Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 212

All or Nothing-2

The morning air is warm as I collapse into one of the patio chairs, curling my

knees to my chest. I bite down on the inside of my cheek, willing myself not to cry. The last thing I want is for any of them to come out here and see me like this.

To see how much it's tearing me apart.

The door creaks, and it's Aiden that's making his way toward me.

He doesn't say anything at first. He just walks over, sits beside me, and without

asking, pulls me gently onto his lap. His arms wrap around my waist.

"I'm sorry," he whispers into my hair, his lips brushing my forehead.

I let myself fall into the warmth of him.

"I didn't know he broke up with you," he murmurs.

I shake my head. "It just happened."

"Why?" He tightens his arms around me.

I close my eyes, swallowing against the knot in my throat. "Zaid thinks I'm using

ignore what's

feel the way his muscles tense

He asked me

again. He said we needed to talk first. That I needed to deal with things a bit

bury myself in

doesn't say anything, but I feel the subtle shift in

way he always does when

didn't want to talk," I whisper. "I didn't

no, and I got upset. I left. And

so thick it feels like it's pushing down on my

knew it would

1/3

want to feel."

me just enough that I can see his face. His eyes are soft, but there's something

he finally speaks, his voice is low. Careful. "And I let

"You didn't do anything wrong. You were just being you. You didn't

why you were upset." He exhales, the sound rough. "I didn't

My throat tightens.

murmurs. “Zaid. You use it to hide. You use

nod. "I think so, but it's not just that. I

me in closer. "I know you do, but

breaking up

in love with you, Alina. He wants you to feel whole. I'm sure being apart from you is