His name is Nikolai Sokolov.
Determined.
Passionate.
Relentless.
He wants her back.
Her name is Luna Volkov.
Beautiful.
Haunted.
Guarded.
She doesn't want him back.
They loved each other deeply.
Completely.
Madly.
Until an ugly secret was revealed.
...
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I settled into my office chair, phone in hand, and dialed the familiar number. My parents' faces appeared on the screen, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, Mom! Hey, Dad!" I said, trying to sound as innocent as possible.
My mom's face lit up with a warm smile. "Nikolai, darling! How's everything going?"
I took a deep breath, launching into the story of my encounter with Luna. "So, I saw Luna today, and I tried to make a good impression. I stared at her through the glass walls, and she caught me. She called me Satan, can you believe it?"
My dad's eyebrows shot up. "Satan, eh? That's... quite a nickname."
I grinned. "I know, right? But I think it's a good sign. I mean, if she's calling me Satan, that means she thinks I'm an angel, right?"
My dad's face turned skeptical, and he looked at my mom. "Honey, do you think maybe they switched babies in the hospital? Because no son of mine can be this delusional."
My mom chuckled, patting my dad's hand. "Oh, dear, I think Nikolai's just a little... optimistic."
I laughed. "Hey, I'm not delusional! I'm just... creative. And Luna's just playing hard to get."
My dad raised an eyebrow. "Playing hard to get? She called you Satan, Nikolai. That's not playing hard to get, that's a warning sign."
I shrugged. "Well, I think it's a challenge. And I'm up for it. I'll win her over, you'll see."
My mom smiled, her eyes twinkling. "We're rooting for you, sweetie. But maybe try to tone down the... cheesiness a notch?"
I grinned. "No promises, Mom. But I'll try to keep it in mind."
My dad sighed, shaking his head. "I have a feeling we're going to need to stage an intervention soon."
I laughed, ending the call with a promise to keep them updated on my progress. As I hung up, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. I was going to win Luna over, no matter what it took. And I am definitely not delusional.
I sat in the cozy cafe, surrounded by the soft hum of conversation and the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries. My eyes wandered to the plate in front of me, where a colorful assortment of macarons beckoned. I popped one into my mouth, the delicate shell giving way to a burst of raspberry flavor.
My mind began to wander, memories flooding back like a tidal wave. Luna and I, strolling through the streets of Paris, hand in hand, sharing a box of macarons. She'd always spoil me, buying me my favorite flavors and watching with a smile as I devoured them. Those were the days, when love was new and everything felt like a dream.
I gazed out the window, my eyes drifting across the street to the restaurant where Luna was having lunch. I'd "accidentally" stumbled upon her reservation online, and now I was indulging in a little harmless stalking. From my vantage point, I could see her laughing with her colleagues, her dark hair shining in the sunlight.
I felt a pang in my chest, a mix of longing and nostalgia. I missed those carefree days, when Luna would surprise me with a box of macarons and we'd spend hours exploring the city together. I missed the way she'd look at me, her eyes sparkling with adoration.
I took another bite of my macaron, savoring the sweetness. Maybe, just maybe, I could win her back. Maybe I could recapture that magic, and we could relive those sweet memories together.
My eyes never left Luna's table, even as I pretended to scroll through my phone. I was waiting for her to notice me, to catch my eye and flash me that radiant smile. But for now, I was content to simply watch her, to bask in the glow of her presence.
I finished my macarons, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Time to make my exit, and maybe, just maybe, catch Luna's eye as she left the restaurant. I tossed a few euros on the table and strolled out of the cafe, my eyes scanning the street for my car.
As I walked, I noticed Luna exiting the restaurant, her colleagues bidding her farewell. I quickened my pace, to follow her. But before I could make my move, I caught sight of a familiar face in the alleyway to my left.
Gareth, my dear cousin, was locked in a passionate kiss with none other than Kayden, his boyfriend. I couldn't help but grin, feeling a sense of mischief wash over me. I backtracked, trying not to make a sound as I approached the alley.
When I was close enough, I cleared my throat, making my presence known. Gareth and Kayden sprang apart, looking guilty and flustered.
"Ah, Nikolai," Gareth said, trying to sound nonchalant. "What are you doing here?"
I raised an eyebrow, teasing him. "I could ask you the same thing, Gareth. Why do I always catch you kissing in alleys? Is that a kink of yours or something?"
Gareth's face turned bright red, and Kayden chuckled, shaking his head. "You're such a troublemaker, Nikolai."
I grinned, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "Hey, someone's got to keep you two on your toes. Besides, I'm just curious – is it the thrill of getting caught, or the romance of the alleyway that does it for you?"
Gareth rolled his eyes, laughing. "You're impossible, Nikolai. We were just... uh... discussing a project."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "At 2 pm on a Tuesday? In an alleyway? You're not fooling anyone, Gareth."
Kayden chuckled, wrapping an arm around Gareth's waist. "I think we've been caught, babe."
Gareth playfully rolled his eyes, but I could see the amusement in his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. You win this time, Nikolai."
I grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the couple. "Don't worry, I won't tell Killian about your secret alleyway trysts. Yet."
With a wink, Icontinued on my way, leaving the lovebirds to their romantic interlude. MaybeI'd catch up with Luna another time. For now, I was content to have ruinedGareth's afternoon.
