Jude POV"I like you, Aria," I said, my heart thumping a frantic rhythm against my ribs.I couldn't believe I was finally telling her this, spilling the truth that had been simmering beneath the surface for so long. She needed to know. I only wished I'd said it sooner, before all this heartache.Aria shook her head, her eyes filled with disbelief. "You don't mean it," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.I looked at her, my gaze unwavering. "I do mean it," I said, my voice firm. "I like you, Aria, since the first time I saw you. I want you as mine." I reached out and gently stroked her cheek, my thumb tracing the curve of her jawline.Aria's eyes flickered, and she looked away, her voice barely audible. "Why would you want me?" she asked, her voice laced with self-doubt. "Like Tim said, I'm ugly, fat, boring, and a horrible kisser. But… it was my first kiss, and I wasn't even ready when he did that." She looked down, her hands coming up to cover her face, as if trying to shiel
Last Updated : 2026-02-10 Read more