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

the canvas, over the familiar strokes, the shades of color I remember watching him

closer, his voice

a quiet sob before launching myself

handed me a piece

on my back, his fingers gentle,

wipes the tears from my cheeks with

A Thousand Words 2

everything to him. My gaze flickers to jake, who is watching me with narrowed eyes, his

last gift under the tree. "That one's

too."

1 blink. "Wait-what?"

picking up the last

and open it. The moment I

with my name,

as I stare down at

to Zaid, a thousand emotions rushing through me

I

you," I whisper, my

just nods, his gaze holding mine for a long, quiet

glance between the three of them, guilt creeping into

I didn't get

the couch. "You're my gift,

me a subtle nod