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  3 months have passed since Riya Sharma and Alec Çelik, former Disventure Camp competitors and the ‘Co-Leaders’ of the Villain’s Alliance during their All-Stars season, decided to go out on an actual first date together since rekindling their once broken bond they had during Disventure Camp All-Stars. Alec decided to give Riya a tour around his birth country of London; showing her different landmarks of the country, treating her to a nice dinner, before ending the night off with a lovely carriage ride around London, which to them both was the most romantic part of their first date… even if they didn’t say it to each other.

  Since then, their bond has been going steady, and they couldn’t be any happier. Occasionally, they would go out on more platonic dates from time to time. Most of them were simple little dinner dates together, one of their dates was Riya giving Alec a tour around Los Angeles as her way to thank him for a nice tour of London, they even enjoyed simple walks around the park; just being by each other’s side was good enough for them both.

  Even before the end of the year, Riya accompanied Alec as a special guest during one of Fiore’s academic school trips, which the school allowed since Alec has been a wonderful tutor and ‘parental guardian’ to the crafty little girl. This was obviously their way for Riya to properly apologize to Fiore for what happened in their season together. She even told Fiore that she felt bad about how she was treated in the Magenta Team and even more after her first season was over, telling her that she is still a child and shouldn’t be treated poorly just for playing the game. Fiore, though still having a sore spot about Riya’s betrayal, forgave the Actress but asked her not to break Alec’s heart again, even though they weren’t dating. Still, Riya understood and even promised Fiore that if she needed any sort of help at all, to just let her know and she will do it in a heartbeat, which made the young child smile brightly at the Actress, much to Alec’s joy and relief.

  Ever since then, Alec and Riya’s bond has been growing more and more with each passing day, enjoying each other’s company and the time they’ve spent together. However, the paparazzi still believe they are a couple, much to their annoyance since they’ve said countless times in many greetings that they were just friends… though many of Riya’s fans, Disventure Camp fans and even many of their fellow Disventure Camp cast mates beg to differ. And they were right to, since after their last date in LA… Alec and Riya have started to realize something… they have begun to develop romantic feelings for each other. Rather, to put it lightly, the once dormant feelings they’ve both had during All-Stars have now erupted within them and they can no longer deny it.

  During a visit to Connor in Toronto, Alec decided to confess to his friend about his newfound feelings for the Actress… which to be honest sounded like a dumb idea since this is Riya’s Ex he was confessing to. “So, you finally admit it, huh?” Connor said with a curious look yet hid a smirk to himself as Alec sighed while drinking from a can of beer Connor offered him.

  “I know you’re the last person who should hear this but… yes. My feelings for Riya have really changed a lot since our previous date. God, I know this is absolutely ridiculous, but I needed to talk to someone about it. Connor, believe me, I am not saying this out of spite at all. I just… don’t know how to process this at all. The once dormant feelings I had for Riya are now finally loose and… I don’t know if this is something I want. She and I already agreed to just be friends for now and yet… there is a part of me that wishes she and I could be more than that.” Connor nodded while sipping from his can.

  “So, what’s the trouble, bud? You don’t need my permission to date her. She and I moved on and well… I got over it like she did.” Alec sighed again before ruffling his hair a bit.

  “I know that and again, I am sorry I’m confessing this news to you since you and Riya were once together. It’s just… I don’t know what to say or what to do. Believe me, back on the show, I only saw Riya as just my alliance partner and my friend. But the time she and I spent… it made me believe I found my other half in some way. I once believed I would never find someone again after my divorce with Cheryll… plus, I don’t want to make things awkward between Riya and me. She’s busy with her acting career and I’m busy being Fiore’s tutor… I just… I’m between a rock in a hard place.” Alec placed his beer can down and sighed into his hands. Connor sighed as well before speaking to the Librarian.

  “Alec, can I be direct with you?” Alec only nodded as he listened to the older businessman. “Back then, I believed that Riya and I were destined to be together. But… after All-Stars ended and even after I rewatched it as well, I’ve come to realize that she and I weren’t meant to be together. Our goals were different and… she and I had different gameplays during it too. I believed that Hollywood was corrupting her but… I slowly realize it wasn’t just that… I was pushing her away. She was struggling a lot when we first met, I wanted to help her out as much as I can but… after Season 2 ended, she became this famous actress just from playing the villain. I supported her a lot but… soon after… she and I couldn’t connect more since we were busy.

  When All-Stars began, I thought it would be a chance for her and me to finally reconnect and hopefully play just for fun and such. But… she wanted to win so badly… and honestly… I don’t blame her now. She was so close last season and I-”

  “And you ruined her chances by leaving her behind during your season’s finale and even caused her to develop a fear of the ocean.” Alec said with a somewhat bothered expression on his face as Connor sighed a bit in a shameful tone.

  “Yeah… I’m getting off track here. Look what I am trying to say is Riya and I weren’t really made for each other. But you and her… even if it still hurts a bit, I can’t lie to myself. What you two have… it seems real to me and to the other competitors. Alec, be honest with me, since your reunion with Riya, does she make you happy?” Alec flustered a bit before nodding,

  “She does… a lot more than when I was married to Cheryll back then.”

  “And has she even once told you she felt uncomfortable being around you?” Alec chuckled and shook his head.

  “Nope. Not even once, she honestly said that every time we talk… her days and nights become more brighter than ever.” Connor smiled and continued on,

  “Then there’s nothing I should tell you. If Riya really does mean a lot to you then by all means, do what you feel should be done. Tell her how you feel but be honest with her and do what I was unable to do… listen to what she has to say. Okay?” The Librarian sighed and replied back,

  “I know I should do… but… it’s not just that. Connor, if Riya and I do start an actual relationship then… what will happen to Fiore? I can’t just move to LA and let Fiore fend for herself and I refuse to have Riya move to London and end her career just for me. I… I just want to be there for them both. Connor, I know I’ve denied this for a while but… I’m beginning to see Fiore as if she was my own daughter and… if there was a chance… I would adopt her in a heartbeat.” Connor widened his eyes before saying,

  “Really?” Alec nodded while chugging his can of beer even though it was empty already. “Alec, that is quite something. Well… if you want my honest opinion on that… maybe you should talk to Riya about that if you two decide to be together. I mean… I don’t know about the little girl that much, but I do know you two definitely had a special bond as well, huh?”

  “She and I were a team back in Season 1 and… I sometimes wished I could help her more after the season ended. But… my emotions got the better of me and… I allowed her to just fend for herself when she needed that money more than anyone else. Even more than me… God, I sound like a hypocrite now. Here I am, saying how much I want to be a father to some little girl I met during a game show when I was the worst father to my own son… being so neglectful to him… God, how the hell am I supposed to protect Fiore if I’m with Riya?” Connor patted Alec’s back and said,

  “You got me there, Alec. But knowing you, I’m sure you’ll think of something. Besides, I wonder how Riya feels about this, hehe.” Alec sighed and rolled his eyes before the scene changed to Los Angeles as Riya was pacing around inside her dressing room while Lucifer and Chloe, Riya’s personal stylist who is also like an older sister to the Actress since her acting career began, did their best to calm her down.

  “Riya, take it easy. You shouldn’t be this stress out at all.” Lucifer said as Riya only replied in a very anxious voice.

