Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 246

Secrets of Us: A Forbidden Love Romance

Chapter 246

My breath stutters. I blink, trying to see if he is a dream, a figment my imagination,

But he's there, standing, real. He doesn't look angry, just looks at me with a soft smile. He has one hand in his pocket, the other holding a bag slung over his shoulder.

"What are you doing here?" I repeat, tightening my fingers around the doorframe.

He smiles more, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I needed to talk to you," he says. "Get some things off my chest."

I glance toward the driveway instinctively. Aiden and Zaid won't be back for at least another hour. My heart beats a little faster. I don't know if it's nerves or the memory of our last encounter rising up in my chest.

Still, I step back and let him in.

Maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe this is closure, and he really is here with good intentions.

We walk into the living room, and I keep a respectable distance as I sit on the edge of the couch. Jake hovers near the fireplace before finally sitting too, hands clasped together between his knees.

His eyes flick over me, settling for a second too long on the paint stains on my apron. His expression softens.

"I didn't know you were into painting," he says, voice quieter than before.

I swallow the lump in my throat.

"I remember when Zaid got you some art stuff for Christmas, but I guess I didn't realize how much you actually liked it."

I shift in my seat, arms crossing over my chest. "Yeah," I say, not sure what else to say.

He lets out a slow breath, almost like a sigh. "Just means I never really knew you, huh?"

My teeth catch the inside of my cheek. I don't know what to say to that either. I settle for a question. "Why are you here, Jake?”

His gaze lifts to meet mine again, more honest this time. "I wanted to apologize."

in my throat and I try

was last time I was here. I was angry. Hurt. And I wanted someone to blame. You were the easy

it. The apology doesn't erase everything, but it does make him more human

my eyes.

fast things ended between us. I guess I wasn't expecting it. And if it were

at my hands, fingers resting in

smile, "Aiden gave me a piece of his mind. Really made me think about things. And I get it now. At least a little. I'm sorry. I really just want you to be

my chest unclenches. "Thank you," I

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Chapter 246

"I mean it."

and nod, offering him a smile. It quickly turns into frown. "This is nice and all, but it couldn't

call."

then shifts the bag off his

also came to give you

folder and

frown, confused. "What

open it." He nods toward

and freeze. It's a deed. To this house. With my

falls open. "Is this?

Jake nods once.

say quickly, shaking my head. "Jake, I

from

Lblink at him. "What?"

were younger, I gave them each a chunk of money. Told

runs cold through

he used his. Insisted on paying for it himself. And when everything settled, he told me he wanted

The tears come before I can stop them, hot and fast and overwhelming. I didn't know it was possible to feel so undeserving and so deeply loved at

time.

never have. And now part of

didn't want me to tell you, but I think you