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

over the familiar strokes, the shades of color I remember watching him mix when I was a little girl. "I—I thought my

closer, his voice

out a quiet sob before launching myself

just handed me a piece of

on my back, his fingers gentle,

he wipes the tears from my cheeks with careful

A Thousand Words 2

My gaze flickers to jake, who is

the last

too."

1 blink. "Wait-what?"

the tree and picking up the last present.

The moment I see what's inside, warmth spreads

with my name, and

down at them, my

Zaid, a thousand emotions rushing through me at once.

words I want

I whisper, my voice

holding mine for a

exhale sharply and glance between the three

bad. I didn't get

grins, leaning back against the couch.

me a subtle