Chapter 70 – The Honorable Farewell
Buckingham Palace had never been so illuminated. The golden lights reflected the grandeur of the occasion as guests from around the world arrived in formal attire, their voices filling the historic halls. The reason? The retirement party for Alex Rider, the legendary SAS operator, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Alex, now officially retired, was dressed in an elegant tuxedo. He looked impeccable, but he felt out of place amidst the glamour. He had never sought public recognition; his life had been dedicated to duty, discretion, and the protection of the crown. But tonight was not for him to refuse.
Arriving at the palace in a discreet black car, Alex was greeted by officers of the royal guard. He passed through the main corridor, where soldiers saluted in his honor. As he entered the main hall, he saw faces both familiar and new. Among them were members of the royal family, high-ranking military personnel, and political figures.
The Queen, in an elegant blue dress, stood in the center of the room, surrounded by her family. Prince William, his wife Kate, and Prince Harry were there, all wearing warm smiles as Alex entered.
"Alex, it's so good to see you," William said, shaking his hand firmly. "This party is more than deserved."
Kate smiled, hugging him gently.
"You're a legend, Alex. We're all here for you."
Harry walked over, his eyes playful.
"I didn't know you could wear a tuxedo, Rider. I always pictured you covered in dust and holding a gun."
Alex chuckled lightly.
"Me too."
A short time later, the guests were seated, and the Queen took the podium to deliver her speech.
"Today, we celebrate a man whose life was dedicated to service, courage, and loyalty. Alex Rider is not just a soldier; he is a symbol of the best our country has to offer. His courage on the battlefield and his devotion to the crown were unparalleled."
The room erupted in applause. Alex, sitting close to the podium, bowed his head, feeling the weight of the words.
"Alex, on behalf of the United Kingdom, we thank you for everything. This night is for you."
Alex was called to the stage, where he received a standing ovation. Humbly, he took the microphone.
"I never did this for the recognition. I did it for my country, for my comrades, and for the crown. It's an honor to be here, but the real honor was to serve. Thank you all."
As the party continued, Alex was surrounded by important figures. Army generals, members of special forces from several countries, and even heads of state came to greet him.
Charlize Theron was among the guests, stunning in a black dress. She watched him from a distance for a moment before approaching.
"It seems like you're adapting well to life off the battlefield, Alex."
Alex smiled.
"I'm trying. Although this is all… quite different from what I'm used to."
Charlize laughed softly.
"You deserve this, Alex. Every moment of it."
They chatted for a few minutes, and although there was some unresolved tension between them, they both knew that this was a time for celebration, not decisions. Among the guests, Alex found familiar faces from his career. Christian Craighead was there, still with his dry wit.
"So, now that you're retired, are you going to become one of those security consultants who charge a fortune?"
Alex laughed. "Maybe. Or maybe I'll disappear altogether."
Craighead patted him on the shoulder. "You deserve your rest, mate."
Other British and American special forces operators were there too. Representatives from DEVGRU, Delta Force, and the SAS shared stories, recalling missions and moments of camaraderie.
"Remember that time in Mali?" an SAS operator said.
Alex laughed. "How could I forget? That was my last field assignment."
At midnight, the Queen raised a glass of champagne for a final toast.
— To the courage, dedication, and legacy of Alex Rider. May his next journey be as extraordinary as the one he left behind.
All present raised their glasses, echoing the toast.
— To Alex!
Alex, overcome with emotion, raised his glass in response.
As the evening drew to a close, Alex found a moment of silence in the palace gardens. Looking up at the stars, he reflected on his career, the people he had met, and the sacrifices he had made.
Charlize met him outside.
"Thinking about the future?" she asked, leaning against the wall beside him.
"Trying."
She smiled.
"Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be something remarkable."
Alex didn't answer right away, but there was a slight smile on his lips. He knew that for the first time in a long time, he had the freedom to choose his path.
And though the future was uncertain, Alex was ready to embrace it.
