Semua Bab FORBIDDEN AFFECTION : Bab 71 - Bab 74

Lara’s POV I stared at him, refusing to look away. “Well?” My voice was firmer than I expected. Aiden leaned back, exhaling slowly, like the weight of my question pressed on his chest. His eyes darkened. “Lara… you don’t understand. I want you. god knows I do. But if I let this happen—if I let us happen—I’ll ruin you.” The words stabbed at me. My hands curled into fists on my lap. “Ruin me? Do you even hear yourself?” His jaw clenched. “Yes. Because being with me means your life changes forever. People will judge you, drag your name through the mud, question every move you make. You’ll lose things you don’t even realize you’re holding onto.” I shook my head, my voice rising. “You think my future is so fragile it can shatter just because of you?” “Lara—” “No.” I cut him off, leaning forward, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. “Don’t feed me excuses. My future isn’t something you can ruin. But it will be ruined if you’re not in it.” His lips parted, but I didn’t let him

Elena’s POV Backstage was chaos — laughter, applause for other contestants, whispers about my performance. But I barely heard any of it. My ears were ringing with Mr. Lex’s words. “Lacked precision… I expected more.” It echoed in my head like a verdict. Not just a critique, but something heavier. Something that felt like a warning. I walked past contestants congratulating themselves, forcing a smile, but my hands were trembling. Every step felt heavier. My brush box felt heavier too. The dressing room was quiet when I slipped inside. I locked the door behind me and dropped onto the edge of the bed. My painting lay folded at the corner, unfinished. My chest was tight. I thought of Mr. Lex. That sharp look in his eyes when he spoke. Not a hint of pity. Only judgment. "Why the fuck is it soo hard to impress him." I whispered to myself. And suddenly, it hit me — what if that judgment wasn’t just about the painting? What if it was about my place in this competition? "No,