Aria
I hadn’t said it. At least, not out loud. Not to him.
“W-what?” I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.
“You did,” he insisted, leaning closer, his forehead brushing mine. “You told Alessandra that you love me.”
I looked away, a blush creeping across my cheeks. “I was angry,” I muttered, hoping to downplay it.
“No,” he shook his head gently. “Don’t take it back. Don’t hide from me.”
I could hear the pleading in his voice, the vulnerability in his tone. My eyes met his, and tears threatened to spill, clouding my vision. He was standing there, open, honest, and scared. He was scared I’d take my words back.
“I love you, Daniel,” I said, the words finally leaving my lips. My chest felt lighter, as if the weight of weeks of fear, uncertainty, and tension had lifted in that moment.