  “How the hell am I supposed to calm down, Luci!? I just finally realize that my feelings for Alec are real and… I can’t deny them anymore. Ever since our last date, he’s been in my mind more often than before and… I just don’t know how to even process all of this.” Riya soon felt Chloe grab her by the shoulder and gently placed her down on her chair as the stylist looked at the Bollywood actress and spoke in a soft French accent.

  “Riya, Mon Cher, what’s so wrong about that? So, what if you finally admit your feelings for the cute nerd are real. It’s not the end of the world or anything. Why is it so dreadful to you?” Riya sighed while trying her best to answer both Chloe and Lucifer as clearly as she can.

  “It’s just… I don’t know how I can even be someone who Alec can rely on or even trust after what happened during the third season. When I ended things between Connor and I… it was just to be temporary. I didn’t want my feelings to affect my gameplay like it did during the season 2 finale. But when he told me he didn’t want to talk about it after he was eliminated and even when he returned and made it his mission to get me eliminated… it was a definite sign that I should have ended things a lot sooner. Even when there was a small part of me that wanted him back after the finale… I knew deep down that it was really over. Alec… he’s different than Connor. He’s more patient, he understood why I did what I did during All-Stars, he listened to me, he supported my career, he’s… he’s someone who I never thought I would ever want in my life. And yet… I don’t know if I even deserve him after everything that happened.

  Even so… he and I agreed we’re better off as friends and yet… there is a part of me that wants him to be in my life… I just don’t know how to even tell him or if he wants me. Not to mention… I don’t want to take him away from Fiore. I know that he is all she has now and… if he and I do end up together, then there’s a chance he might move to LA just to be with me, and I simply do not want to take him away from that poor little girl at all. She may be strategic, smart, and honestly crafty and sneaky… but she is still a young child who needs someone to help her. I know damn well that her parents are just gonna leave her in that boarding school until she is 18 and out of their life!” Riya gasped in and out, nearly losing her breath before Lucifer gave her a bottle of water.

  “Easy there, Starlet. Calm yourself now. So… by our understanding… you’re more worried about hurting Alec again and you believe you don’t deserve someone like him in your life? And you don’t want to take him away from Fiore since he’s the only one willing enough to help her out?” Riya sighed and nodded while drinking the bottle of water.

  “Riya, will you let me be honest?” The Actress only replied with a nod. “Good... because right now, you are seriously talking some nonsense.” Riya widens her eyes in shock and annoyance as her manager continued on, “Riya, from the moment you became my client, you changed the landscape of acting in my eyes. Even though you lost back in Season 2, so many people loved your villainess side so much that they wanted to see more of you on the screen. You took that role and made it into something spectacular! You are one of the best actors I’ve ever managed, and I am honestly blessed to call you my friend. Mr. Çelik sees something in you that we all see too… but he doesn’t just see it as just a friend, he sees you for something that is more than that.”

  Chloe soon took over and said, “He’s right, Riya. Alec sees something in you that we’ve seen within you for a long time. Sure, you and Connor had a connection but you both clearly saw that you had different goals. Alec… he understands you and even when you both hit a bump on the road during the show, you clearly felt bad about it and missed him. When you both finally reunited and fixed that once broken bond… we all saw that you became even happier than before. Riya, Mon Cher, you are deserving of someone in your life, and we can see that it is Alec… so tell us… does he make you happy?” Riya nodded,

  “More than that… he’s like the only one from the show that… understood me when nobody else did. He and I… reconnected and bonded more… he became someone who always makes my day just from hearing his voice. And he never and I mean never made me feel uncomfortable either. Alec… is definitely someone who I am blessed to be around with.”

  Lucifer and Chloe smiled at the Actress before she came clean about something else. “To be honest… I wished I told him how I felt a lot sooner since… I always dread never seeing him again after the show. Luci, Chloe… I want to tell him how I feel. But… I’m just worried about how it will change everything around us. I mean, I can’t just end my career and move to London, and I don’t want to force him to move to LA just to be with me. And like I said, I don’t want to take him away from Fiore since the little girl only has Alec in her life and… well… you can tell they see each other as a father and daughter, right?” The two nodded as Riya sighed to herself. “I just… I don’t really know what to do right now or how to tell Alec without making things awkward…” Riya sighed again while Chloe patted her back calmly.

  “Well, we’re not going to force you to admit it. But you should think this through, Mon Cher. But just remember, whether he’s your friend or he’s your new partner; I am sure that Mr. Çelik will always be by your side.” Riya chuckled yet still looked unsured about the whole thing.

  A few days passed since their self-revelation, Alec and Riya both took some time to themselves to think about what to do with the newfound feelings they had for each other, even forbidding themselves from talking to each other, not wanting to make things awkward for one another. Which was for the best since they really needed to think this through since this was something they never really believed would happen again. True, Riya and Alec once had feelings for each other during All-Stars, but it was only a spark back then, and it sadly died out after Riya lied to Alec about how she felt during the V.R challenge. And even more when Alec pushed her away the day he was eliminated. But even so, that spark was still able to cling to them both since All-Stars and since then, has been growing exponentially since their reunion.

  Soon enough… Riya made the first move and decided to call Alec early in the morning from LA. Alec was inside his bedroom, sleeping calmly before overhearing his phone ringing, waking him up to see who was calling him. “Riya?!” Alec looked surprised before answering the call from the Actress. “Good evening, Riya” Alec said with a slight yawn before Riya answered back,

  “Good morning, Alec. How you been since we last spoke?” Riya did her best to remain calm before the Librarian replied back, still feeling a bit sleepy yet felt a bit happy to hear Riya since their last chat.

  “I’ve been… decent lately to be honest. How about you?” Riya replied back,

  “About the same. The studio has been making us work nonstop on finishing the Black Widow’s Gambit sequel. I’m surprised it’s taking us this long to even finish it up, especially since it’s the film that put me on the map in the first place.” Alec chuckled before saying in a kind tone.

  “Don’t tread so lightly, Riya. Even if the first Black Widow’s Gambit film is one of your best hits, I know for sure your time during Season 2 in Disventure Camp was what made you be seen by so many people who would later become your adoring fans.” This got Riya to chuckle a bit, making the Librarian smile to himself a bit more before he soon said, “Anyway, what’s with the early morning call? And isn’t it almost 10 in the evening at Los Angeles right now?” Riya sighed a bit before replying back,

  “Well yes, but I just wanted to call you and see how you been since we haven’t spoken in quite a while.” Alec honestly knew that since neither he nor Riya even called each other up since their self-realization on their own feelings. “But to be honest, I needed some time to myself since well… something came up.”

  “Oh? Was it something serious?” Alec asked in a concerned tone until Riya quickly responded back.

  “No, not really. But… I just needed some time to think to myself about something really… Alec?” Riya asked as Alec continued to listen. “Listen… there’s something I need to talk to you about in person. Talking about it on the phone isn’t the right way to do it… so I need to see you in person soon… would that be alright?” Alec widened his eyes a bit yet remained calm and spoke.

  “I mean… sure. I don’t see why not. But… are you positive nothing bad happened at all?” The Actress replied back,

  “Yes, I am. I just need to see you soon really.” The Librarian took a moment to think to himself before answering back.

