Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 226

Somewhere Else-2

I nod slowly, careful with my expression. "Yeah."

He lets me go then leans against the counter, arms crossed, studying me. "And you? How are you feeling about everything?"

My stomach tightens. "I'm fine."

It's a lie. I know it, but I smile anyway and go back to covering the vegetables in olive oil.

We finish making dinner, mostly in silence. The clinks of silverware and the simmering

pot fill the space where words should go. When we sit down to eat, I try again.

"How's everything going?" I ask, spearing a piece of roasted zucchini.

Jake sighs, the sound is heavy and tired. "The board's pushing me to step down. Sell my

shares. The stock's tanked since the story broke."

I freeze mid-bite. "Jake, I'm so sorry."

He waves it off with a bitter twist of his mouth. "It's my fault. I don't lose all of my money, so I can't complain."

I don't have anything to say to that, my eyes going to the hallways that leads to the

wondering when Zaid

I watch the soap bubble around our fingers, feel the

memories cross my

the grief getting lost in their arms and in their kisses. Now, I faced the

things feel easy like that

light is warm and Jake's things

center of it. Jake picks it

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Somewhere Else-2

plucking it from his

hands raised. "My apologies,

bed. He brushes his teeth while I tie my hair up. His cologne hangs in the air, and I blink a few

I feel off.

asks when we climb under the sheets. "Aside from Zaid

Zaid."

like it's something bad and I'm not sure how to take that. I settle into the pillow, tucking the blanket under my arm.

father's sister."

frown on

sigh."I didn't either,

then adds, "Didn't

tightens at that.

respond. I don't need

arm. His touch is gentle, familiar. He leans in, kissing me