Chapter 7 Love Blossoms in Cozy Corners

As Ella and Victor continued to explore their budding romance, their connection deepened with each passing day. Their dates had taken them to intimate, private places where they could truly get to know each other, away from the prying eyes of the world.

Their second date had been a cozy movie night at Ella's apartment, complete with popcorn and a selection of classic films. Victor had marvelled at Ella's vast collection of books and her penchant for timeless cinema. They shared laughter, discussions, and a few stolen kisses during that enchanting evening.

Their third date had been an evening of stargazing at a secluded spot outside the city, away from the bright lights that obscured the beauty of the night sky. Wrapped in blankets, they laid on a blanket beneath a canvas of stars, sharing dreams and aspirations while tracing constellations with their fingers. The quiet solitude of the night had allowed them to open up to each other in ways they hadn't before.

Ella and Victor's fourth date had been a cooking adventure in Ella's kitchen. They had selected a recipe together, laughing as they navigated the culinary challenge of creating a gourmet meal. It was an evening filled with delicious food, playful banter, and moments of shared intimacy in the heart of Ella's home.

Throughout these dates, their connection had grown stronger, and the chemistry between them had become undeniable.

On their fifth date, a cozy picnic by a secluded lake, Victor surprised Ella with a tender kiss that lingered longer than any they had shared before. The kiss was filled with longing and desire, a silent acknowledgment of the deepening connection between them. Ella's heart raced as they pulled away, her cheeks flushed with the warmth of their shared moment.

Victor gazed into her eyes, his voice soft and filled with affection. "Ella, I've enjoyed every moment we've spent together, and I can't help but feel this undeniable attraction between us. Am I alone in feeling this way?"

Ella's breath caught in her throat, and she met his gaze, her own desire mirrored in her eyes. "No, Victor, you're not alone. I feel it too."

Their shared admission deepened their connection, and they spent the rest of the afternoon wrapped in each other's arms, basking in the beauty of nature and the newfound passion that simmered between them.

As their relationship continued to progress, Victor's advances became more pronounced.

Ella found herself torn between the burgeoning desire she felt for Victor and her innate shyness and caution. Her mother's advice about taking things slowly echoed in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder if their passion was moving too quickly.

One evening, as they shared a quiet dinner at Ella's apartment, Victor turned to her with a look of longing in his eyes. "Ella, I want you to know how much you mean to me. I care about you deeply, and I desire a deeper connection with you. I crave you and I want a full relationship with you from all the aspects"

She met his gaze, her own desire tempered by her cautious nature. "Victor, I care about you too, and I want to explore this connection between us. But I need a little more time."

Victor smiled, his affection for her evident in his eyes, despite his slight irritation.

"Of course, Ella. I cherish every moment we've spent together, and I can't help but feel this powerful connection between us. I want to take our relationship to a deeper, more intimate level. I want to be with you. Plus, there is nothing out of the ordinary, we are both consenting adults here. "

Ella's cheeks flushed with a mix of emotions as she met Victor's earnest gaze. She took a deep breath, her shyness evident as she admitted, "Victor, I appreciate your patience and understanding. But I have to be honest with you-I've never been in an intimate relationship before. I have no experience in this area."

"Ella, there's no need to be shy or self-conscious about it. I imagined your reactions each time we became closer to each other. We all start somewhere, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for your honesty."

Ella's heart swelled with gratitude for Victor's understanding.

The following day, Ella and Sarah sat in their office, a sense of anticipation in the air as they discussed the upcoming company anniversary. Sarah had an idea that she was eager to share with Ella.

Sarah: (Excitedly) "Ella, have you heard about the company anniversary party happening in a week's time?"

Ella: (Nods) "Yes, I did. It's hard to believe it's been a year already."

Sarah: "Exactly! And you know what's even more exciting? This year, they're encouraging all employees to bring their partners to the party!"

Ella: (Surprised) "Oh, I didn't realize that. But I don't have a partner to take."

Well, that's where I have a brilliant idea. Why don't you invite Victor to be your date for the evening? It would be great, plus it would wipe the sly smile from those hyena's faces", Sarah said, grinning and pointing towards Jessica and Michael's desks.

Ella: (Pauses, considering) "Victor? I am not so sure..."

"Why??? " Sarah asked, frowning her forehead, "I believed that you were getting strong together, something happened? Why do you hesitate to invite him? "

"I don't know, I believe I am still anxious, plus I still don't believe that someone so accomplished like him is dating me. What if one day I wake up and realise that this is a prank? I don't know... plus, since he is trying to take our relationship to the next level, I feel him being a bit frustrated with me. " Ella replied with a huff.

Sarah looked with compassion at her and patted her hand: "Don't worry sweetie, all men are the same, but don't leave a doubt shadowing your happiness. Ask him. "

"OK, I presume I have nothing to lose" Ella replied, smiling back at Sarah.

In the evening, with a touch of nervousness, Ella picked up her phone and dialled Victor's number. She had been contemplating whether to invite him to the company anniversary party, and tonight, she had finally gathered the courage to make the call.

Victor: (Answering the phone) "Hello, Ella. How's your evening going?"

Ella: (Nervously) "Hi, Victor. It's going well. Listen, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Victor: "Sure, what's on your mind?"

Ella: "Well, my company anniversary party is coming up next week, and they're encouraging us to bring our partners..."

Victor: (Pausing) "Ok. What about it?"

Ella: (Hesitating) "I was wondering if you'd like to come with me as my date to the party?"

Victor: (Sounding regretful) "Ella, I really appreciate the invitation, and I'd love to accompany you, but I've already made some commitments with work for next week. I won't be able to make it."

Ella: (Disappointed but understanding) "Oh, I see. That's totally understandable, Victor. Work can be demanding. I just thought it would be a nice opportunity for us to spend more time together."

Victor: (Regretful) "I know, and I'd love to, but this is something I can't reschedule. I hope you understand."

Ella: (Trying to sound cheerful) "Of course, Victor. Work commitments are important. Maybe another time."

Victor: "Absolutely, Ella. Let's plan a date for when my schedule isn't as hectic."

Ella: (Smiling) "That sounds like a plan. Thanks for understanding, Victor."

Even though Ella felt a bit disappointed, she appreciated Victor's honesty and understood that work commitments sometimes took precedence. She knew there would be more opportunities for them to spend time together in the future, and she looked forward to those moments.