Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 253

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Secrets of Us: A Forbidden Love Romance

Chapter 253

I scroll through the photos on my phone slowly. I can't help the feelings that ignite

in my stomach just by looking at a picture of

him.

I brush my thumb over his lips, thinking about kissing him. Thinking about his breath across my skin.

I keep scrolling, photo after photo blinks up at me. Me and Zaid smiling in front of the lake, him asleep on the couch after one of our movie nights.

He was extremely supportive of me taking as many pictures as I wanted during that last week he had together. He joked that it would make him more secure with the fact that I wouldn't forget him

As if I could ever forget him.

I have a lot of closeups of just him, too. His dark hair a mess, his sleepy smile soft and real. I trace his face with my fingertip and feel the ache settle low in my chest.

The video call ringtone chimes, and I swipe to answer it just as my stomach flutters with nerves. Cami's face appears on the screen, her new electric blue hair wild around her face.

I can't help but smile. "I love the new look."

She grins and flips a piece of it over her shoulder. "Thanks, babe. I've been wanting blue hair since I was like ten, thought it was

time for me to try it out."

"Well, it looks really good," I smile.

She looks me over. "I appreciate the compliment, but you look good, too. So much

more

peaceful."

press my

feel it,"

tilts her head, taking a sip of her

atmosphere here. It's beautiful enough to where I can appreciate where I am even when I'm missing home so much it feels like I can't breathe. I'm definitely learning

softens into something proud. "That's the

my lip, not knowing how I want this conversation to go. I've been in Italy one hundred days now. I've

as she adjusts, then says "How's the painting been

a loose piece of hair behind my

little. "We've all been

of them. I can't wait to finish the

Want to tell

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Chapter 253

I want it to be a surprise. I'll show them to you when

always does when she's about to switch into her serious therapist mode. "And how've you been doing with the thoughts about

for a moment, twisting my fingers together in my lap. I breathe in slowly, trying to

like a leaf floating down a

me it's my fault. That they would still be here if I

that and then speaks gently. "It probably always will be, but that doesn't mean it

I pull in another slow breath, just

my breathing, so I

not

alone.

those thoughts. When it comes up, I acknowledge it, name it, guilt, sadness, regret, and then I remind myself:

me, so

at me and see me living. Really living. Not stuck. Not punishing

sit in it for a second. "That's good, Alina. Really good.

nod, realizing how many times I have thought

minute, her grin turns a little mischievous. "And how's a certain someone