NATALIA
I saw Ayla before she saw me. Ayla stood in the shadowed corner of the hall, her eyes burning with suspicion. Perfect.
I let out a trembling breath and turned to Elton, making sure my voice wavered with just the right amount of vulnerability. “Elton... I’m scared.”
He frowned, concerned. “Scared of what? What’s wrong?”
I bit my lip as if fighting back tears. “I... I’m afraid of losing you. What if... what if you stop caring about me?”
His expression softened instantly. “Why would you think that? You know you mean a lot to me.”
I let my voice c***k. “But... do you love me?”
His brows knitted together. “Of course I do.”
Not enough. I had to push further. I let my eyes brim with tears, stepping closer. “I can’t imagine life without you.”
Before he could react, I leaned in