  “Well… okay then. To be honest, I wanted to talk to you in person as well. Though, when should we meet up?” Alec asked as Riya only said

  “Well… I am still going to be busy this week with more filming but… maybe I can drop by for a visit next week or so?”

  “Sure. I mean, I am going to be busy as well with helping Fiore study for a big exam she’s having soon. But by all means, I don’t mind you stopping by for a visit at all. As long as you’re alright with it though… are you?” Riya sighed a bit, finding his concern for her sweet but unnecessary since they’re both adults.

  “I am, you damn nerd. Jeez, you’re almost sounding like Connor.” This got Alec to chuckle a bit before answering back.

  “I mean the man is a bit wiser when it comes to relationships. Who wouldn’t want to have someone who’s always worried for their partner?”

  “Um… me. Because I am an independent woman who did not needed anyone to hurt themselves just for my safety at all. That’s… one of the reasons why I ended things with Connor back in All-Stars… until it died out more after the Comeback.” Alec could hear a hint of pain in Riya’s tone before he decided to change the subject.

  “My apologies if that brought up some old wounds, Riya. Look, I understand your past relationship with Connor should not be brought up again. But all seriousness, are you sure you don’t want me to maybe fly to LA so we can chat?”

  “Absolutely! Besides, Fiore needs your help more than ever at the moment. So please, don’t worry so much about me, okay?” Alec sighed again yet felt a hint of calmness after Riya mentioned Fiore, knowing well how much she worries about the little girl as well since they made amends before the end of the year.

  “Alright then. So… may I expect your surprising visit next week or so?”

  “Perhaps… if things here aren’t too busy. Anyway, I should go now. It’s getting late here in LA.”

  “Indeed, it is, Ms. Sharma. And a stunning and marvelous actress like yourself needs her beauty sleep.” This caused both Alec and Riya to fluster very badly as well as caused the actress to chuckle a bit herself. “Oh… I said that out loud. Sorry…”

  “Hahaha, no. Don’t be at all, I honestly love the praises. Especially from a handsome and intelligent man such as yourself.” Okay, now they were both in deep waters and felt their feelings were trying to pry out of them without mercy, but luckily, they both pushed it down quickly as Riya continued on, “Um… you have a wonderful day, Mr. Çelik.”

  “And you have a wonderful good night sleep, Ms. Sharma. Bye.” Once he and Riya hung up, Alec sighed in relief before flopping back down onto his bed. “Oh, bloody hell, that was a close one. Calm yourself, Alec. Calm yourself…” Alec slowly eased himself down, combing his hands through his unbound hair before sighing into them. “Okay… so technically, Riya and I have a date next week. Hopefully… she and I can talk without anyone getting in the way… mainly any fans or paparazzi who might catch wind of this… but I got a week to relax and think things through. Hopefully it won’t go by that fast hehe…”

  Shockingly, the week did go by fast as Alec was currently flying back to London after visiting Fiore in Italy, though he looked completely worried since he received a text message from Riya, saying she was on a plane flying to London at this moment, meaning that Alec was going to meet up with Riya at the airport. Alec’s flight landed before Riya’s did as he was inside the airport, waiting at the gate where her plane was to land at. “Knowing Riya, she’ll be tired still from the jet lag, but it is going to be nice to see her again…” Alec sighed a bit, trying to remain calm and collective… even if his inner thoughts weren’t much help to him. ‘I can’t believe she’s flying here already! I don’t know what to do for god’s sake! Should I tell her when she lands? No, not in front of so many people! Should I invite her to my home? I mean, she has stayed over once before but… God, no! If I do and I tell her how I feel then things might escalate dramatically! Damn it… just relax and wait. You are overthinking it too much… just be calm and be yourself okay, Çelik. This is Riya we are talking about… things have been going well the past few months and honestly… this will not end badly if you just open your heart to her as much as you can. You got this…” Alec continued to stay calm as he patiently waited for Riya’s plane to land.

  A measly 1 hour wait felt like an eternity for the Librarian until he saw the Actress heading out of the gate as she quickly noticed him sitting down. “Alec?” Riya widened her eyes before walking directly towards him as Alec got up and waved at the Actress before feeling her embracing him tightly. “What are you doing here? I thought I would see you after I got my bags.” Riya said before Alec explained himself.

  “Surprisingly when you sent me your message, I was in Italy tutoring Fiore at the time. So, once our session was done and I said my farewell to her, I quickly made my way to the airport and got on a flight back to London. And after I landed, I just waited at your gate until you landed.” Riya looked again surprised by what Alec told her before replying back.

  “Oh! Really? My apologies if I interrupted your tutoring session with the little one.” Alec chuckled a bit before embracing Riya.

  “It’s no worries. Knowing the ride from LA to London is quite a long ride, I still had enough time to tutor Fiore for a bit until our session was up. But it also gave me some time to think about what to do with you today, since this is sorta… a date, right?” Riya blushed a bit before replying in a flustered tone.

  “Huh? Um… yeah. It is… hehehe. I guess I didn’t realize it until now. Still… it’s great to see you again, you nerd.” Alec smiled back

  “Same to you, you wicked actress.” This got the two to share a good laugh as Alec walked Riya to baggage claim and received her bag as they soon headed out of the airport, seeing it was still daytime in London. “So, what would you like to do today, Riya? We can maybe go to the London Eye and enjoy the sights like before, or maybe we can get a bite to eat. Possibilities are endless, hehe.” Alec smiled, doing his best not to act like a nervous wreck, which is honestly humiliating since he is an adult and is acting like a nervous 17-year-old with a huge crush. Riya on the other hand was dealing with this perfectly well… though still felt a bit nervous herself on the inside.

  “Well… honestly… I’m alright with just a simple easy day out. Since… I really did want to see you again is all.” Alec did his best not to blush but fail miserably while Riya also felt a blush against her face.

  “Heh, okay then… sure. I guess… we can maybe… just go for a walk is all. Would that be alright?” Riya simply nodded while holding Alec’s hand gently.

  “Sure, sounds fine with me. Besides, being by your side always makes any visit worthwhile. Whether I’m visiting you or you’re visiting me.” Again, Alec began to blush like an idiot, much to Riya’s own amusement since she liked it when he flustered because of her. ‘Bloody hell, this is going to be the toughest day of my life… even more when I proposed to Cheryll.’ Alec mumbled to himself as he and Riya began their little walk around London.

  Hours passed on by, Alec and Riya enjoyed their little walk around London, seeing a few sights that Alec showed Riya during her visit to London, even enjoying a little dinner together, which turned out a lot better since it made them both relax and clearly think to themselves about what to say to one another about their newfound feelings for each other.

  Soon enough, it was close to the evening, Alec and Riya decided to have a little walk around the parks, enjoying each other’s company and even enjoying seeing the lovely night sky together. Riya sighed before she and Alec made a pit stop near a bench as she sat down while Alec did the same and sat down next to her, giving them both a better chance to admire the lovely London sky together. “Alec, today’s been such a nice day. It was again worth the long plane ride here just to spend it with you.” Riya said while lying her head against Alec’s shoulder as he sighed and slowly held her close to him gently.