The party was a perfect ending to an extraordinary career. And while the world saw Alex Rider as a hero, he saw himself simply as a man who had done his duty and was ready to begin a new chapter in his life.
Chapter 71 – A New Chance
Alex Rider's retirement party at Buckingham Palace had ended a few hours ago, but the memories were still vivid in the minds of everyone who attended. Amid the smiles, the emotional speeches and the reunions, there was a particular story that continued to unfold.
Charlize Theron, still stunning in her black dress, was sitting in a private lounge at the hotel where she was staying in London. Soft music played in the background, and she held a glass of red wine, looking out the window at the illuminated city. This was not the kind of event she attended regularly, but something had drawn her there that night. Something or someone.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in," she said curiously.
Alex appeared, now without his tuxedo, wearing a dark sweater and jeans, but still exuding the same confidence that had intrigued her years ago. He closed the door behind him and walked toward her, a slight smile on his lips.
— I hope you're not bothering me.
"Not at all," Charlize replied, smiling. "But I must admit I'm surprised. I thought you'd be enjoying your new freedom, away from all this."
Alex walked over to her, stopping beside her. He took the wine glass from her hand, took a sip, and set it on the table.
"Charlize, I was thinking…"
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"About what?"
Alex leaned in, close enough for his voice to be a whisper.
"About that night, years ago. About what we didn't do."
Her face flushed slightly, but she held his gaze steady.
"And what exactly are you suggesting, Alex Rider?"
He smiled, a smile that was both challenging and seductive.
"I'm suggesting we could try, if you want."
Before she could respond, Alex moved even closer, placing one hand firmly on her waist and the other sliding down to her thigh.
"You're still as hot as you were that night, Charlize," he murmured in her ear, his voice low and husky. "And this time, I won't hold back."
She held her breath, feeling his intensity. Alex brought his hand to the curve of her waist and squeezed lightly, his other hand moving discreetly down to cup her ass, eliciting a small gasp of surprise.
"Alex…" she began, but he interrupted her.
"Tell me you want it, Charlize. If you don't, I'll stop now."
She looked up at him, her eyes locked on his. There was an internal battle raging in her mind, but deep down, she knew the answer.
"I want it."
What started as a palpable tension quickly turned into an explosion of emotions and desire. Alex took Charlize by the hand and gently pulled her closer, their lips finally meeting in a passionate kiss.
She slid her hands over his broad shoulders, feeling the firmness of his muscles beneath the fabric of his sweater. Alex lifted her easily, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her to the bedroom.
"You still have all that strength," she teased, panting between kisses.
"You're still irresistible," he replied, his voice thick with desire.
They both gave themselves completely to each other, as if all the years that had passed were nothing. Alex was intense, but also gentle, and Charlize lost herself in the moment, letting herself be carried away by the connection that seemed stronger than ever.
Hours later, Charlize was lying in bed, with Alex by her side. He had his arm around her, his fingers tracing light circles on her skin.
"That was…" she began, searching for the words.
"Inevitable?" Alex suggested, smiling.
She laughed softly.
"I think that's a good word."
He leaned over and kissed her forehead, his gaze suddenly serious.
— Charlize, I don't know what the future holds. But if there's a chance we can try something… I'm willing.
She looked at him, surprised by his sincerity.
"Do you really think it would work?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "Our lives are different, but maybe that's exactly why it works."
She was silent for a moment, considering his words.
"Let's see what happens, Alex. Life is full of surprises, after all."
He smiled, pulling her closer.
"Then let's enjoy this surprise."
And so, Alex Rider, who had spent years facing danger and uncertainty, found something he hadn't planned on: a new chance to explore something that had been left unfinished in the past.
Chapter 72 – The Focus of the Lens
The headlines first appeared in online tabloids and social media. "Charlize Theron Off the Market: Actress Seen With Mysterious Younger Man." The public's curiosity was instantaneous, but information was scarce. All that was known was that Charlize had been seen in London with a tall, blond man who was clearly in excellent physical shape.
