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 my eyes.

and when I turn to face him, there's a quiet smile

turn back to the house. "Wait...

in

got it?" I

some calls. Got my dad

mouth falls open and I just stare

already unbuckling, flying out of the

porch and around the

my eyes when I

It's surrounded by trees whose leaves are touching the water. It's even better than I imagined. Peaceful. Still. Like time might

gasp, pressing both hands over my mouth. "It's beautiful," I say,

soft eyes. His hands in his

perfect."

and he squats by the front door where the lockbox is. My heart hammers in my chest when he opens

With hardwood floors, big open rooms, windows that beg for

walk ahead of him, exploring

space

dibs," Zaid says. "Pick out whatever

center of what the living room, arms wide like I can

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

all casual. "It's the house you

it."

in my chest. Warm and painful

bags. I mostly hover, pretending to be helpful. For a little

sit on the floor and admire the

me, too hard, too

my eyes. A wedding dress. Laughter

Tiny feet running across the

chest. Not now. I

Thai, and eat cross-legged on the floor with two

music humming from Zaid's phone, and blankets spread out like a little camp in the middle of

cozy. Simple. And then Zaid

have something

almost unsure, insecure. I lean

already given

leather-bound journal, smooth and new, blank pages waiting to be filled. I run my hands over the cover, then flip through the