  “I couldn’t agree with you more, Riya. Honestly, I was trying my best not to make a fool of myself today since… like you said, we needed to talk but still, I did enjoy spending the day with you. I know it was just a simple walk around London and even just a simple dinner then after but… it was truly… marvelous since… I got the chance to be by your side.” Riya smiled and felt a blush emerging again before holding Alec’s hand gently.

  “Hey, we had simple dates before. You and I just walking through the LA sites together, avoiding a lot of the paparazzi who wanted dirt on us, I even remembered how much you enjoyed our visit to that planetarium.” Alec chuckled, recalling their visit to the Griffith Observatory, enjoying the many stars, planets and constellations they’ve observed… before remembering how much he admired Riya during that visit, believing she was more dazzling and glorious than any star in the sky.

  “That was simply a wonderful date to be honest back then. But I still also remembered how much you enjoyed ice skating with me last month during Valentine’s Day, hehehe.” Riya smiled and even chuckled after Alec brought out their little Valentine’s Day date last month as she recalled Alec taking her to an indoor rink, recalling how much Riya wanted to try it out for the first time. At first, she struggled a bit but with Alec’s help, Riya managed to get the hang of it and even out-skated Alec, though he didn’t mind since he enjoyed seeing the Actress enjoy herself.

  “You honestly wouldn’t stop smiling at me after I out bested you in that ice rink, hahaha. Even after you helped me keep my balance, I was able to get the hang of it and honestly… it was just amazing. I had so much fun during that date… even though it was a platonic date, hehe.” Alec chuckled as well… though both he and Riya remembered what they wanted to do and at that moment, they both simultaneously said,

  “Riya/Alec, I need to tell you something.” This caused them both to widen their eyes a bit and even brought out a blush from each other. “I’m sorry, you can talk first.” Again, they both talked at the same time, causing an embarrassed sigh and groan to be brought out.

  “Okay, fuck it! I’ll go first… Riya…” Alec nearly choked at his words before taking a deep breath in, getting up from the bench as he soon held Riya’s hand, pulling her up to her feet, causing her to flinch a bit in surprise as the Librarian soon began to make his confession to the Villainess Actress. “Riya… it took me a while to really think this through and… I need to say this to you in person.” Alec again sighed a bit, trying to remain calm before he felt Riya cupping his face with one hand.

  “Alec, whatever it is… just tell me. Please.” Riya’s soft voice and comforting tone made the Librarian’s heart beat out like a drum before he soon calmed himself down and finally confessed his feelings to Riya to the best of his ability.

  “Riya… ever since you and I reunited back in October, I have felt something inside of me that I never thought I would ever feel again being around you… joy. Since then, I’ve enjoyed every single conversation we had, whether it’s through the phone or in person during one of our dates… just speaking to you always makes my day. Since then, I’ve gotten the chance to see the real you… not just the you I met for the first time back in Disventure Camp but the you I began to know more about when the competition wasn’t stressing us out. You were able to keep me at bay during the competition, even when our alliance was exposed, you and I managed to overcome the odds and reach the merge as an alliance of 5; you, me, Grett, Yul and Gabby. But… even then… I will not lie… there was a part of me that believed becoming your ally was a mistake after… our drunken slip-up.” Riya sighed a bit, recalling the mistake she made as Alec went on.

  “When you told me you had no feelings for me at all… I felt hurt because back then… I was beginning to fall for you. But even then, I accepted that and only wanted to help our alliance reach the merge together. But that soon crumbled down when Yul was eliminated, even if you and I understood why Grett and Gabby did it, it was still a miscalculated move for our alliance. And also… when Aiden exposed our slip-up, it brought me nothing but guilt because back then, I felt bad for what I did, not just because of how much anger and sadness Connor felt but… because it would have been avoided if I did not kiss you like I did.” Alec soon let go of Riya’s hand, yet he continued on while looking at the skies.

  “I wanted to be honest with you, but you soon used it against me and even used my own feelings to your advantage… I only pushed you away because I didn’t want to see Connor hurt but also… I wanted to just deny these feelings because… I just didn’t want to feel another heart break after losing Cheryll… even when I accepted that you did not felt the same way as I did.” This was honestly breaking Riya’s heart a bit, mainly because she knew how much she really fucked up during All-Stars as Alec looked back down and stared at her.

  “But… that’s all in the past. Any negative feelings I felt towards you after I was eliminated and even after you… felt no concernment for my wellbeing during the finale soon disappeared when you and I made amends. Riya… I can’t deny this any longer… Riya Sharma… I love you.” Riya’s eyes widened in complete shock, she felt a mixture of flattery and shock before Alec continued on,

  “Riya, my feelings for you are true and I cannot go on without admitting them to you. Every time I’m around you, I feel a sudden ounce of joy within me. Every conversation we had, every date we had… they’ve been nothing but a blessing to me. Riya, some say you are wicked, but I honestly enjoy your wickedness, but I also love the side of you that many have not seen. The kindness in you, the love you give to your fans and even to your fellow actors, especially to your manager and your stylist. Riya, what I am trying to say is… you are one of the most passionate actresses I’ve ever seen but also… you are simply one of the most marvelous and sweetest souls to have ever graced this world. And… I simply… love you, Riya.”

  Riya felt her eyes tearing up greatly while her lips quivered yet showed a loving and touched smile that Alec has ever seen before he soon said while feeling his own eyes tear up a bit. “But… I will understand if you do not want to be with me. Knowing how much your career means to you, and knowing how much you cherish your dream of making it big in Hollywood… I only wanted to tell you how I felt and also let you know that no matter what… I will understand your reason and still support you through the good times and the bad times.” Alec soon sighed in total relief, feeling a mountain of chains loosen down… until he soon saw Riya grip her hands tightly while looking at him with a tearful glare. “Riya?” Alec looked almost concern until he saw the Actress walk up to him, grab him by the shirt and soon enough… pulled him down and gave him one of the most passionate and affectionate kisses she could ever give.

  “Mmm!?” Alec muffled a moan of complete shock, his face began to fluster, turning him redder than a hot pepper before his inner thoughts shouted at him to kiss her back, to which he did. Holding her by the waist, Alec kissed Riya back, sharing a passionate and loving kiss on the lips, almost similar to their very first kiss… only this time, this was real and not because of the booze they drank. What felt like an eternity soon ended as Riya pulled away from their kiss, gasping for air before she finally confessed her feelings to the Librarian… but before venting to him a bit.

  “Alec, for someone so very smart… you are honestly so damn stupid to think I would even deny this chance yet again!” Alec looked again confused and even shocked as Riya sighed and kept on going, “Alec Çelik, I love you too…” It was Alec’s turn to go wide eye and even blush even more while looking completely shocked by the Actress’ confession.

  “Alec, when I told the truth about why I did what I did on the show, you not only understood me, but you accepted me for it too. Nobody on the show understood my reasons but you did… and since then… I felt happier just being around you. In truth, back then, I only saw you as my alliance partner and even a friend even after we reunited and fixed the bond we once had. But… after every date we had, after every conversation we had. I’ve come to realize as well that… you are more than just a friend, Alec. You’re… you’re the one… the one person who I would… fall in love with.” Alec widen his eyes while he began to tear up tremendously, recalling their conversation after their dinner date and after they confronted how much they missed their exes during the show, he remembered how she wished that someday… she would find the One… and he wanted it to be him back then.

