Home / Dare Me Once: Unveiling the Unexpected Journey That Began With a Simple Dare
Dare Me Once: Unveiling the Unexpected Journey That Began With a Simple Dare
Chapter 23
Chapter 231717words
Update Time2024-11-01 09:22:47
MAXIMO POV
"I sent you two here today to fix whatever you have," Alex's voice resonated with a mix of concern and pain. His words hung in the air, leaving me puzzled as to why he was involving himself in our personal matters. Looking into his eyes, I could see the hurt that he was trying to hide. My gaze shifted towards Mia, who seemed to be overwhelmed by the situation as she stood before us, her head bowed.
Alex then informed us that he would leave us to sort things out, retreating back to his office. As he departed, a sense of unease settled within me, making it difficult to comprehend the gravity of the conversation. With Alex gone, I turned my attention towards Mia, seeking answers amidst the confusion. Her tear-stained face betrayed her emotions, making it evident that something significant had transpired. I longed to wipe away her tears, but I felt a lack of strength, both physically and mentally, given the perplexing circumstances surrounding us.

"What is Alex talking about, huh Mia?" I inquired, my voice laced with a mixture of concern and frustration. Mia met my gaze, her tear-filled eyes reflecting her remorse. The sight of her tears tugged at my heart, yet I refrained from reaching out to comfort her, for my own confusion hindered any immediate action.
"Sorry Luis, I'm sorry, I'm really, really sorry because I hid the truth about our daughter," her voice cracked as she sobbed. I averted my gaze, unable to witness her anguish, knowing that her tears pained me just as deeply. She continued, the words escaping amidst her sobs, "I had been planning to tell you, but Xander took matters into his own hands and revealed the truth before I had the chance."
"So... she is my daughter?" I questioned, my tone laced with bitterness. "All these years, I never knew that I had a child, that we had a child," I said, shaking my head in disbelief and raising my gaze to prevent the tears threatening to escape from welling up in my eyes.
"I'm sorry because I was scared," Mia's voice trembled as she poured out her feelings, tears streaming down her face. She knelt in front of me, her vulnerability on full display. Each word she uttered carried the weight of her fears and insecurities. Her admission of being afraid that I wouldn't accept our daughter, fueled by the belief that my intention for her was merely a result of my connection with Rhian, pierced my heart.
"I'm sorry because I didn't let you explain that day," she continued, her voice laden with regret. "When I saw you with Rhian that day, I jumped to conclusions and left without giving you a chance to clarify. But now, now I realize that you didn't cheat on me six years ago. That's why I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I hurt you then, and I'm still causing you pain now." The tears flowed freely as Mia confessed her remorse, her body trembling with emotion.
Unable to bear her anguish any longer, I knelt down to meet her eye level, pulling her into a tight embrace. We clung to each other, tears mingling as we sought solace in each other's arms. "I'm sorry if I got mad at you," I whispered, my voice laced with a mix of remorse and understanding. In that moment, gazing into her tear-stained eyes, I realized that my anger couldn't withstand the sight of her vulnerability. It melted away, making space for forgiveness and healing.

We held onto each other, not needing words to express the depth of our emotions. Mia's cries eventually subsided, and we sat on the floor facing each other, our bodies weary but hearts filled with a sense of renewal. Silence enveloped us, allowing the weight of our shared history to settle.
Finally, Mia broke the silence, her voice soft yet determined as she began to share her truth. "It was just a dare at first," her words hung in the air, echoing with a mix of vulnerability and honesty. I remained silent, fixated on her.
Mia's words poured out, each syllable carrying a profound sense of vulnerability and regret. I listened intently, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. Her confession revealed that our time together had meant more to her than just a mere dare. She had fallen in love with me, and though it was fleeting, her feelings were genuine. The memory of seeing me with Rhian that day had clouded her judgment, causing her to deny her true emotions and hurt me in the process.
As tears streamed down Mia's face once again, I couldn't help but feel a surge of tenderness. Without hesitation, I gently wiped away her tears, trying to offer comfort amidst the weight of our shared history. A small smile formed on my lips as she expressed her love for me. Hearing those words from the person I loved filled me with warmth and reassurance.

