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

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

alcohol by the same and the way he grimaces. Aiden's presence warms my other side as

silence stretches as everyone

a sweetheart table. The silence is awkward and we all look

notice how tense we all

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

be there

mother in disbelief. "You're staying in Italy

her champagne. "I might as well enjoy the time there. It's not every day you get to shop and

to say more. Of course, she'd use her honeymoon as a solo vacation. Should I really be

is

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

on his shoulder as

look..." Aiden

to Zaid. He's on his

up and sees me leaning against Aiden,

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You Can't Deny It

tightening.

thinking about my response, and he

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

eyes land on

heart pounding as I step

beginning to join the

waist, his other hand

It's just... this

closer, his gaze

at him, wide eyed. 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