  “And… even though I regret lying to you back in the show, not telling you how I really felt about you… I am truly happy and blessed that you never really left my side after everything we’ve been through. Alec… I won’t lie, I was truly scared and petrified that I would end up alone after All-Stars ended and I almost was… but I am grateful that it was proven wrong…  when you came back into my life.”

  “You… You really mean that, Riya?” Alec spoke in a broken tone yet showed a smile while holding her close to him before Riya nodded, cupping his face gently while laying his head on top of hers, admiring his hazel green eyes with her loving brown eyes.

  “Yes. Yes, I do, Alec. Believe me when I tell you that you mean so much to me… more than I could ever imagine. I know my career means the world to me but that does not mean my love for you doesn’t. You are someone who I care so much about, someone who I know deserves to be happy… and I would do anything and everything within me just to have you by my side for the rest of my life. I love you, Alec Çelik… with every fiber of my living beating heart.”

  Alec again widened his eyes, his tears continued to flow down while he shivered and trembled before dropping down to his knees, embracing Riya as she only hugged him back, combing her hands through his hair. “H-H-How? How can s-someone like… like you… fall in love with someone… like me. A man who did all he could to win a game for his family, only to lose and suffer more because of a divorce. A divorce that would have been less painful if only he talked to his wife and understood her more… only to soon drown his sorrow and anger in the bottle countless times until he is plastered and blackouts every night. Just… how can you even love me?” This broke Riya’s heart as she soon said in a similar tone.

  “Because you deserve this love more than I do. You suffered so much in the last two years, you tried to win for your family, you never meant to hurt them, even after she hurt you by leaving you. Just like how I hurt you, Connor and so many of the people who considered me a friend in my first season. I do not know how you could… love me either. After being nothing but an ungrateful and greedy snake, wanting to win because of my failures in my first season… only to again hurt the one person who helped me survive until the end. Alec, you deserve my love… but… do you think I deserve yours?” Alec nodded his head frantically, removing his glasses as he held Riya’s face calmly while staring into her teary eyes.

  “Yes… Yes, you absolutely do! Riya, you make my soul cry to live on just to see your beautiful face. You mended the crevasses that were left when I lost Cheryll and Daniel, you kept me in balance during the show and even afterwards. Even when I held a grudge after the show, a part of me still lingers to see you and I cannot deny it anymore. The past is the past… my heart screams for you… you are to my eyes more endearing than any of the stars up in the skies. You are my sun, my goddess, my one and only… and I would do anything and everything within me just to make you happy, Riya Sharma. I love you… I love you more than anything else in this entire world…”

  Alec and Riya held each other close, embracing one another tightly as if the world was falling apart before they soon kissed each other yet again, confessing once again to themselves and to each other that they were madly in love… and they both couldn’t be any more happier for it to be true.

Chapter Text

  It has only been a day since Alec Çelik and Riya Sharma both confessed their feelings for each other after months of rekindling and reconnecting the once broken bond they had during their time on Disventure Camp All-Stars. After months of phone conversations and months of platonic dates between the two, both Alec and Riya finally realized that they were falling in love with each other, and they both wanted to confess these feelings to each other.

  After a calm evening date in London, Alec finally managed to confess his feelings to the Villainess Actress that was once his Alliance partner. He first listed all of the positive things he saw within Riya both during their time on All-Stars and during the months they’ve spent since their reunion back in October. Though, he then confessed about the once negative feelings he had towards her after the finale, causing Riya to feel a bit guilty, knowing well how much she ruined her bond with the Librarian during the show. But soon enough, Alec admits that he no longer harbors any grudges towards Riya and has forgiven her for everything that has happened… before finally saying that he was in love with her.

  Hearing his confession shocked Riya to the core before she began to cry tears of joy, hearing her former alliance partner/platonic friend admit his true feelings for her. Until she soon felt a hint of irritation after Alec told her that he would understand if she did not felt the same way towards him, thinking that her career matters more to her than her feelings for Alec. This soon resulted in Riya to march her way towards the oblivious bookworm and confessed her feelings to him… with a passionate kiss on the lips. Alec was first flabbergasted by the bravado of Riya before he soon kissed her back while embracing her tightly, refusing to even pull away from her.

  Once they stopped their kiss, Riya began to confess her love to Alec; telling him how happy he always made her feel whenever they talked to each other, whether it was in person or on the phone. She even told him how grateful she felt that he never left her side after everything they’d been through after All-Stars ended. Since their reunion, Alec and Riya admit to themselves that they were better off as friends, but after everything they’ve been through, they now know, without a shadow of a doubt, that they were destined to be together.

  It was a calm Friday morning in London as inside the current home of Alec Çelik; both he and Riya were fast asleep inside Alec’s bedroom, embracing each other closely as if everything that has happened the previous night was nothing but a dream. “Hmm…” Riya slowly began to wake up first, slowly leaving the warm embrace of her lover’s arm, causing him to mumble a bit in his sleep. “Hehe, relax. I’m still here, handsome.” Riya purred a bit before placing a gentle kiss against Alec’s head, causing him to smile a bit in his sleep. Riya sat herself up, stretching her body out before taking in her current surroundings. “Huh. I guess Alec allowed me to stay over for the night after our little love confession. Hehehe.” Riya said while releasing a little chuckle before turning her head towards Alec, peacefully sleeping still. Riya sighed while lovingly staring at her sleepy librarian. “I still can’t believe it. Alec really loves me, and he now knows I love him… wow! I never thought we would even get this close at all but… here we are now.” Riya said to herself while wiping away a single tear from her eye.

  “Hmm…” Alec slowly began to wake up too as he soon sat up, yawned while stretching his body out before turning his head to the side, seeing a sleepy yet happy Riya smiling at him. Alec soon uttered a little chuckle while staring at Riya as if she was an actual goddess. “Do my eyes deceive me or is this real? Because I never imagined I would one day be waking up next to a Goddess laying on my bed with me.” Riya chuckled in a flattered tone while her face began to blush a bit as Alec soon held Riya close to him, nuzzling his head on top of hers. “Good morning, Riya.”

  “A very good morning to you too, Alec.” Riya replied back while giving Alec a little kiss on the cheek before nuzzling her head against him again, causing the two of them to chuckle together while Alec began to blush a bit himself. “I know you and I talked a lot last night but… I’m still feeling shocked and surprised by it all. But… in a good way, you know.” Alec nodded before responding back,

  “I know what you mean, Riya. To be honest, I never thought we would get this far. I sometimes believe we were better off as friends and nothing more. But after everything we’ve been through since our reunion back in October… I can gladly say that I was wrong to even think that.” Alec soon held Riya’s hand close to him, placing a gentle kiss against it, causing her to again chuckle and blush a bit lovingly. “Riya, I did not lie to you at all last night. I meant every single word I said to you. You are a passionate actress that can play any part to the letter and can steal the spotlight without breaking a sweat, but you’re also a wicked yet kind and loving soul to be around. To my eyes… you are my Goddess who I want to worship until I am no longer a part of this world. You are my Sun that brings life within me… I love you with all my heart, Riya Sharma.” Alec smiled at Riya with a passionate and loving expression through his glassy hazel green eyes that Riya admires as if they were emeralds. Riya’s eyes soon began to turn glassy as well before cupping the left side of Alec’s face as she soon said in a touched and loving tone.

