We sat in the library darkness, hands intertwined across the desk, both processing the weight of confessions we'd just made. Everything felt different now that we'd admitted our feelings without strategic qualifications or family considerations.
"What happens now?" I asked finally.
"Now we figure out how to be together despite every logical reason we shouldn't be. We navigate family warfare and media scrutiny and coordinated attacks while maintaining genuine connection instead of letting external pressure destroy what we have."
"That sounds impossible."
"Probably. But maybe impossible is worth attempting when the alternative is letting other people's control dictate our relationship."
Alexander moved around the desk, pulling me up from my chair and into his arms with gentle intensity.
