“But Sheila was not into the idea. She didn’t even ask who we had in mind for her. She simply said that she wasn’t interested in dating right now.

“Well, she denied it when I asked if she had a crush, but I saw the hesitation in her. You might have an effect on her, but she probably isn’t sure if what she feels for you is love.”

Serenity’s few sentences turned Alex’s panic into joy.

“Keep it up, Alex. Put in the effort, and I trust that you’ll have the woman of your dreams by next year.”