  “Alec… hearing you say all that… warms my heart ever so much. I won’t lie either, I sometimes believe we were better off as friends after what we endure during our time on the show. But I too am happy how wrong I was to even consider that.” Riya leaned her head against Alec’s, staring into his eyes with her beautiful dark brown eyes that resembles stars to Alec. “Alec, I did not lie either at all last night, every word I told you… I meant it all. Even though you can be brutally honest and melancholic most of the time, you always manage to show me how kind and thoughtful you can be towards others. You’re a brilliant man who does all he can to make it through life. I am truly grateful to have you by my side… and I am still honored that… you love me as much as I love you.” Riya soon placed a kiss against Alec’s lips, gently grazing it before continuing,

  “You told me I am your Goddess and your Sun… well, a Goddess is not a Goddess without a worshipper to worship and pray to her every single day. And the Sun is nothing without the Moon to be by their side. Alec Çelik… you are the One who I have been waiting for all my life to be with. And I… I love you so very much too.” The two stared into each other’s tearful eyes before slowly leaning in closer and sharing a short yet sweet kiss on the lips, submitting their newfound love for each other. “Mmmm.” They kissed for what felt like an eternity before they soon pulled away.

  “I never thought I would ever feel the sweet touch of a Goddess’ lips against my own.” Alec said in a charming tone, causing the Actress to giggle and blush a bit again. “You know… every single one of our fellow cast mates are going to be mocking us and saying they were right about us.” Alec said with an embarrassed look on his face while Riya rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.

  “Oh let them. Like I said before, the show is over, and we don’t need to pay them any mind at all… except for those who keep in contact with you and I.” Riya said while getting out of bed and getting herself ready for the day. This caused Alec to fluster a bit before turning his head to the side. “Hmm? Something wrong?” Riya asked with a curious look while placing her pajama top back on as Alec soon said,

  “Uh… no. But… I don’t think it’s gentleman like of me to watch a woman undress in front of me.” Riya again chuckled while showing a deep blush of her own before leaning close to the Librarian and giving him another kiss on the cheek.

  “You’re too sweet… but I don’t think you are a gentleman… after what we did last night.” Alec widens his eyes before recalling what Riya meant. It was a short memory, but Alec recalled the sound of Riya’s voice moaning against his ear while he kissed and even left bite marks all over her neck. Alec soon turned his head a bit, finally noticing the light and dark marks all over Riya’s neck. “I never knew you can be quite a kisser, Çelik. Hehehe.” Alec groaned again before Riya ruffled his unbound hair softly. “Oh relax, we didn’t do a lot, last night. We only made out, that’s all.”

  “I know… but I never thought I would do that. Hmm?” Alec replied before rubbing his neck, feeling a few bite marks of his own. “What the?” The sound of Riya’s snickering caught his attention as she soon said with a playful smirk.

  “I see you didn’t notice yet, huh? But I remembered you weren’t the only one who left their mark on their partner, hehehe.” Alec again groaned and flustered deeply, turning redder than a red pepper while Riya chuckled at his embarrassment yet still combed her fingers around his soft unbound hair.

  “Oh, bloody hell… you aren’t going to let me live this down, huh?” Alec asked with a defeated grin as Riya shrugged a bit.

  “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But… it’s fun seeing you like this, you handsome nerd. Hehehe.” Riya playfully chuckled… only to then be pinned down by Alec, staring at her like an arousing worshipper, wanting nothing more to satisfy his Goddess. “Uh… Alec?”

  “You’re not the only one who can charm their lover easily, my goddess. Even if you and I both only kissed… I know deep inside you wished I railed you up until you were breathless come morning.” Alec said while whispering those final words into Riya’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine. “Hehehe, so the cunning Villainess that is Riya can be submissive as well. That’s good to know.” Alec grinned while Riya continued to show a flustered look towards him… before she soon pulled his head down closer to her, smirking as if she was her Countess character in her BWG film.

  “Perhaps… but that doesn’t mean I always am a submissive person. You’ve seen my films, Alec. Especially my Countess character in Black Widow’s Gambit. And… you know how I played during both seasons in the game. I can be quite controlling as well… even in bed. But… that doesn't mean I like my partner to always be submissive. I may crave devotion, but I also crave defiance… and you, Alec. You may blush and fluster most of the time and you may act like a cute dork… but you can still be quite a ravishing man to my eyes. Besides, you were like that during the game… especially when you show how tough you can be.” Alec felt a shiver running down his own spine while his face again blushed as deeply as it could yet still showed a playful yet teasing like smirk similar to Riya’s.

  They were about to continue what they started the previous night… before they heard a phone ringing out of the blue. “Ahh! Who the hell is calling at a time like this?” Riya complained before Alec sat up, helping her back up as she soon saw that it was her phone that was ringing. Riya quickly grabbed it, noticing the Caller ID to be her manager, Lucifer. “Luci? Why is he calling me?”

  Riya soon answered the phone and began speaking with her manager while Alec remained quiet and listened. “Hello? Lucifer?”

  “Morning, Starlet! I’m surprised you’re up this early. I know it’s already dark here in LA while it’s bright and early in London so I thought maybe it would be best if I left a voice message in case you were still asleep. But you’re up. So, that’s good. Anyway, how are you doing?”

  “I’m fine. Alec and I just got up so don’t worry if you believe you disturb our slumber.” Riya said with a calm tone though hid a bit of annoyance since her manager did interrupt a steamy moment between her and Alec. “But what’s with the early morning call? You normally do this if it’s something dire. What’s wrong?” Lucifer sighed a bit, knowing his client well as he continued on,

  “Well… I hate to break the news to you. But the studio where Black Widow’s Gambit II is being filmed at needs you to return to LA before Friday afternoon. They know you asked for the time off and they understood well but they didn’t realize that they would be close to finishing up the sequel, so they need their Countess back on set for shooting tomorrow afternoon… which is today for you in London, hehe.” The sudden news caused the Actress to widen her eyes in shock while Alec looked a bit concerned himself after seeing Riya’s mood turned from calm to shock before turning to annoyance yet again.

  “Are you serious?! Luci, I told them I would be back in LA by Friday night! I cannot believe this! Are you positive that’s what they said.” Lucifer nodded and replied back,

  “I am, Riya. I even gave them a few rude comments of my own. But sadly, you need to fly back before Friday afternoon. I am sorry if this ruins your chances with Mr. Çelik… unless you both finally had the talk.” Riya sighed a bit while feeling Alec place a comforting hand on her shoulder before answering back.

  “Yes, Alec and I talked last night. Shortening things out, he and I finally admit that we were in love with each other. So… we’re now officially a couple. However… the sudden news you gave me is definitely going to cut in on my quality time I wanted to spend with him today. But I understand you did your best, Luci. Look, I will get on the next flight to LA as soon as I can.”

