He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85

I spotted Aria almost immediately. She waved the moment she saw me, her energy intact as always.

“Hey,” she said as I sat down after getting my meal. “You look like you’ve been through something.”

“I’ve been through a lot, hearing things I don’t want to hear,” I said, reaching for my food.

She laughed lightly and, thankfully, didn’t ask me for details. And just like that, the tension eased a little.

We talked as we ate.

Nothing serious.

Just… normal conversation, which felt rare enough to be appreciated, and for a moment I almost forgot everything else.

Almost.

Then she said casually, “There’s someone I like.”

I looked up immediately.

“Oh?”

That got my attention.

Details.

I was eager to hear her so I smiled.

“Yeah,” she said, smiling slightly. “I just noticed him recently.”

“Who?” I asked, leaning forward a little now. “What’s his name? Describe him.”

She hesitated, as though deciding how to explain it.

“He’s… different,” she said. “Not loud and not trying too hard. But when he’s there, you notice.”

I nodded slowly.

Okay.

That narrowed it down to about a quarter of the male population.

“He’s very composed,” she added. “Like he’s always in control of himself.”

That narrowed it further.

“And he doesn’t chase attention,” she continued, “but it still finds him.”

I paused.

Okay.

Now we were getting somewhere…

“He’s just… complete. Oh, and I like his hair. It’s perfect,”

And just like that, it clicked.

Nathan.

Of course.

Who else?

Everything fit. Mostly.

I frowned slightly now. “But his hair isn’t that perfect,” I muttered.

“What?” she asked with my interruption.

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Continue.”

She smiled and shook her head. “He’s just… interesting and charming in ways I can’t start to explain…”

I nodded.

“Alright. Good choice,” I said. “But complicated.”

“How?”

“Mabel.”

Recognition flashed across her face. “Oh. I know her.”

“That’s already a problem.”

“I don’t like her,” Aria added.

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