Chapter 18: Jealousy
201 Words
The next day, Amara tried to act normal.
Like nothing had changed.
Like she hadn’t almost kissed him.
But it was harder than she expected.
Because every time she looked up—
She felt his eyes on her.
Watching.
Quiet.
Unavoidable.
Later that afternoon, she found herself in a conversation with Ryan.
And for once—
She relaxed.
She laughed softly at something he said, her shoulders easing as she let herself forget everything else.
“You look different today,” Ryan said.
She smiled. “Do I?”
“Yes,” he replied. “You look… lighter.”
That made her pause.
Lighter.
She liked the sound of that.
Across the room—
Alexander was watching.
Still.
Silent.
But his eyes had changed.
Darker.
Sharper.
The moment Amara noticed him—
Her smile faded slightly.
Something about the way he looked at her made her chest tighten again.
Later that evening—
“You seem comfortable,” Alexander said.
“With what?” she asked.
“With him.”
She met his gaze, steady this time. “Does it matter?”
His jaw tightened slightly.
“Yes.”
Her heart skipped.
Because that answer—
Wasn’t part of any contract.
- Writer
