Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 223

A Long Story-2

I smile, a little shy, a little stunned. "Are you, are you married? Do you have kids?"

She laughs, wiping her cheek with a perfectly manicured finger. "No, not yet. My boyfriend's taking forever to propose, probably because he knows I'd say no."

She grins, and it's so contagious that I mirror her.

"I like things the way they are. I want kids eventually, but I haven't quite landed in that place yet."

I nod. "What do you do? For work?"

"I'm a private art curator," she says, eyes lighting up with something fierce and

proud. "I work with collectors and galleries around the world. Helps that I can work remotely most of the time, but I travel often."

"Art. Like dad."

She smiles widely. "Yeah, it runs in the family."

I smile again, more relaxed this time. Her eyes drift past me and land on someone behind me. Her lips curve into a knowing smile.

"Is that your boyfriend?" she asks lightly.

My cheeks go hot in a second. I glance over my shoulder.

Zaid is in the foyer, pacing. He's wearing one of his nicer button-downs, but his hands are stuffed awkwardly in his pockets and he keeps glancing at the ceiling like he's trying to calm himself down.

messy in a way that looks almost intentional. He's not trying to be hot.

1. is.

back at Elena.

that creeps up my neck. "But

1/3

A Long Story-2

gaze again. "It's a long

pushing up from her chair with a graceful stretch, "it's a good thing we have the rest of our lives

doorway and turns back to me with a twinkle in her

introduce me properly,

deer, trembling like a leaf. Zaid tenses when he sees us approach, his

I just want you to officially introduce you

him.

sweet

don't talk much, so we're out of the house

door closes behind us, I let

quiet as he unlocks the car

to life, but he doesn't shift out

side of his jaw tight, his

me." I say

me

was nervous. Scared, honestly. I don't think I could've walked in there

his gaze catches mine.

his

eyes.