Suddenly, determination welled up within me, and I blurted out, "Marry me, Mia." Her wide-eyed surprise reflected the unexpectedness of my proposal, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Pulling a small box from my pocket, one that I had carried for six long years, I revealed my unwavering hope that she would come back into my life. It contained a precious ring, symbolizing my commitment to her.
With a trembling voice, I asked, "Can I keep you and never let you go? Will you be mine for the rest of my life as I promise to be yours?" As I opened the box to reveal the ring nestled inside, Mia's tearful response came in a breathless whisper, "Yes, I will marry you, Maximo Luis Gonzalez." Overwhelmed with emotion, she embraced me tightly, her tears mingling with mine.
As our embrace loosened, I delicately slid the ring onto her finger, a symbol of our love and commitment. Meeting her gaze, I spoke from the depths of my heart, "I love you, Mia, and I will never let you go again." An unguarded smile spread across her face as she met my gaze, radiating joy and contentment. Words escaped her lips, filled with equal parts love and disbelief, "I love you too, Luis."
A playful gleam danced in her eyes as she glanced at the ring adorning her finger. "Is this really for me?" she teased, causing a chuckle to escape my lips. "Yes, Mia, it is all yours," I assured her, delighting in the lightheartedness that had resurfaced within us. In that moment, as we basked in the renewed depth of our love and the promise of forever, I knew that Mia was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
"When we were together in my condo, thoughts flooded my mind as I impulsively bought a ring for you. In that moment, being in your presence sparked a desire to marry you, to be bound to you for eternity. But fate had intervened, and before I could act on those feelings, you left me, leaving me with a bittersweet mix of hope and regret." I continued.
A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I observed Mia's tear-stained face, her cheeks flushed and puffy from crying. For a moment, her vulnerability softened the room, reminding me of the depth of our connection.
"What about Alex?" I asked her as curiosity made its way into my voice. Mia's gaze shifted towards the closed door of Alex's office, a sigh escaping her lips as she wrestled with her conflicting emotions.
"I don't know why Xander is doing this, in the past six years he has always been there for me and never let me down. I tried to tell him how I feel about you, but my heart is a traitor. I love Xander, but my love for you runs deeper. I just don't want to hurt him." She said then turned to face me.
Her words hung heavy in the air, enveloping us in a tangled web of complex emotions. I understood her dilemma—the anguish of having to choose between two people she cared deeply for.
With a reassuring smile, I responded, "No matter what decision we make, someone will inevitably get hurt. Love is messy like that, Mia. But Alex chose to set us free, to release you for our sake."
Standing up, I extended my hand to help her rise from her seat. "Let's go," I said gently. Together, Mia and I made our way towards Alex's office. Upon entering the room, my eyes landed on Alex and my daughter, Ximara.
A rush of warmth and joy washed over me as Ximara eagerly ran towards me, her tiny arms reaching out. "Daddy!" my daughter said happily so I bent down and picked her up.
Alex's voice broke the sentimental moment, his tone tinged with sorrow yet laced with kindness. "My club is about to open, so perhaps you can take them home first," he suggested, his smile masking the pain that lingered beneath the surface. Understanding his unspoken message, I simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Turning to address Mia, Alex continued, "Hmm... okay, Chimi, I'll send your belongings and Ximara's things to Maximo's condo." The weight of their shared history hung heavily in the room, an unspoken reminder of the sacrifices made for the sake of love.
Confusion filled our daughter's innocent voice as she sought answers. "Daddy, are Mommy and I going to your house? What about Dada?" Ximara inquired, her eyes fixed on Alex.
Gently, Alex knelt down, maintaining his gentle smile. "I'm sorry, my little Chimi, but dada is still busy. Remember what I told you before? Once daddy isn't busy anymore, you'll be together, right?" he explained, seeking to alleviate any confusion within her young mind. Ximara nodded, her trust in her father unwavering.
With a sense of finality, I interrupted their exchange, breaking the heavy atmosphere that surrounded us. "Alright, we're leaving," I announced, bidding Alex a heartfelt goodbye. His response was a simple nod, his lips curved into a bittersweet smile. And with that, we departed from Alex's Club, venturing forth into a future filled with uncertainties, accompanied by the woman I loved and our precious daughter.