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Genevieve's heart was pounding so hard against her ribs that she was sure Eden must be able to hear it. This was it, the moment she’d never thought she’d get to with anyone again. Genevieve took a deep breath, gathering every ounce of courage she possessed.
"I love you, Eden," she said, clear and unwavering. "I'm in love with you. And I'm sorry it took me so long to say it. I'm sorry I couldn't say it even though you were brave enough to tell me how you felt. I was scared and stupid, and I hurt you. But if you'll let me, I want to spend a very long time making it up to you."
For a stretched, agonizing moment, Eden simply stared, her expression unreadable. Genevieve felt her heart sink. Had she waited too long? Had she ruined everything by running away?
But then, slowly, a smile began to spread across Eden's face. It started small, just a slight quirk of her lips, but it quickly grew into a radiant, joyful grin that lit up her entire face.
“I thought I was supposed to be the one who delivered the emotional monologues,” she chuckled.
“Oh, stop,” Genevieve huffed, playfully batting the gleeful actress away. Though, only a second later, she couldn’t help but pull Eden into her arms to plant a kiss on the top of her head.
"You love me?" Eden whispered into Genevieve's neck.
Genevieve nodded, another breathless laugh escaping her. "I do. God help me, I do. More than I ever thought possible."
She tightened their embrace, her fingers tangling in golden hair as they clung to each other. Breathing in the familiar scent of roses, Genevieve felt as if she'd finally come home after a long, arduous journey. Though seconds later, she felt Eden's body shaking against hers. It took Genevieve a moment to realize thatEden was crying. Genevieve's own tears fell freely, soaking into the neckline of her wrinkled sweater.
They stayed like that for a long while, neither willing to let go. Genevieve stroked Eden's hair, murmuring soothing words between her own quiet sobs. She poured every ounce of love and regret into her touch, willing Eden to understand the depth of her feelings.
Finally, Eden pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Genevieve's gaze. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes red-rimmed, but shining with an inner light that took Genevieve's breath away.
"I understand now," Eden said softly, her voice hoarse from crying. "I'm sorry I hid. I should have been stronger. For the play. You held back because you didn’t want our work to be at risk, but I just chucked the whole thing out the window anyway."
Genevieve shook her head, cupping Eden's face in her hands. "No, don't apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm the one who pushed you away. I'm the one who was too scared to face my own feelings. I’m not surprised you didn’t want to be within a hundred yards of me after the way I treated you. Play or no play."
Eden leaned into Genevieve's touch, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "The company is lucky to have such a committed pair," she said, with more of her usual, playful humour.
Genevieve couldn't help but laugh again, the sound mingling with the hoarse remnants of her sobs. "They couldn’t dream of doing better," she agreed, her thumbs gently wiping away the last traces of moisture from Eden's cheeks.
"So, what happens now?" Eden asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.
Genevieve took a deep breath, considering her words carefully. "I’m done hiding . . . I want us to be together properly. No sneaking around . . . if that's what you want?"
Eden's response was immediate and emphatic. "It's all I want," she said, her ocean eyes glittering with conviction.
Genevieve felt her heart swell with joy and relief. She leaned forward, pressing her forehead against Eden's. "I want that too," she whispered. "More than anything."
They stayed like that for a moment, breathing each other in. Then, slowly, inevitably, their lips met.
The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if they were both afraid the other might disappear. But soon enough, neither could resist the urge to deepen it, coming together in a tangle of tongues and hungry lips. Genevieve poured her pent-up emotions into that kiss – her love, her regret, and her hopes for their future together.
Eden responded with equal fervour, her hands coming up to twine into Genevieve's hair. They lost themselves in each other’s hold, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. To the press of their bodies and the mingling of breaths.
When they finally parted, both were panting slightly. Genevieve rested her forehead against Eden's again, unable to stop the wide smile spreading across her face.
"I love you," she said again, revelling in the freedom to say those words.
Eden's answering smile was almost blinding. "I love you too," she replied.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, Genevieve tucking Eden’s head back under her jaw and tracing lazy circles on her back. But as the anxious fog began to clear from her brain, Genevieve knew they needed to address the elephant in the room.
"Eden," she began hesitantly, "about the play . . ."
Eden tensed slightly in her arms but didn't pull away. "I know," she said softly. "I let everyone down today. I understand if you need to replace me."
Genevieve shook her head vehemently. "No, absolutely not. You are Beatrice. No one else could possibly do justice to the role the way you do."
Eden looked up, hope and uncertainty warring in her eyes. "But after today . . ."
