PART 3 - CHAPTER 149 JESS

I climbed the stairs slowly, each step feeling like a burden, weighed down by the storm swirling in my mind. Luke's words echoed in my head, his touch lingering on my skin, the way he looked at me as if I were the center of his universe.

But despite that warmth, an impenetrable wall stood between us-a barrier I couldn't break down, no matter how hard I tried. It hurt more than I could express, and I didn't even understand why.

A cold wave of dread washed over me as I reached the landing outside my dorm. Aiden was leaning against the door, his arms crossed, a smug grin plastered on his face. Perfect.

Just what I needed.

"Aiden, what are you doing here?" I asked, annoyed before even hearing his reply. I wasn't in the mood-not after everything, not after the emotional whirlwind with Luke.

He shrugged, sliding away from the door with a self-satisfied smirk. "Thought we could talk. I'm surprised you are back here so early. Mr. Big football player couldn't get it up?" Aiden was bitter, clearly and wanted to hurt me because... Did I hurt him? "Talk?" I snapped, shoving past him to fumble for my keys. "There's nothing to talk about. I told you-I'm fine. I can handle

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PART 3 CHAPTER 149

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breath, shooting him a glare that could cut glass. "Some stalker. Just leave me

everyone you are trying to remember when I know you are not. You feel relieved. You are just too scared

a hint of alcohol

go home before you

drunk," he replied, his voice low and steady. "And you don't want me here because you are scared shitless of me. Of the feelings

right key for the door, frustration seeping into every pore. "Just leave

3 -

what you

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"Just fucking leave!" I screamed, the words sharp and

jagged wound that neither of us could ignore. Aiden blinked, the drunken haze lifting slightly, revealing a

strained. He stepped forward, and I instinctively backed against the door, my heart pounding. "But don't act like you're not the one who's lost, Jess. You can scream at me all you want, but that's not going to fix what's really broken inside you." Staring at the floor, I bent down to grab the keys I'd dropped, my hands shaking with

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