The obsession

sudden awareness of his presence. "I wanted to make sure everything was ready for tomorrow's meeting." Michael leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and studied her thought

ntinuing. "Since you came into my life, everything has shifted. I didn't expect it, but you've completely changed how I see the world, how I see myself." Her breath caught a mixture of surprise and delight flickering in her eyes. "Michael, I... I didn't know you felt that way" He moved closer still, the slight brush of his hands against her arms sending sparks of electricity through him. "I didn't want to feel this way. I tried to push it all down, to keep it locked away, but it's like you ignited something in me that I thought was gone forever," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. "Your passion, your brilliance-it's intoxicating. And it scares me." "What do you mean?" Clara asked, her voice softening, her eyes searching his for clarity. Micheal took a step forward, his gaze meeting hers. "It's been long since I felt this way. It's scary, because of what happened before, but I can't deny it anymore." He knew he was rumbling, but he couldn't stop. He had to get these feelings out, even if they scared him. He just hoped Clara wouldn't be scared too. "Micheal, what are you talking about?" Clara's voice was soft, laced with confusion. "I don't understand." He sighed, looking deep into her eyes as if searching for the right words. "I've spent so long being guarded. Past relationships left their marks, and I built walls to protect myself. But with you, those walls feel so flimsy and unnecessary," he admitted, vulnerability spilling from his lips. "You make me want to take risks again, to open up in ways I thought I couldn't." "I'm .... I'm in love with you," he blurted out, the words trembling from his lips like a waterfall. "I know it's sudden, and I know it's probably crazy but I can't keep it in anymore." Clara's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. She stared at him, her expression unreadable. "I .... I don't know what to say," she whispered, her voice barely a breath. Micheal felt a wave of panic wash over him as he watched Clara's reaction. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. He took a step closer, searching her eyes for any sign of understanding, he felt her body craving for him but a greater fear built a bridge between them. She was unsure of how to react or what to do at that moment. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot," he said, his voice trembling. "I just .... I couldn't keep it to myself anymore. You've been such an important part of my life, and I can't help how I feel." Clara blinked, breaking the silence. "Micheal, I never thought you felt this way." She ran a hand through her hair, her expression shifting from confusion to contemplation, trying to hide the excitement of butterflies running through her stomach because she so longed for this day. "I care about you a lot, but I'm scared too, it's happening real fast and it is very overwhelming I must confess, but Micheal ...." She could see the conflict in his eyes, that battle between desire and fear. Clara instinctively reached out, placing her hand on his cheek, feeling his warmth against her palm. "Michael, fear is part of being human. But you don't have to carry this burden alone. We can face it together." A rush of warmth flooded through him at her words, and he felt the knot in his chest loosen slightly. "Clara, I'm afraid of losing myself in you, of losing control. You've captivated m