It was a sunny afternoon, a rare thing for London. Charlize and Alex were walking together through a park near the hotel where she was staying. Alex was wearing a black leather jacket and dark jeans, while Charlize wore a casual dress that highlighted her natural beauty. They looked relaxed, talking and laughing as they walked hand in hand.
"I can't believe you managed to get me out in the daylight," Alex joked, looking at the photographers in the distance.
"Well, you've been through much worse. I'm sure you can handle a few cameras," Charlize replied, laughing.
Alex smiled, but he was clearly uncomfortable with the attention. It wasn't something he was used to. Years of service in the SAS had taught him to avoid the spotlight.
"This isn't my thing, you know."
Charlize squeezed his hand.
"Trust me, you'll get used to it."
But as they walked, the camera flashes began to increase. Some of the paparazzi were disguised, others were more daring, getting closer to capture as much of their interaction as possible.
"They won't leave us alone, will they?" Alex asked, narrowing his eyes at one particularly intrusive photographer.
"No, but just ignore it. Don't worry, I've dealt with this for years."
The next day, the story was everywhere. Celebrity websites and mainstream newspapers alike were speculating about Alex's identity. "Who is the mystery man who has won over Charlize Theron?" was one of the most popular headlines. Some publications even suggested that he could be an actor, a businessman or even an athlete.
The British media went even further, with investigative journalists trying to find out any details about the man who stood beside one of the most famous women in the world. However, Alex's connections to the SAS kept much of his past shrouded in mystery.
"They're obsessed," Alex commented, sitting on the sofa in Charlize's room as they watched a TV show discussing their romance.
"That's normal," Charlize replied, pouring two glasses of wine. "It's the price of fame."
He shook his head, smiling.
"I'm not famous. You are."
"And now you're famous by association," she joked, handing him the glass.
A few days later, Alex and Charlize decided to have dinner at a fancy restaurant in central London. Despite trying to be discreet, word of their presence spread quickly, and a small crowd of onlookers and photographers formed outside.
As they walked out, Alex, dressed in a crisp black suit, seemed more at ease. He held Charlize's hand as they walked toward their waiting car.
"They're chanting your name," Alex said, looking out at the crowd.
"And yours too, eventually," Charlize replied with a smile.
As they climbed into the car, Alex couldn't help but think about how his life had changed so drastically. From missions in war zones to dinners with one of the most iconic women in the world, it all seemed surreal.
Charlize, in a recent interview to promote a film, was asked about her relationship status.
"Charlize, you seem to be glowing lately. Does that have anything to do with the mystery man you've been seen with?"
She laughed, but didn't reveal much.
"I'm happy, and that's all that matters, right?"
The rumors continued to grow, but Alex remained an enigma to the public. His discretion and the respect the British media had for matters related to the SAS made it difficult to find out more about him.
Back at the hotel, Charlize and Alex talked about the impact their relationship was having.
"I know this is a bit much," Charlize said, sitting next to Alex on the couch. "If this is a problem for you, I understand."
Alex shook his head.
"It's not a problem. It's just… different. But I guess I've gotten used to dealing with unexpected things."
Charlize smiled, touching his face.
"You're different from anyone I've ever met, Alex."
He took her hand and looked into her eyes.
"And you're the reason I'm willing to face all this."
Despite the media attention, Alex and Charlize found a way to continue their relationship away from the cameras whenever possible. He knew that eventually the world would find out more about his past, but for now, he was focused on the present and the future with her.
Meanwhile, the headlines kept coming. "Has Charlize Theron Finally Found Her Perfect Match?" "Who Is the Mystery Man Standing Next to the Actress?"
But for Alex and Charlize, the most important thing was that they were finally enjoying what had started years ago, when their lives were very different. Now, they had a real chance to explore what they could be together, regardless of what the world thought.
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