Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina) novel Chapter 65

Wedding Day

It takes me a moment to gather myself. My blood is rushing through me and I squeeze my legs tight before moving and dressing.

I only put on a pair of sweats and a t–shirt and then wander through, the house, my footsteps quiet against the hardwood floors.

The heat of the moment and of Jake’s touch have vanished and all that’s left is a terrible embarrassment. The last thing I want to do right now is talk to mother.

On her wedding day.

On their wedding day.

I blow out a steady stream of air, hoping it will lessen the ache in my chest.

My mother is nowhere to be found, and with each empty room I check, I am more relieved.

I don’t want to apologize. I didn’t want to be there with Sadie on Zaid’s arm. My cheeks heat, remembering how he watches me as I rode Aiden.

Fuck, what are these men doing to me? Why do they all make me feel things I have never felt before?

I search for a few more minutes, but I decide she’s probably busy with last–minute things and getting ready. At least, if she’s not full on avoiding me.

I decide to call it quits and head back up to my room. I pick up mine and Aiden’s clothes from last night. There’s no time to dwell on this shit show. For now, I need to pull myself together and get ready for the ceremony.

The hot water of the shower scalds my skin, but it washes away some of the tension knotting my shoulders. Steam curls around me as I try to clear my mind. The day feels like it’s happening to someone else.

My mother is getting married.

To Jake.

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Wedding Day

The thought sends a strange, bitter taste to the back of my throat, and I shake my head, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand.

I’m surprised when a sob racks through me and I cover my mouth. It’s all too real.

Mother marrying again really means dad is dead. Which is such a dumb thing to cry about now. He hasn’t even been gone for two years yet, I run my fingers over my scar and my

entire body shakes with my cry.

It’s insane that this is making me lose it. I don’t want to feel this.

I quiet and dry off, wrapping myself in a towel as I settle in front of my vanity. Slowly, methodically, I start on my makeup. Light, dewy foundation, a soft shimmer on my eyelids, and a bold, red–toned lipstick. My hair is next. I sweep it up into a sleek bun, leaving a few strands loose to frame my face in soft waves.

Once my hair and makeup are finished, I turn to the dress hanging on the back of my door. The green fabric gleams in the dim light, silky and enticing. I slip it on; the material clinging to my body like a second skin.

The slit runs daringly high, brushing the curve of my hipbone as I adjust the fit. I twist my lips. The band of my black thong is visible and I hike it up more to see if it will adjust.

I turn around. The back plunges low, skimming down to my tailbone, leaving me feeling

exposed.

I can’t wear this dress. It’s terribly out of my comfort. With a sigh, I smooth the dress down, turning slowly to study my reflection.

The girl in the mirror looks bold. Exactly what I don’t feel right now.

A knock on the door jolts me out of my thoughts.

“Alina?” Aiden’s voice comes through.

open the door, Aiden stands there, leaning casually against the frame. His eyes sweep over

“You look…” He exhales softly, his gaze lingering for a second too long. “Incredible.”