ALISON
The sunlight streamed through the large windows of our new apartment, casting a warm glow over my workspace. I was deep into my data entry, the rhythmic tapping of keys a familiar and comforting sound. Dani was off at work, and the quiet solitude was a stark but welcome contrast to the chaos of our old home.
As I leaned closer to the screen, completely absorbed in my task, a knock at the door broke my concentration. I wheeled myself over, curiosity piqued. When I opened it, there stood Anthony, looking effortlessly handsome as always. His tall frame was draped in a perfectly tailored suit, and his blue eyes sparkled with mischief beneath his tousled dark hair.
"Surprise!" he announced, holding up a bag filled with what smelled like delicious food. "Thought you might be hungry."
I couldn't help but smile. "Anthony, what are you doing here? Don't you have some important meeting to attend or a corporate takeover to plan?"
He chuckled, stepping inside and setting the bag on the dining table. "I just finished a board meeting, and I thought I'd check in on my favorite data encoder."
I rolled my eyes, though I felt a flutter of excitement at his presence. "You mean you wanted to show off how charming you are by bringing food."
He grinned, pulling out containers and setting them up. "Well, that too. But mostly, I just wanted to see you."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt my cheeks flush. "You're incorrigible."
"Only for you," he replied with a wink, his gaze lingering on me just a moment too long. "So, how's the new place treating you? Everything you hoped for?"
I wheeled myself over to the table, inhaling the mouth-watering aromas. "It's perfect, Anthony. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done."
He leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Well, you deserve it, Alison. You and Dani both. And I have to admit, it's nice seeing you here, looking so... at home."
I blushed, looking down at my lap. "It feels like a dream sometimes. But a good one."
We started eating, the conversation flowing easily. Anthony's charm was impossible to resist, and I found myself laughing at his playful teasing. He told me stories about his latest boardroom antics, his voice animated and his eyes dancing with amusement.
"You know, Alison," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as we finished our meal, "I've been thinking a lot about you lately."
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. "Oh? And what exactly have you been thinking?"
He reached across the table, gently brushing a strand of hair away from my face. His touch was electric, sending a jolt through me. "I've been thinking about how remarkable you are. How you've overcome so much, and yet you still manage to light up any room you're in."
I felt my cheeks flush again, and I struggled to find my voice. "Anthony, you're making me blush."
He chuckled, his fingers lingering on my cheek for a moment longer before he pulled away. "I like making you blush. It's a beautiful sight."
I looked down, unable to meet his gaze. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"
"Only when it comes to you," he replied smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "So, tell me more about your work. Any interesting data entries today?"
I laughed, grateful for the change in subject. "Nothing too exciting, just the usual. But I did come across a fascinating trend in the sales data that I think could be useful for your marketing team."
He raised an eyebrow, genuinely interested. "Oh? Do tell."
I explained the trend I had noticed, and as I spoke, his eyes never left mine, his attention unwavering. It was flattering, and a little unnerving, how focused he was on me. When I finished, he nodded thoughtfully.
"That's brilliant, Alison. I'll make sure to bring it up in the next strategy meeting. You have a knack for this, you know."
I smiled, feeling a warm glow of pride. "Thanks, Anthony. That means a lot coming from you."
He stood up, stretching his arms above his head, and I couldn't help but admire the way his muscles flexed under his shirt. He caught me staring and grinned.
"Enjoying the view?" he teased, winking playfully.
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't suppress a smile. "You wish."
He walked over to where I was sitting, leaning down so his face was inches from mine. His breath was warm against my skin, and I could feel my pulse quicken.
"Maybe I do," he whispered, his lips curving into a smirk. "Maybe I just want to spend every moment making you smile."
Before I could respond, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead. My heart hammered in my chest, and I felt like I was floating.
"Anthony..." I began, but he straightened up, cutting me off with a finger to his lips.
"Shh," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "No need to say anything. Just enjoy the moment."
He walked to the door, turning back to give me one last, lingering look. "I'll see you tomorrow, Alison. Sweet dreams."
With that, he was gone, leaving me sitting there, my head spinning and my heart racing. I touched my forehead where his lips had been, a smile spreading across my face.
Sweet dreams indeed.
As the evening turned to night, I couldn't shake the feeling of Anthony's presence. His words, his touch, his very being lingered in my thoughts. I knew he had a reputation as a notorious playboy, a man who could charm any woman he set his sights on. But there was something different in the way he looked at me, something genuine that made my heart flutter and my mind race with conflicting emotions.
Could I trust him? Could I allow myself to believe that his feelings for me were real and not just another conquest for him? The doubt gnawed at me, mingling with the undeniable attraction I felt whenever he was near.
The next morning, the sunlight once again streamed through the windows, and I found myself thinking about Anthony's visit. I wheeled myself over to my computer, ready to dive back into work, but my mind kept drifting back to him. The way he made me feel, the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.
I knew I had to keep my guard up, to protect myself from getting hurt. But as much as I tried to push the thoughts away, they kept creeping back in. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to Anthony than the charming playboy facade.
And maybe, just maybe, I could let myself hope for something more.
Just kidding, I am not an idiot. Anthony might have helped me and Dani, and I may know his secret—that he's been cursed by a witch so he turns into a cockroach—but I can't just make myself feel special. I am not special.
It's easy to get swept up in the fairy tale of it all. A handsome, charming man swoops in, saves the day, and promises a better life. But this isn't a fairy tale. This is real life, and real life has a way of reminding you that happy endings are few and far between. Anthony's world is so far removed from mine. He's a powerful businessman, used to getting what he wants, used to charming his way through any situation. And me? I'm just a woman in a wheelchair, trying to make ends meet, trying to build a future for myself and my brother.
I can't afford to lose myself in daydreams about a life that isn't mine. Sure, Anthony's attention makes me feel seen in a way I haven't felt in a long time. His smiles, his touch, his kind words—they all stir something deep inside me, something I've tried to bury for years. But I can't let myself believe that it means anything.
God, that damn cockroach is such a flirt.
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