Building Love

Chapter 35

Vanessa stepped out of Alex’s car, a small smile tugging at her lips as she turned back to wave goodbye. He returned the gesture with a nod, his usual composed demeanor softened by a glimmer of warmth in his eyes. As his car pulled away into the quiet night, she stood there for a moment, taking a deep breath. Dinner had been unexpectedly pleasant, his thoughtful conversation and subtle compliments lingering in her mind.

Shaking her head, she walked up the steps and into the house, hoping to quietly slip away to her room. But as soon as she opened the door, she was met with a chorus of excited voices.

“There she is!” her mom chimed, grinning from her spot on the couch.

“Well, this is interesting,” Nathan teased, standing with his arms crossed. “Coming home looking all... happy. Don’t te