Unconventional Love.

CHAPTER.2

Daniel pivoted as Emilia rushed towards him, wrapping him in a hug that spoke volumes. Her laughter echoed in the air as she announced, "Hangover cure is on its way!"

Chuckles escaped Daniel's lips, mirroring her joy. Soon, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of a mouth watery pasta and the clatter of utensils as Emilia dished out.

"Your culinary skill is top-notch," Daniel declared, savoring each portion in his mouth.

Emilia blushed, her cheeks a delightful shade of rose. "Just happy you enjoyed it."

"No, I truly mean it," he emphasized, his gaze lingering on her.

The dishes were cleared in a flurry of shared laughter, their teamwork as smooth as the pasta sauce. Work awaited, but the weekend stretched ahead.

**Beachside Bliss**

The next day, Daniel found Emilia lazying on the sofa, engrossed in the program on the television. "Any plans for the Weekend?" he inquired, settling beside her.

"Just a movie night," she replied, her voice a gentle murmur.

Daniel's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Living life in the slow lane, are we? No beachside fun?"

Emilia playfully rolled her eyes. "Not everyone craves constant adventure like you, Mr. Daredevil."

"Consider this an intervention then," he grinned. "Come on, beach awaits! Sun, sand, and..."

"Don't push it," Emilia chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "I deserve some rest."

He leaned in, his voice calm and persuasive. "I dislike taking no for an answer. Now, go get your swimsuit, Gorgeous."

Hesitantly, Emilia succumbed to his charm, emerging soon after in a vibrant bikini and a floppy hat.

The beach opened before them like a vast, under the scorching sun. Hand in hand, they strolled along the shore, their conversation a consonance of laughter and shared secrets. Children's laughter bends with the crashing waves as they build sandcastles, their carefree joy contagious.

Time melted away as they splashed in the water, Daniel's playful tickles eliciting squeals of delight from Emilia. The beach, bathed in the golden hues of sunset, became their haven.

**Movie Night and Whispers**

Later that day, bags laden with groceries, they retreated to Emilia's cozy haven. As the movie unfolded on the screen, they cuddled on the sofa, sharing meat pie and whispering secrets. The air crackled with unexpressed desires, fueled by stolen glances and persisting touches.

"Why not at my place next time?" Daniel murmured, his voice husky.

Emilia's smile held a hint of mystery. "Soon, Daniel," she replied, her eyes twinkling.

As they showered, the warmth lingered. Back on the sofa, the movie faded into the background as they savored the comfort of each other's company. The night deepened, filled with shared laughter and the promise of something more.

Emilia rested her head on Daniel's shoulder but Daniel intentionally wrapped his hand around her shoulder as her head rested on his chest.

As Daniel kissed Emilia's forehead gently, she felt emotional.

as she looked up to see Daniel's face, their eyes met as they kissed each other in a warm embrace.

The room was filled with so much unspoken emotions. Impulsively Daniel began to undress Emilia, and as he fondled her in the heat of the moment, Emilia gave consent and he penetrated her and they made passionate love.

As they lay bare staring at each other, Daniel asked.

“Do you really want me in your life?, Do you feel something for me?”.

But Emilia was silent and cold. Not knowing the right answer to give.

This got Daniel upset as he dressed up and walked out of the room.

Emilia began to shed tears as the memories of how she was defiled flashback.

“ Dear Lord! Please heal me “. She cried.

She picked up her phone and dialed Daniel's number but to her greatest surprise, he wasn't picking up.

She sent him a message but he didn't reply.

The following day, after a lively weekend, Emilia returned to work on Monday with a mix of emotions. She caught sight of Daniel, but he seemed distant, avoiding her gaze. Restless, Emilia's secretary Grace observed how Emilia gazed at Daniel with longing.

Emilia summoned Daniel, and he obliged.

"Daniels, what have I done to make you ignore my calls? I needed to discuss something important with you," Emilia inquired.

"You've left me with no option but to distance myself. I don't feel valued. It feels like I'm pushing for something that isn't there," Daniel expressed.

"But that's not true, Daniel. The reality is, I haven't been serious about dating for a while now and falling in love feels unfamiliar to me," Emilia confessed.

Frustration was evident in Daniel's voice as he expressed, "If you never give it a chance, how will you understand how it truly feels?"

Emilia, tears in her eyes, disclosed to Daniel, "You will not understand ,I have memories of that ordeal hunt me daily, making me wish I could delete them. Back in my tertiary institution, I had a crush on a guy who later broke my trust when we started dating. Despite our friendship and shared interests, one evening, while studying at his house, I discovered he was dating my best friend in school. I saw the evidence of chats on his phone with her when he stepped out and left his phone unlocked.”

"Did you confront him?" Daniel inquired.

"I did, but he kept on denying, he said she seduced him. I was just 18, while he was 22, " Emilia explained tearfully.

Daniel, feeling a mix of anger and sympathy, apologized, "I had no idea you were enduring such trauma. I care for you deeply and will always support you. I regret leaving your house that day."

As Daniel left Emilia's office feeling emotionally drained, Grace pulled him aside into the restroom, questioning his behavior towards Emilia and her suspicions.

“What games are you playing after insulting ma'am Emilia? she asked authoritatively.

“What game do you think I'm playing? you better respect yourself and concentrate on your job.” Daniel replied and worked out on her.

“ No one can have you. You belong to me.

I hope this is not what I am suspecting?.” Grace said to herself biting her upper lips

As Grace left for her office, she noticed Daniel's Countenance had dropped.

“What did ma'am Emilia say to him that is making him Moody?” She asked in her heart.

The intercom rang and it was ma’am Emilia.

Grace took the file she requested for to her.

“Ma’am Emilia hope you are fine? Your eyes are all swollen and your face red.”

Emilia surprisingly looked at her and said

“Is it? Uhh, I didn't notice. I will take time off to rest. I think I'm stressed.”

Grace left with so much puzzle to fix in her head. “What could be happening between these two?”. She asked in her heart.

After work, Grace confronted Daniel about his actions, suspecting infidelity.

“ What do you think you are doing? It Better not be what I am thinking.”

“Why are you creepy? What are you thinking? You better stop this.” Daniel warned.

“ I'm old enough to know when something is going on with two adults. I hope you are not planning on leaving me for her. I won't take that. “ Grace Lamented.

“Stop! Grace. Just stop this!

What exists between Emilia and me is purely work. Stop nosing around. This lifestyle isn't healthy.”

He walked out on Grace.

Subsequently, Daniel began visiting Emilia at her home more frequently, where she opened up about her fears and desire for trust. Emilia hinted at the idea of a contractual marriage for companionship and the prospect of having children, surprising Daniel.

**Emilia's voice trembled slightly as she confessed, "I find it hard to trust men after everything I've been through."**

**Daniel reached out, his touch gentle. "But I'm not like other men, Emilia. I care about you deeply."**

**She takes a deep breath as she closes her eyes, "I know, Daniel, and I thank you for that. It's just..." her voice trailed off, searching for the right words.**

**"What is it?" he asked, his concern evident.**

**"I yearn for togetherness, for someone to share this life with," she confessed, a hint of a laugh escaping her lips. "And someday, children."**

**A flicker of hope danced in Daniel's eyes. "Is that something you see with me?"**

**Emilia met his gaze, her emotions swirling. "I... I don't know yet, Daniel. Healing takes time and rebuilding requires trust. But even if I want this, I will prefer a contract marriage"**

**He squeezed her hand gently. "I'm willing to wait, Emilia. As long as you'll let me."**