Elle's POV
I found him again in the courtyard, leaning against the shadowed corner where he always seemed to linger. My chest tightened instantly.
“Aiden!” I called, striding toward him, anger and frustration bubbling up. “What are you still doing here? Always in the shadows, always watching?”
He straightened, guilt flashing in his eyes. “Elle… I—”
“No!” I cut him off, stepping closer, voice trembling but firm. “Stop it! Stop pretending any of this matters! Whatever you do, whatever you try, nothing will change!”
His gaze fell, the weight of my words hitting him.
“I’ve made it clear!” I continued, my heart pounding. “I love Liam. I chose him. I will always choose him! Not you, not anyone else, ever. That night… it meant nothing. And you need to stop haunting me with it!”
Aiden’s jaw
