009

Ava’s POV

I freshened up and headed straight for the sitting room, but Caden wasn't there. 

Just when I thought he was really invested in this project. 

I turned, about to head back upstairs when my gaze caught him through the glass. 

He has got to be kidding me.  I made my way outside immediately. 

“The pool, really?” I asked as soon as I reached.

Caden had a nonchalant look on his face as he continued swimming. “It’s for inspiration.”

“So we are supposed to discuss our project while you swim?!” 

He swam to the edge, his eyes meeting mine. “Are you sure you want me to come out like this?”

I scrunched my face, confused. “Like what?”

He emerged from the water, and my eyes—it just couldn't behave for one second. 

Caden was shirtless, his arms toned, his body lean and muscular, his hair messy, with water dripping down his skin, giving him a ridiculously sexy look. 

I took in a deep breath, forcefully tearing my gaze away from him, before I embarrassed myself any further. 

I cleared my throat loudly, meeting with his gaze, and trust him to have that smug grin on his face.

“So, what's the topic?” He picked up a towel, wiping his hair dry.

I settled down on the chair nearby. “Forbidden love in literature: Why Readers enjoy Impossible Love Stories.” 

“Spicy,” he muttered, joining me. “So where do we start from?”

I rolled my eyes. “From the definition, obviously, then we move further to references from literature books to strengthen our points.”

He nodded, his brows furrowing. “So, definition. It should be 

a love that shouldn't exist?” 

 “Yeah, something that law, society, and family wouldn't accept.”

Those two definitions were alright; this was actually turning out better than I thought.

“So why do readers enjoy them?” I asked.

“I think you should have more insights, since you write a lot of that, right?”

“I actually enjoy forbidden romance,” I began, and I could swear I heard him say, ‘Of course, you would.’

I ignored it, continuing. “I think it’s alluring in a way, or perhaps I’d say magnetic. The tension...the sneaky feeling...the knowledge that this is wrong, but we can’t control it. Readers feel it all…”

“That doesn’t explain why they love it,” he cut in. 

“It’s the suffocating tension between the characters. In most novels I have read, both characters can barely breathe around each other. It’s like a volcano exploding in their hearts, the need to touch…to be near…to…” I trailed off, my chest tightening. 

A moment of silence filled us, with my heart slamming hard against my ribs. 

Until—“Have you ever felt that way?” 

I didn’t reply.

“Is that what Cade Hunter and Avaline’s story is about?” He added, his voice low and tempting. “If yes, that could be our reference—”

“No, it’s not a real story. Moreover, you yourself said I should delete it.”

“But it’s a forbidden romance, right? We can use it—”

“No,” I interrupted. “Can you just let this Cade Hunter stuff rest? Let’s talk about actual reference samples.”

“But I think your story is fresh and—”

“Romeo and Juliet,” I said. “That’s a classic example of forbidden romance.”

“And how was their relationship forbidden?” He shot back. 

“Their families hated each other, yet they still fell in love. Readers were drawn to their story because it wasn’t easy love. It was yearning… tension…”

“They died,” he spat.  “Doesn’t exactly prove forbidden love is worth rooting for.”

“It proves people become emotionally invested in impossible love stories,” I replied.

“I don’t agree.”

A sigh escaped my lips. “Fine. Then Wuthering Heights; Catherine and Heathcliff—”

“They were toxic.”

“They loved each other, Caden.”

“They destroyed each other.”

I ran a hand through my hair, my patience already wearing thin. “You’re purposely missing the point to frustrate me.”

“No.” He leaned back in his chair. “I need us to come up with something innovative, with points that will wow everyone.”

“Readers don’t need perfect relationships. They need emotional conflict. They want to watch characters struggle for something they can’t easily have,” I said.

“That’s still not a reason.”

“Then what reason do you want?” I replied, my voice higher than intended. “You’re not contributing—you’re just arguing.”

“My point is your story could be a fresh reference because it’s literally about forbidden love.”

“No.” I pushed back my chair. “You know what? I’m done with this bullshit.”

My hands moved quickly as I shoved my things into my bag. “We’ll continue another time.”

I turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” he called after me.

I didn’t bother looking back.

“Away from you.”