Forbidden Craving

sensing the tension. "What'

ella and me. I, too, struggled to find a plausible expla

id with a voice that so

served our discomfort. "Is there

guilt and anticipation. Before either of us

the unspoken tension as she sat beside Nicolas. "I was just wondering if we should a

agreement passing between us. "Sure, Stella,

ed quietly i

truggled to make eye contact, our conversations stilted. Stella, oblivious to the

you tomorrow, Mel." she said,

planning, St

l love it." she ass

eart racing with every brief meeting of our eyes. The air seemed to vi

flutter in my chest, my pulse quickening. It was as if we were dancing ar

lity with no clue about what she was saying or laughing about. I

ment I felt guilty, but I just couldn't

ving Nicolas and I alone at the dining table. Nicolas seized the opportun

e whispered, his voice low

around the room to ensure we weren't being watch

voice barely audible ove

inches away from mine. "I can't keep prete

Nicolas's words hung in the air

and I can't betray that trust again. I promised to be there for h

ntment. "So, you're just going to ignore what we have?

r again. She's been through too much already." Nicolas's face contorted in a mix of frustration and longing. "But being near you

d you to leave Stella for me." I wh

can't." he stuttered, his

tion. "I understand," she said, her voice barely audible. "But it

t he remained firm. "I'm sorry, Melissa. I truly am. But I

le. My heart felt shattered, my hopes crushed by Nicolas's resolve. As I turned to leave, Nicolas's eyes

ight, hiding the tears threatening to slip from

is shoulder. "Nicolas, what's going on?" S

turned to face her. "Nothing, Stella.

g through the darkness. "You're hiding s

ile. "You're just being paranoid, Stell

olas. Because if you're keeping secrets from me, it won't end well." she said in a cold, calm voice. "

ry about," Nicolas replied, his voice ev

d he feared she could see right through his façade. But then

said, slipping her arm through his