Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 220

Leather Journals

The rest of the trip passes in by in contentment. Peace.

We don't have another confrontation or a deep conversation, and I'm thankful for it. Even

more thankful that we aren't forced to share a bed again.

When Zaid woke up, he pulled away like I had burned him.

And maybe I had.

I burn for him.

For once, things are easy. We exist in the same space without feeling the need to fill the silence, and it doesn't feel like something is missing. It feels full in its own

quiet way.

I rest my head against the window, watching the blur of trees and signs pass. Zaid hums along to the music, tapping the wheel in rhythm, and every now and then, he glances at

1. me.

I never look directly at him, because although I feel better than I have in days, sometimes it's still too much. The heaviness hasn't disappeared completely, but it's settled. Like we're learning how to carry it.

We had to stop by and buy a couple of coats and blankets, neither one of us used to the

weather this far east and north.

By the time we reach Virginia, the sun is low, casting everything in a beautiful orange light.

The air smells different here, fresher, cleaner. Hopeful, almost. And the glass against my

cheek is cold.

Zaid pulls off the road and drives up the narrow gravel path that winds around a gentle hill. When the house comes into view, my breath catches.

It's exactly how I remember it from the listing. The white wood, the wraparound porch, the tall windows that I just know make the house feel light and bright.

My eyes shift to the sign in the front yard and the large bold letters that spell out 'sold'.

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Leather Journals

sours, sadness creeping into

to face him, there's a quiet smile

confused, and turn back to

the car in

it?"

Got my dad to help.

mouth falls open and I just stare at

don't wait for more words. I'm already unbuckling, flying out

and around the

joy spark in my eyes when I

sparkles beneath the setting sun like church windows. It's surrounded by trees whose leaves are touching the water. It's even better than I imagined. Peaceful.

gasp, pressing both hands over my

watching me with soft eyes. His

perfect."

My heart hammers in my

open rooms, windows that beg for sunlight, and maybe one day, a dog skidding

ahead of him, exploring

each space could

out whatever rooms

the living room, arms wide like I can take in the whole

2/4

I stop and look at him with narrowed eyes. "I can't believe you bought it without even seeing

shrugs, all casual. "It's the house you wanted. I wanted to make sure you

it."

chest. Warm and painful

our bags. I mostly hover, pretending to be

just sit on the floor and

hits me, too hard, too

flashes behind my eyes. A wedding

the porch. A family.

chest. Not now.

takeout, Thai, and eat cross-legged on the floor

spread out like a little camp in the

then Zaid shifts, reaching for his

something

lean toward him, frowning. What else could

me? He's already

without a word. I look down. It's a leather-bound journal, smooth and new, blank pages waiting to be filled. I run my hands over the cover, then