Chapter 18 – A Familiar Kiss
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Olivia’s Pov!!
I stared at Cynthia, frozen in place!
She suddenly grinned
“Sorry for interrupting,” she said quickly, backing away
I opened my mouth to call her back, but before I could move, Chase grabbed my
His grip was firm, his eyes dark with desire and curiosity
“Chase,” I stammered, my face burning. “What do you want to do? We’ve been caught”
He didn’t answer immediately. His gaze searched mine, intense and confusing X
Then he asked the one question I never expected
“Why did our kiss feel so familiar?” he whisperd
My heart skipped a beat I didn’t know what to say because I had felt it too–the strange familiarity, like I had known him long ago. “I don’t know,” I said, voice trembling. “But now’s not the time or place to talk about this.”
He looked disappointed but nodded.
“You should leave. I whispered, unable to meet his eyes. “I need to get dressed.”
Chase stepped back, his hands falling to his sides X
Without another word, he left the dressing room.
Istood there for a moment, trying to calm my racing heart.
Then I quickly pulled off the diamond dress and slipped back into my casual clothes.
I grabbed Rose’s dresses and walked to the counter.
The salesgirl smiled politely as she rang up Rose’s outfits X
I set aside the diamond dress.k
Chase appeared beside me, his wallet in hand.
“I’m getting it for you,” he said quietly
I shook my head immediately.
“No, Chase. You can’t afford it. Please, save your money for your future… for things that matter.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but then he nodded slowly.X
“Wright,” he murmured. “You guys go ahead. I have some things to take care of “X
I breathed out in relief.
Still blushing from Cynthia catching us earlier, I walked out of the store with Rose and Cynthia trailing behind.
The ride home was quiet. My mind replayed the kiss over and over again.
How soft his lips felt. How right it had felt. How wrong it should feel, yet it didn’t.”
When we got home, Rose ran straight to her room, excited to try on her new clothes and watch cartoons.
I was about to sneak off to my room when Cynthia caught up with me in the hallway.
“Not so fast,” she said, grabbing my arm with a mischievous grin.!!
I groaned internally.
“What now??!
She leaned in closer
“You and Chase, huh?” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows. “Didn’t expect you to start kissing someone so soon after leaving Richard”
“It was just a kiss,” I muttered, feeling my cheeks flame again. “It meant nothing.“3
“Really?” Cynthia smirked. “Then why can’t you look at me? And why are you still blushing?“||
I opened my mouth but no words came out.
She laughed.X
“I know it!” she said, poking my side playfully. “You enjoyed it.“X
I sighed, finally giving up.
“Tine,” I whispered “1. I did enjoy it.“2
Her grin widened
“But the strange thing is “I hesitated. “It felt familiar Like like I’ve kissed him before”
Cynthia’s face softened
“That’s not strange,” she said gently “Sometimes, souls recognize each other before minds do.“X
I leaned against the wall, feeling tired.
“There’s more.” I confessed quietly. “I feel warmth around him. But I can’t. I can’t let myself feel anything for anyone until I find the guy
from the masquerade party.”
Cynthia blinked.
“The one you met three years ago?
I nodded slowly!!
“He deserved to know what happened after we lost contact. It wouldn’t be fair to Chase,” I whispered, “Not when I have unfinished business with someone else. And besides, this marriage… it’s a contract. Chase didn’t sign up for real feelings.”
Cynthia studied me for a long moment.
“Did Chase ever say he didn’t want the marriage?” she asked softly.”
I froze.
I searched my memory.. but found nothing. Chase never said he didn’t want the marriage
In fact, he had always been supportive. Protective.
I stayed silent, unable to answer.
Cynthia stepped closer.
“What if,” she said quietly. “Chase wants the marriage? And what if he wants you?“!!
Her words hit me like a slap.
Panic rose inside me.!
I couldn’t afford to trust again I couldn’t afford to give my heart away again.
Thad been bumed too badly before.
And I wasn’t sure I could survive getting burned again.
