Don't toy with me: sexiest man of the year

THE REVEAL

Antonio simply nodded and stepped out of the car. He walked to the bridge his hands tucked into his pockets, impatiently waiting. He stared across the bridge, admiring the breathtaking view of the water's surface shimmering with the reflection of the twinkling lights. It was just like the old times when he visited the site. He was avoiding having flashbacks about the site and Diana, yet he couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the site before him, it was one of the most romantic places to be. It was pretty much enchanting and relaxing. Antonio felt the gentle breeze caressed his cheeks, carrying the faint scent of nearby blooming flowers. He wasn't alone at the bridge; many couples were there hanging around, drinking and doing their businesses with their love partners. After waiting for a short period without seeing anyone. Antonio grew impatient. His calls are being ignored and yet no sign of this stranger. Is this a joke? He thought. His gaze darted around, searching for signs of the person he was supposed to meet, in the crowded bridge, but it was not that easy, especially when he is yet to know what this lady looks like! As he waited, he decided to make use of that time to call Angela and check up on her. Something is not right with her. They need to talk things out. Just then, his thoughts were interrupted by the sharp ringtone of his phone. He quickly retrieved it from his pocket, and checked the number. Finally, it was the stranger. He immediately felt his heart racing as he answered. “Is this a joke?. I have been at the bridge for close to an hour now!” He snapped, staring across the water. "Turn around”. The caller instructed, their voice cold and emotionless. “And don't panic.” She added. Antonio felt cold chills at those words. His breath hitched in his throat as he slowly turned to face the voice. He suddenly felt his pulse pounding in his ears as his eyes met with hers. Diana was standing right In front of him, just a few feet away. Her blue eyes were as bright as ever and her blonde hair as healthy as he remembered. “Diana…?” Antonio's heart skipped a beat, and his jaw dropped in disbelief. For a moment, he thought he was seeing things, unable to believe that the woman he had believed to be dead was now standing before him, alive and well. “Diana?” he whispered again, his voice trembling with shock and uncertainty. “Is it really you?” Diana smiled and took a step forward, her expression showing her satisfaction with his reaction. "Yes, it's me”. She chuckled with tears embedded in her eyes. Antonio struggled to process everything, his mind reeling with a thousand questions. "But… How is this possible? I thought…" his words trailed off, unable to voice the painful memories of her supposed passing. Diana remained silent, her gaze fixed on Antonio's puzzled face. Her face soaked with tears, she let them flow freely, her lips drew into a soft smile. “I am alive, Antonio, it's me”. She finally breaks the silence. Antonio's eyes widened, he felt like the world shifted, the ground beneath his feet no longer as steady as it once was. Overwhelmed by the unexpected reveal of Diana and the weight of his stirred emotions, Antonio staggered backward, his hand gripping the bridge's railing to steady himself. “No…it can't be”. He gasped. Antonio looked like he had the blood on his system sucked dry. His thoughts were like a tangled web of disbelief, confusion, and fear, compounded by the shock of seeing Diana standing before him. “Ain't you happy that I am alive?” Diana asked him, making a sad face. “You are alive!” Antonio replied again. His heart won't stop pounding in his chest, and he felt dizzy, as if he were caught in a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. He was losing it! “You are still as dramatic as ever, my love”. Diana replied with a smile. Antonio closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself on the bridge. “How is it possible…I… I…thought you are gone forever”. His voice betrayed him as he tried to control his emotions. He had to stop talking; otherwise he would break down in public. The Lover's bridge for the meeting, the voice, the clothes size joke. It's all making sense now. “Touch me then, so you will believe me,” she said, holding out her hand to him. “Feel that I'm real, that I'm alive.” Antonio hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching her face for any signs of deception, but he found none. Tentatively, he reached out, his fingertips brushing against hers. The warmth of her skin sent a shockwave through his body, clearing any doubts he may have had about her. That touch sensation could only be from Diana herself. Just as he was about to pull away, Diana stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Her hands snaked around his neck, and she pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss. The intensity of the kiss caught Antonio off guard, and he was momentarily frozen in place, his body betraying him as it responded to the familiar feel of her lips on his. The emotions that he had thought were long buried surged to the surface, a potent mix of desire, confusion, and betrayal. As Diana pulled away, Antonio was left reeling, his heart racing and his mind racing even faster. After their intense and unexpected reunion, Diana stepped back, studying Antonio with a curious expression. "What happened?” she asked, her voice harsh but insistent. “That is one of the most boring kisses, I expected a hand gripped on my neck.You seem different, not the Antonio I used to know." Antonio immediately avoided her gaze, his emotions still swirling in turmoil. "A lot has happened since you ….you…,” Antonio paused abruptly. “Since I died?” Diana completed it for him. She took a step further. “Really? And I thought you loved me Antonio, you vowed to love me to the end, is this really how you choose to pay me back for all the years we shared together. I should have known you are no different from the rest of them”. Diana scoffed. Antonio moved uncomfortably, unable to fully articulate the confusion and wariness he was feeling. “It's been a long time, Diana,” he said, his voice hesitant. "I'm still processing everything”. Diana nodded, her expression showing her pretend understanding. “You made a promise to me, I didn't expect you to act this way, Antonio, I thought you would be happy”. “I am happy”. Antonio snapped immediately. “Then what is the matter!” Diana snapped impatiently. “I am just confused, I thought you were dead Diana, do you expect me to just dive into your arms and kiss you instantly”. “The old Antonio will do that!” Diana snapped with arched brows and wet eyes. Her rage attracted many heads towards them. “Can we at least talk somewhere else?” He spoke softly. “Yes, I would like to know everything about the brunette bitch you replaced me with”. Antonio's eyes shot wide open.