  “Wonderful to hear and congratulations on your new relationship, my dear. I knew Mr. Çelik would be the one to steal your heart. Anyway, I’ll let my brother know to pick you up as soon as he’s done with his security position. But don’t worry so much, Riya, enjoy what remaining time you have with Alec. I’m sure you both have much to discuss now that you’re together.” Lucifer said with a chipper tone while Riya sighed yet showed a little smile of her own.

  “Yeah, we do. See you soon, Luci. Sleep well.” Riya soon ended the phone call before sighing again yet in annoyance rather than relaxing. “Alec… hate to break it to you but… I am needed back in LA. The studio needs me to finish the BWG sequel. And even though I told them I would be back by Friday night, they still think it was a wise move to inform me and my manager while I was still here in London!” Riya pinched the bridge of her nose before feeling the Librarian embracing her softly while stroking her long dark brown hair.

  “It’s alright. I told you before that I would support your career whether we stay as friends, or if we were in a romantic relationship. So, you don’t have to worry about us. But… it does sadden me that you have to leave so suddenly.”

  “Same… I was hoping to finally tell the world that we are together now, even if it makes some of our fans or some of our cast mates smug to know that they were right. Still, I have some time to waste before I head back to LA, would it be okay if we still chat. There is something I wanted to discuss.” Alec nodded while placing a gentle kiss atop Riya’s forehead.

  “I don’t see why not. Besides, there’s something I want to chat about too.”

  Moments later, Riya and Alec got themselves ready for the day, changing out of their pajamas and into some clean clothes as they were now currently enjoying a nice cup of coffee together while strolling through one of London’s public parks. The sight of them together though did surprise a few bystanders, especially those who watched Disventure Camp. Soon enough though, the two decided to take a seat in one of the park’s public benches, taking in the calm morning scenery around them. “Quite a lovely sight to see, huh Riya?” Alec asked while holding Riya’s hand delicately, making the Actress smile at her lover before she soon said,

  “Indeed, it is. Even though we’ve walked through this park before… it’s still nice to admire. But anyway… Alec, would it be okay if we have that discussion we both mentioned earlier?” Alec nodded before placing his cup of coffee down, staring directly at Riya while a few bystanders passed by them, either minding their own business or looking a bit surprised about the two former Disventure Camp competitors socializing together.

  “Sure, what’s up?” Riya took a second to relax, wanting to be clear towards her former alliance partner now boyfriend as she soon said,

  “Well, Alec, it’s about us. I know we’ve both managed to make this work between us when we were still friends. And believe me, like I told you last night, I am deeply grateful that you want to be in an actual relationship with me. But… I just want to know, should we keep this relationship of ours long-distance for the time being?” Alec looked a bit confused yet remained calm still as he soon said,

  “Funny, I was honestly going to ask you the same thing. But if you want to know, I don’t mind if we both keep it as a long-distance relationship. I mean, I understand you and Connor were in a long-distance relationship before All-Stars began but… just asking, are you concerned about ours becoming like yours and Connor’s?” Riya blushed a bit before answering back in a surprised tone.

  “What? No! Of course not. Look, I’ll keep this short and simple. Yes, Connor and I were in a long-distance relationship before All-Stars began. But the difference between this relationship and my previous one is that you and I managed to make it work well. Connor and I were both busy with our different career choices and we never took the time to really bond more after Season 2 ended. You and I though, we manage to keep our bond going and even have long phone conversations from time to time. Not to mention, Connor and I were very different back then. Even if a part of me wanted to hope that Connor took me back… I knew it was never meant to be at all. But you… even if you and Connor are still good friends, you’re a lot different than he is. So, I’m not worried at all about this relationship being similar to my former one with Connor, okay?” Riya held onto Alec’s hand and even surprised him with a little kiss on the lips, getting the attention of a few bystanders, much to her annoyance. ‘Of course people would want to watch this… the paparazzi are going to love this now.’ Riya said to herself in a mortified tone, before Alec noticed the scene they were making and soon said,

  “Can you all please just leave already. We’re having a conversation here and I don’t think it’s polite to even stare. So please, kindly screw off!” The crowd of people soon did so; some apologizing while some looking irritated by Alec’s tone. Alec sighed a bit while Riya chuckled and said,

  “Thanks. I wished I had the moxie to tell them off though.” Alec rolled his eyes before replying back with a smug tone.

  “Oh I know you do, but I bet you wanted me to tell them off since I recalled you once said you liked it when I get annoyed or angry.” This caused Riya to again show a deep blush all over her face while causing Alec to chuckle a bit at her expense. Riya soon rolled her own eyes while pushing the Librarian in playful annoyance.

  “Oh yes, haha. Laugh at my expense, you nerd. But anyway, I only asked that question not because I was worried about what my former relationship was like. But because most of the time, some couples like to move in together and live in the same household someday. I know we’re both adults and we may someday have that chance but… there’s a little issue to that and I think you know what it is.” This soon caused Alec to widen his eyes again before looking at Riya as if she read his mind.

  “Wait a second. You… had that same thought too?”

  “As in… you and I both want to someday move in together, but you don’t want me to end my career and move to London just to be with you. But also, you don’t want to move to LA just to be with me because you don’t want to leave Fiore to fend for herself, right?”

  The look of shock on his face was all the answer Riya needed, much to her own concernment as well. “I can’t believe you really had the same thought. Wow… just… wow. But it’s true, look, I would love to one day wake up to see you lying down next to me in the same bedroom. However, I don’t want to be the reason your career ends just because you decide to move to London just to be with me. It would really break my heart to see you end something that you love all because of me.

  And yes… it is true that as much as I wouldn’t mind moving to LA just to be with you, I can’t just leave Fiore all by herself in that boarding school. I know she’s a crafty and smart child but… I’m all she has now. I know her parents might leave her there until she’s 18 and then disown her without breaking a sweat. Riya, I know I may sound hypocritical for what I may say but… I don’t want Fiore to be all by herself at all. I want to be sure she is cared for still. I… I know I wasn’t much of a father to Daniel but… I want to be a better one for Fiore.” The sudden revealment made Riya look at Alec with a sadden yet understood look on her face.

  “So, you do care about that little one as if she was your daughter, hmm?”

  “Yes… it’s true. But… I don’t really know if I am capable of even being a father to her. Hell, I sound like a hypocrite now, do I? Here I am, a man who was a neglectful father to his own son, now wanting to do better for a child he met on a game show… a child who was the reason he lost yet also the reason he now wants to do better as a parent. Riya, I understand if you don’t care but-” Riya soon stopped Alec from finishing his sentence, giving him a big comfortable hug, much to his surprise as she soon said,

  “Don’t! I would never call you that at all.” Alec looked again confused yet hugged the Actress back as she soon continued on, “Listen Alec, I understand what you’re saying and believe me, I know how you feel. It’s true, I wouldn’t mind the idea of moving to such a lovely country that is London and spending the rest of my life with you. But LA is my home now after leaving India and even though I miss my birth country, I would also miss the energetic life that is the City of Angel. Not to mention, I would be saddened if my career did end… however, I know some day I will have to retire but that isn’t for a long time. And it’s very sweet of you that you’re concerned about my happiness instead of yours.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be? Your happiness will always be my concern. You and I are together now, and I want you to be happy, okay?” Alec said with a sadden yet loving tone as Riya smiled a bit and continued to hug him.

