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

I retreat to my seat at the family table, where Zaid is already waiting. He looks at me with a raised eyebrow over the rim of

my other side as he sits beside me. He gives me a small, reassuring smile, and I return it, grateful for

silence stretches as everyone

of having a sweetheart table. The silence is awkward and we all look at each other. I'm wondering if anyone

how tense we

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

but I'll only be there for a few days. Diana plans to stay

turn to my mother in disbelief. "You're staying in Italy for

time there. It's not

to say more. Of course, she'd use her honeymoon as

is a

the air as Jake stands and offers his hand to my mother. Everyone watches as they glide onto the dance floor for

Aiden, resting my head on his shoulder as we watch

look..." Aiden says

my gaze flicks to Zaid. He's on his phone, his

leaning against

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You Can't Deny It

tightening.

about my response, and he presses

It's about family. So I want all of us

eyes land on us.

pounding as I step

to join

waist, his other hand holding

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

closer, his gaze intense. "No,

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