Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 104

A Thousand Words-2

Aiden chuckles from beside me, his fingers at my collarbone dropping lower until he grazes the top of my breast.

Jake clicks his tongue, his voice sharp. "Aiden, don't be inappropriate."

But when I look at him, his expression isn't just disapproving. It's jealous. His fingers are white from how hard he grips onto the glass in his hands.

I force a small smile and turn to Aiden, holding up the necklace. "Thank you. It's

beautiful."

I press a soft kiss to his lips, trying to ignore the weight of Jake's stare and the lacey garment still in the box.

Then Zaid stands, retrieving a bigger box from under the tree. When he hands it to me, I frown, glancing at him.

He just nods toward it, silently urging me to open it.

I do. And the moment I see what's inside, my heart stops.

A painting.

Not just any painting. One of his paintings. My father's.

A strangled sound escapes my throat as I cover my mouth, tears instantly pricking my

of color I remember watching him mix when I was a little girl. "I—I thought my mom got rid of them all

closer, his voice soft. "She

a quiet sob before launching

me a piece

my back, his

he wipes the tears from my cheeks with careful

A Thousand Words 2

flickers to jake, who is

clears his throat, nodding toward the last gift under

too."

1 blink. "Wait-what?"

get up, moving toward the tree and picking up the last

I unwrap the box and open it. The moment I see what's inside, warmth spreads through my

with my name, and a set of

blurs slightly as I stare down at

thousand emotions rushing through me at

I want to

I whisper, my

nods, his gaze holding mine for a long, quiet

exhale sharply and glance between the

I didn't get anything for you

against the

me a subtle nod in