  “That’s one of the reasons why I love you, Alec. But, getting back to what I was saying, I know you wouldn’t mind moving to the states and living in LA with me. But I also know you’re absolutely worried about leaving Fiore behind. Look, I get you weren’t a good father to Daniel, but that doesn’t mean you hated him. Remember the talk we had back in All-Stars, before that… drunken incident happened.” Alec sighed while looking mortified about that memory while Riya had a similar look on her face. “The way you spoke about Cheryll and Daniel means that you still care about them. Even though your ex-wife moved on and so did you, I know deep inside you still worry about your son. To me, that shows that you still love Daniel, no matter what anyone says, especially that dumb helmet.”

  “Oh, don’t get me started on that! I still feel enraged that the show had that scene during that challenge. I don’t know what Grett was doing, and I don’t blame her but… how the hell did that helmet even think I was lying about how much I care about my son. I admit, I wasn’t the best father, but I still gave a bloody damn about him! Honestly, it’s like a part of me wants to just say I don’t love him, but I do… even up to now. I know Cheryll has a new husband and I know he is a better father for Daniel than I was. I just hope… he knows that I still care about him.” Alec soon sighed again while drinking his coffee as Riya patted his back.

  “I know he does. He may be young, but I believe that your son knows you still love him. Heh, you know it’s funny. One second, we were talking about Fiore before it changed to your relationship with your son. But, getting back to that subject, I understand you don’t want to leave Fiore behind, and I would never take you away from her. Believe me, even though she and I are in decent terms, you’re all that little girl has and… it would break my heart to see her all by herself. She’s only a child and… she has no one else but you.” Riya sighed as well while Alec nodded and looked a bit concerned.

  “If there was a chance at all… I would take her away from that school and away from her so-called parents. I don’t care if I am called a hypocrite, I would do all I can to give Fiore a better life… she deserves it, you know?” Riya nodded while leaning her head onto Alec’s shoulder.

  “I absolutely do. Hell, if by some miracle, I might even consider adopting her and raising her as my own child. But… would you be okay with that?” Once more, Alec widen his eyes before replying back

  “Actually… that would be a miracle. If you somehow take custody of Fiore, then it would give me a chance to say my goodbyes in London and move to LA to be with you and Fiore. Heck, it would be funny if we became a family in a way, huh?” Riya chuckled… but thought it would be quite an interesting yet loving idea. The chance to have Alec by her side and the idea of being a mother to Fiore wasn’t such a bad idea.

  “I think it would be sweet to be honest. Considering how much the three of us endured during the show, hmm?” Alec chuckled yet nodded a bit. “So… we keep our relationship for now long-distance?”

  “Yeah. For the time being, I wouldn’t mind we keep it long-distance. I mean, we were doing well when we were only friends. And I know a relationship is far different… but I think we can handle it, we managed to survive All-Stars until the merge.”

  “Well technically, I was the last surviving member of our alliance to make it to the finale and win it all.” Alec huffed playfully while rolling his eyes.

  “Hey, you had my help during that finale, along with Ellie’s, Gabby’s and even Yul’s during the first half of it.” Riya chuckled yet nodded with her Librarian of a boyfriend.

  “True and you four did get a nice portion of the reward for it. Still, after all that… I was able to win something a lot better.” Alec chuckled while holding onto Riya’s hand calmly before placing a simple kiss on top of it.

  “As did I. It may have taken us half a year for it to finally happen… but… the wait was worth it. Months of us bonding together, all of those platonic dates and even those damn greetings where we both kept saying we were only friends… leading up to us admitting we were truly in love with each other.” Riya chuckled while cupping Alec’s face lovingly.

  “Yeah. I wished I told you how I really felt about you before everything went sour between us during the show. But… if it did, then all the months we spent reconnecting wouldn’t have happened, huh?”

  “Hehe, that is true. I guess I can say our disagreement was a blessing in disguise.” Riya laughed a bit before she and Alec leaned in closer and shared one simple little kiss… again getting the attention of a few bystanders. This time, Riya decided to put her foot down.

  “Hey! Do you mind? This isn’t Disventure Camp, you know. So please, move on with your day already.”

  After their little park discussion, Riya decided it was time she flew back to LA. So, she and Alec returned to his home, grabbed her suitcase she brought with her as Alec walked her to the airport, which wasn’t a long walk since it gave them a chance to really enjoy the time they had left together. Once they’ve arrived, Alec escorted Riya inside before they stopped inches away from the security checkpoint, knowing that this was where Alec had to stop at. With that, they both decide to say their goodbyes to each other.

  “Riya, let me say this… thank you truly, for… seeing something within me. Something that is worth your love and affection. I know we didn’t have enough time today to really show the world we’re together but… I still enjoyed it.” Alec said with a loving tone, yet hid his sadness through it, feeling like he was losing his one true love again like when Cheryll left him. Riya soon smiled back… yet soon began to tear up as she then embraced him tightly, softly beginning to cry against his chest, much to his surprise before he soon hugged her back and even shed a few tears of his own.

  “Thank you too, Alec. For seeing something within this wicked soul of mine. I never knew I would find the One in my life… but I did in you. I know we agreed to keep this long-distance for now but… I hope someday we can be together without having to fly back and forth just to see each other.” The two looked into each other’s tearful eyes before sharing one last goodbye kiss together, ignoring and not caring if anyone else sees them like this.

  “Take care of yourself, my sweet Goddess. I await your return.” Alec softly said while Riya chuckled and replied back in a similar tone.

  “You as well, my handsome Worshipper. And I also await seeing you in LA again whenever you can. I love you, Alec.”

  “I love you too, Riya. Goodbye…” Soon enough, they both pulled away from each other as Riya headed towards the security checkpoint while Alec walked away and headed out of the airport. Once outside, Alec took a deep breath in before finally clenching his chest tightly, feeling his heart beating like a drum while his eyes continued to be drenched with his tears. “I… I never thought… I would be this sad just to see her leave. All of our goodbyes in the airport… they were always platonic but… this one… it’s like I lost my one and only again. Damn it… calm yourself, Çelik. This isn’t goodbye forever; it’s only for now. You’ll see her again soon enough. For now… know that you have someone in your life again… Riya.” Alec sighed again while wiping the tears from his eyes. “Until we meet again… be safe, my beloved.”

  Hours later, while flying first class to Los Angeles, Riya looked through the window and slowly began to sigh. Soon enough though, her eyes began to tear up greatly while her soul began to scream from inside her. “Damn it… calm yourself, Sharma. That wasn’t a goodbye forever… it’s only a ‘See you later’ goodbye. That’s all. But… I never thought I would get this tearful just from a single goodbye.” Riya slowly wiped her tears away while leaning her head back. “I’ll see you again, Alec. You be safe… my dear. And don’t worry… I’ll do everything I can to make sure you and Fiore are protected and cared for. Someday… you both will get the chance to truly be a family.” Riya smiled while having a sweet thought of Alec and Fiore hugging each other as a father and daughter would do… before seeing herself being a part of that hug, smiling even more at the thought of being a mother to Fiore. “Maybe… I can be a mother to her. Hehe, I guess that nerd was right about that, I am acting all motherly for that little girl.”