Love Can't Be Forced

Daniella POV

The elegant restaurant was dimly lit and nearly empty as I stepped inside. Mike Lewis stood at the table, a charming smile on his face as he pulled out a chair for me with effortless grace.

"Daniella, I'm so glad you accepted my invitation," he said, taking my hand and placing a gentle kiss on it.

His actions were polished, almost textbook in their perfection, as though rehearsed to sweep a woman off her feet. I couldn't deny that Mike was the epitome of charm, his tailored suit, the faint scent of an expensive cologne lingering in the air, and his confident demeanor were all hallmarks of a man accustomed to getting what he wanted. But as I sat down, I couldn't help but notice that none of it stirred the slightest flutter in my chest. Not like Alpha, who could make my pulse race just by walking into the room in a plain white shirt.

 "Thank you, Mr. Lewis" I replied with a polite smile, hoping to mask the dissonance in my thoughts. "I'm glad to be here, and I have to apologize for declining your Christmas invitations in the past. It's not personal. I'm just never in San Francisco during the holidays."

Mike chuckled, his expression warm. "Please, call me Mike. And I understand. Still, it's good to finally sit down together." He signaled for the waiter to pour us wine, and as he swirled his glass, he asked, "Do you always spend Christmas with your family?"

 The question caught me off guard, and I simply nodded, choosing not to share the real reason I avoided holidays altogether.

Mike smiled as the waiter refilled our wine glasses, his gaze soft yet intent.

"You're a rare gem, Daniella," Mike said with admiration. "In today's world, it's unusual to find a career-driven woman who still values family so much. It only makes me admire you more."" His voice was steady "I've admired you from afar for a while. Your intelligence, your poise, it's rare to meet someone like you in both the legal world and life in general."

I sipped my wine slowly, searching for the right response. "Thank you, Mike. That's kind of you to say. I hope you know I hold a lot of respect for you as well, both professionally and personally."

I smiled politely, though his words didn't stir anything in me. Not like Alpha, whose smallest gestures, a cup of coffee or his quiet presence, made my heart race.

 "Why is the restaurant so empty?" I asked, glancing around the luxurious yet eerily silent space.

 "I reserved the entire place for us," Mike admitted with a proud smile. "I wanted to get to know you better without distractions."

I blinked, surprised but not flattered in the way he probably hoped.

 "I've been captivated by you ever since you handled the patent case for my company," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "Your confidence and brilliance in that meeting were extraordinary."

 "Thank you," I replied, smiling lightly. "It's just my job, and I'm well-compensated to win for my clients."

 Our conversation flowed easily, touching on various topics. Mike was engaging and knowledgeable, the kind of man who could charm anyone. But as much as I enjoyed the conversation, my heart remained unmoved.

 As we neared the end of the meal, Mike suddenly leaned forward.

"Daniella, are you serious about Alpha? Or is he just… your holidate?"

 "Holidate?" I echoed, puzzled.

 He chuckled. "Like the Netflix movie, someone you spend the holidays with to keep from being alone."

 I laughed, shaking my head. "No, Mike, Alpha isn't a holidate. Our relationship is still new, but I've never felt this way before. Being near him makes my heart race. Even when I was engaged to Brandon, I never felt this kind of spark."

Mike's expression shifted slightly, and after a pause, he asked, "And with me? Do you feel any spark?"

I answered honestly, "No."

He sighed dramatically, a hint of humor in his eyes. "Well, that's disappointing."

Then, to my surprise, he slid his chair closer and leaned in to kiss me. The moment his lips brushed mine, I instinctively pulled back, lowering my gaze.

 "I'm sorry," I murmured.

 Mike's voice softened. "No, I'm the one who should apologize. I just… I wanted to see if there was a spark between us, something deeper. But I guess you've made it clear."

 I shook my head gently. "I'm sorry, Mike. I didn't feel anything. And honestly, I've been down this road before, choosing a relationship based on practicality and convenience. It didn't end well, and it left me broken. This time, I want to follow my heart, to be with someone who makes me feel alive, even if all he has to offer is love."

 Mike nodded, his expression understanding. "You're right, Daniella. And if I'm honest, I didn't feel a spark either. I admire you. you're incredible, but perhaps I've been looking for the wrong thing. I thought you were the perfect match for my lifestyle, but love should be more than that."

I smiled. "Exactly. I hope you find someone who makes your heart race, Mike. Someone who's more than just a perfect fit for your life."

 He laughed softly. "I will. And you, you're going to make Alpha one lucky man."

 "Thank you," I said, feeling a sense of relief and clarity.

 The conversation turned lighter, and as we prepared to leave, I added, " Mike... I'm happy we can still be friends. You're a great person, and I'd be even happier if you could convince Alex Wong to sign that contract with my law firm."

Mike laughed, his expression brightening. "Hahaha, alright, Daniella. I'll help make sure Alex chooses your firm. But this isn't just because we're friends. I truly believe you're brilliant at what you do."

"Thank you, Mike," I said sincerely, smiling

The night ended on a warm, amicable note, a reminder that love can't be forced, it needs to ignite naturally, like the spark that made my heart race every time I thought of Alpha.