Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 244

Chapter 244

The room feels so small with all three of us in it. My stomach turns violently, and

yet I know this conversation is needed more than anything.

I tuck my knees under my chin and look between the two of them.

Zaid's across from me in the armchair, elbows on his knees, fingers loosely interlocked. Aiden's on the loveseat, one leg bouncing with nerves. His towel is replaced by clean clothes and his hair is still wet from his shower.

Neither of them are looking up, entranced by whatever is on the floor.

I want to say something, anything, but every sentence I think of dies in my throat.

I open my mouth, but Aiden beats me to it. "I should probably start."

My eyes meet his. His voice is even, calm in a way that has me questioning if he's practiced this.

He blows out a steady stream of air. "I just want you to know where my head is at because I can't take the look of guilt on your face."

My eyes shift to Zaid for a moment, seeking comfort. He forces a soft smile for me and I take it in, returning my attention to Aiden.

"I've been dying to come visit," he says. "To see you. To be with you again."

My throat tightens.

“But then the full ride offer came through. And the summer training camp. And I started rethinking what this relationship was going to look like. If I even wanted to be in a long distance relationship."

My chest tightens.

He looks at me directly then. "Do you want to be in a long distance relationship?"

I don't think so. I thought

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that, like

it

His eyes flick.to Zaid.

hands clasped tighter

back to

I wince.

armchair and sits beside me, then gently slides his hand over mine. I tighten my fingers

it, he got defensive," Aiden goes on, his eyes on our interlocked hands. "He told me not to come up here. That you were just going to break up with me but wouldn't

pulling my arm around myself instinctively and leaning into Zaid's side. He doesn't say anything,

stop talking about it," Aiden says. "Told him he was being ridiculous. You have every right to end

sorry," I whisper, my

head. "Don't be.

the floor. "By the

of this, I was already questioning where things were going

to tell

body react to that

expression a little sad. "I don't want a

hits me so fast and so hard it makes me dizzy. I blink at him, trying

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Chapter 244

sees

Zaid for a moment and return to me. "And not to mention, you

in a breath. I've been trying so hard not to look at Zaid any type of way when Aiden's in the room. I thought I was subtle, but that's

on Aiden, trying to find any hint of anger in his expression. I

love you, too. But maybe our

sinking into the seat beside him

the first person who made me feel like normal was possible," I say against his chest. "Like I didn't have to live with that cloud