’s face just inches from his.

“Elara! What…what are you doing?”

Elara tried to keep a straight face. “Oh, it’s nothing! Just, uh, there was something on your face, and I was… getting rid of it.”

Alex looked at her, unconvinced. “Something? What was that ‘something’?”

“Oh, just a bit of dirt. It’s clean now,” she said with a mischievous grin. “Now, I think it’s time for you to go, baby. You have to get ready for work, remember?”

“Baby?” Alex echoed, caught off guard.

Elara smiled playfully. “Yes, my baby. From now on, I’m calling you that…my honey.”

Alex blinked, wondering if he was still dreaming. “I’m not imagining this, am I?”

She giggled. “Nope. Now get going, and I’ll see you in an hour in your car.” With a gentle push, she steered him toward the door.

Alex left, still a bit dazed by her playful mood. When he got to his apartment, he unlocked the door and stepped inside, still thinking about her words. That’s when he spotted his mom in the living room, who looked at him, eyes widening slightly.

“Good morning, Mom!” he greeted her cheerfully.

But his mom’s eyes stayed fixed on his face, lips twitching. “What…what’s on your face?”

“My face? What do you mean?” Alex frowned and pulled out his phone to check.

As soon as he looked into the camera, he saw it: his entire face was covered in funny doodles and strange little shapes. Realization dawned, and he let out a soft laugh, muttering to himself, “So that’s why she was calling me ‘baby’ and ‘honey.’ Miss Elara, you’re going to pay for this.”

A mischievous grin spread across his face.

Alex freshened up quickly, excitement bubbling up as he headed downstairs. When he reached the front of the building, he saw Elara leaning casually against his car, her arms crossed and a playful, mischievous smile lighting up her face. She was pleased that her little prank had worked perfectly.

He strolled up to her, putting on an exaggerated, dramatic voice. “Oh, baby, did you have to wait for me for too long? How terrible of me to keep you waiting!”

Elara grinned, playing along. “Oh, no, honey, not at all. I enjoyed every second of it,” she said, her tone equally dramatic. “But we’d better hurry now; we’re running late.”

They both climbed into the car. As Alex started the engine and pulled onto the road, Elara glanced at him, a teasing glint in her eye. “So, how did you like my designs?”

Alex raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Designs? Which ones, baby?”

Elara gave him a look, not buying his act. “Oh, come on. The ones I drew on your face this morning.”

Alex let out a chuckle, pretending to look confused. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, babe. I looked in the mirror, and all I saw was this handsome face.”

He laughed, clearly enjoying how he was keeping her guessing. Elara frowned for a second, unsure if he was really clueless or just messing with her. Eventually, she shook her head, deciding to let it go.

But Alex wasn’t done teasing her yet. Seeing her go quiet, he leaned in a bit and said in a softer voice, “What’s wrong, babe?”

Elara sighed. “Nothing, forget it.”

Alex paused, then decided to shift the conversation. “Oh, by the way,” he said as if suddenly remembering something, “yesterday, I found out your full name… Elara Thornfield. I was completely shocked! For a second, I thought you might be the real chairwoman or something. And I said you are right about that chairwoman. I feel she is strange and think if you were the real one, how nice it could be.”

Elara raised an eyebrow, amused. “Surprised, were you?”

He nodded, grinning. “Absolutely! I mean, Elara Thornfield... it sounds like a name that belongs to someone really important, like some secret CEO or a powerful heiress.”

Elara rolled her eyes but smiled, playing along. “Who knows, maybe I am,” she said, her tone light.

“Hmm,” Alex smirked, pretending to consider. “In that case, maybe I should start calling you ‘Madam Chairwoman."

Elara, with a serious face, said, " Alex, you are right. I am the real one... real Chairwoman of Thornfield Industries and Holdings. I am Elara Thornfield."

Listening to it Alex stopped his car and saw her......