Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 68

You Can't Deny It

The ceremony ends just as the sun dips entirely.

The only light comes from the bulbs that hang from the branches. I look around.

It's like something out of a dream, with fairy lights strung between trees and tables draped in pristine white cloth. The air buzzes with chatter and laughter as everyone moves toward the reception area.

I spot my mom and Jake standing near their table, surrounded by well-wishers.

My stomach churns, but I force myself to step forward, weaving through the crowd until I'm standing in front of them.

"Congratulations," I say, my voice soft but steady as I smile at my mother, even as my lips

tremble.

Her eyes narrow, a flicker of irritation crossing her face. "At least you stuck around tonight," she says, her tone sharp enough to slice through me.

I falter, the smile slipping. "I'm sorry-"

"There's no point, Alina. Just save the apologies. They don't mean anything anymore."

Heat rises to my cheeks, embarrassment and guilt crashing together. I nod tightly, not trusting myself to say anything else.

No one deserves to be yelled at on their wedding day.

Instead, I turn to Jake, who's watching the exchange with an unreadable expression.

"Congratulations, Jake," I manage, forcing a smile as I step forward to hug him.

His arms come around me, his hand on my naked lower back. I pull away quick, not

letting his touch linger.

"Thanks, Alina," he murmurs, his voice almost too intimate. His eyes linger on mine for a beat too long, leaving me flustered. I rub the back of my neck as I look around the place

for Aiden.

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You Can't Deny it

my seat at the family table, where Zaid is already waiting. He

side as he sits beside

as everyone takes their

family table instead of having a sweetheart table. The

how tense we

Zaid who decides to break the silence. He leans forward, arms on the table, and looks

"We're heading to Italy, but I'll only be there for a few days. Diana plans to stay for three

Italy for

enjoy the time there. It's not every day you get

my cheek, fighting the urge to say more. Of course, she'd use her

marriage is

and offers his hand to my

Aiden, resting my head on his shoulder as

look..." Aiden

don't say happy," I reply, though my gaze flicks to Zaid.

sees me leaning against

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You Can't Deny It

tightening.

about my response, and he presses a kiss to my

and me. It's about family. So I want all of us to dance together, to mark

as everyone's eyes land on us. My mom grabs

heart pounding as I step

other people are beginning to join the dance floor and it isn't

rests lightly on my waist, his other hand holding mine.

"I'm not. It's just...

leans closer, his gaze intense. "No,

my dress doing nothing to cover it. My skin prickles and the moment his eyes drop to my lips, I try to