Semua Bab TWO to TANGO, ONE to TEMPT (BOOK THREE): Bab 1 - Bab 8

SASHAMy heart was still doing a weird dance-like beating. Avoiding them was like steering clear from a minefield, each step screamed with the possibility of confrontation or awkwardness. I did promise to stay friends with them, but I just couldn’t pretend nothing really happened between us, like we could just go back to being normal friends. I sighed, rubbing my chest.Closing the door behind me felt like turning off an electric fan, turning off the discomfort and tension that seemed to permeate the air whenever Carl and Caleb were around.I sank into the bed and let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of the day’s interactions settle around me like a heavy blanket, but I couldn’t help but grin like crazy. I couldn’t deny the overwhelming happiness bubbling up inside me for my best friend. Cassie and Jake’s wedding filled me with an unexpected warmth.Sure, there was a pang of jealousy, and damned Jake for stealing away my best friend. But beneath it all, I was genuinely happy for C

SASHA“Why don’t you go to Carl’s farm instead? You’ll definitely enjoy it Sash. I heard he’s spending the whole summer there.” Cassie’s voice came through the phone cheerfully. She was thousands of miles away, enjoying her honeymoon with Jake. I was so happy for them.“I can’t, Cass. I’ll be busy,”“Seriously? Summer break is meant to be enjoyed, Sash. You can go back to that job after—Oh, is everything okay? You didn’t have a misunderstanding again, did you?” she asked, her voice shifting from cheerful to concerned in an instant.I bristled at her assumption, the frustration bubbling up inside me threatening to spill over. “No, Cassie, it’s not just a misunderstanding,” I snapped, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “It’s... it’s not easy. I want to do something with them, but I can’t intrude in their lives. We’re back to being friends.”There was a tense silence on the other end of the line. “Friends can still spend time together, you know,” she offered gently, her voi

Uncle Alberto had finally returned home, and we were all overjoyed to have him back with us. Aunt Beth, as always, was attentive to his needs, ensuring he was comfortable and well-cared for.Carl was having a serious conversation with three other workers on their farm. I watched him looking so drawn and interested. He appeared to be more mature. He had this serious look on his face as he spoke to them, and something about it made me stare at him quite longer.No. Why was I staring too much?I sighed softly, using my hat to fan my face as I stood under the shade of the tree, waiting for him. It was getting hot.To keep my eyes away from him, I busily snapped photos, capturing the surroundings. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Cassie. Smiling to myself, I quickly typed out a response.“Hey, Babe! You won’t believe the stunning views we’re enjoying right now. Wish you were here! 📸🌿”Just as I hit send, I felt a presence beside me and looked up to find Carl peering over my shoulde

Talking in my room seemed not a good idea at all, so away from the confines of my room, we found ourselves beneath the oak tree in the backyard, a few meters away from the house. The evening air was crisp and fresh, while the bright moonlight was bright enough to see our faces. Despite the refreshing air, the tension between us remained the same.Standing and facing each other, I looked at them in the eye. Once and for all, this had to be cleared out. “This has to stop,” I said, and I felt like their stares pierced through me.Carl nodded in agreement, leaning casually against the tree. “Yeah, it’s gone on long enough.”Caleb crossed his arms, his expression hardening. “I couldn’t agree more. It’s time to put an end to this.”“Right.” I shot back, frustration bubbling within me. “If you continue fighting just because of me, let’s end this. That’s what you both want anyway.”“That’s for the best.” Carl sighed, narrowing his eyes. I couldn’t read his expression.Caleb’s expression mirro