LOVE ACROSS THE AISLE

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encounter between Elena and Nicholas had left an imprint on her thoughts. Sleep had been elusive

ing cup of coffee sat before her, untouched, as she stared out at the bustling streets. She wasn't supposed to care

ight had been no different. The way he looked at her, as if seeing past the walls she had cons

familiar voice brok

e seat across from her. The knowing smile on Claire's face told

re asked, sipping on her caramel latt

the warm coffee cup. "It was unexpected. He

sed an eye

forced a casual shrug. "

"You're a terrible liar,

dmitting, "He asked if I still b

ssion softened

hould have. She had her career, her independence, her carefully structured life. But

murmured, her gaze d

ueeze. "You don't have to know right now. But don't le

were complications-family expectations, political pressures, and the scars of the pa

r phone buzzed at that moment. A message

lk? There's somethin

ire, seeing her hesitation, simply smiled knowing

-

posing sides of a long-standing rivalry, their loyalties tied to different political spheres. While Elena's family had

ectations of their families. But reality had pulled them apart. The weight

e building where Nicholas awaited, she couldn

ow on his sharp features. When he turned to face her, there w

ing," he said, his vo

replied honestly. "Wh

cause I couldn't walk away this time. Be

d her arms.

g-something bigger than the rivalry our families have been caught in. It's not jus

"What are you

than we realized. And whether we like it or

ght be exaggerating, but the seriousness in his gaze

true," she said carefull

at's why I need you

hey had made. But as she looked into his eyes, she realized something-no matter how m

ied her more th