The Two Of Us

Chapter 9: The Graduation Celebration

The night of Alexandru's graduation from his Ethical Security Hackers University was a spectacle to behold. He had rented out a grand venue, filled with music, laughter, and an air of celebration.

Valeska and her sister Emma arrived, both dressed in their best attire, ready to support Alexandru on his big day. The venue was buzzing with excitement, and Valeska couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for her friend.

As the night unfolded, Valeska noticed a familiar face among the guests: John, Alexandru's longtime friend. John had always been kind to her, but tonight, there was something different in his eyes.

From across the room, John's gaze locked onto Valeska's, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, his eyes filled with an intensity that took her breath away.

Valeska tried to shake off the feeling, focusing instead on congratulating Alexandru and mingling with the other guests. But no matter where she went, she couldn't escape John's gaze.

Meanwhile, Alexandru was busy playing the gracious host, making sure everyone was enjoying themselves and celebrating his achievement. But as he looked around the room, his eyes kept drifting back to Valeska.

He noticed the way John was looking at her, a possessive gleam in his eyes that made Alexandru's blood boil with jealousy. He had never felt this way before, and it unsettled him.

Finally, unable to contain his emotions any longer, Alexandru pulled Valeska aside for a private conversation.

"Valeska, can we talk?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

"Of course," Valeska replied, her heart racing with anticipation.

As they stepped away from the crowd, Alexandru's expression grew serious. "I couldn't help but notice the way John is looking at you," he said, his voice tight with jealousy.

Valeska's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of John's name. She hadn't expected Alexandru to bring it up.

"I know," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "But it's nothing, really. We're just friends."

But even as she said the words, Valeska couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between her and John, something she couldn't quite explain.

Alexandru's jaw clenched as he fought to control his emotions. "I don't like it, Valeska," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't like the way he looks at you."

Valeska felt a flutter of hope in her chest at Alexandru's words. Could it be that he felt the same way about her as she did about him?

But before she could say anything, Alexandru continued, his tone filled with determination. "I want you to know that I care about you, Valeska. More than you'll ever know."

Valeska's heart skipped a beat at Alexandru's words, a rush of emotion washing over her. Could it be that he felt the same way about her as she did about him?

But before she could respond, Alexandru was called away by another guest, leaving Valeska standing there, her head spinning with confusion.

As the night wore on, Valeska couldn't shake the feeling of excitement that bubbled up inside her. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for her and Alexandru after all.

But little did she know, the night was far from over, and the events that would unfold would change everything.