Chapter 43
Chapter 43
-LANA-
I wasn’t quite sure where Apollo had gone after dropping me off at home. Now that I could remember everything from last night, I was struggling to handle the whirlwind of emotions inside me.
Hugging myself, I pulled my knees up to my chest while sitting on the bed. I could still feel the warmth he radiated, even though he was no longer right in
front of me.
Why had he been so gentle with me last night? He risked his mother’s wrath just to make sure I got home safely. Instead of just driving me home, he allowed me to hold onto him the whole night without letting go.
In the past, it was easier to brush aside my feelings when he acted like a jerk most of the time. But now that I had memories of his kindness, ignoring my feelings had become a much harder task.
Why did he hesitate so much to be with me? What was it keeping us apart?
Every time I tried to ask him about that girl he was supposed to have dinner with last night, he conveniently avoided the topic. I didn’t want to admit it, but the thought of him being with her made my heart ache. That was why I acted out last night and made a total fool of myself; the hurt was simply too overwhelming to contain.
I groaned inwardly at the memory of clinging to Apollo while crying, expressing that my heart hurt. Thankfully, I never revealed the real reason behind my pain. I wouldn’t have been able to even look him in the eyes if I’d spoken the truth last night.
Yet, deep down, I knew he was aware that he was the cause of my distress. He must have known. After all, I showed up at the hotel where he was staying
I couldn’t fathom why he wouldn’t just accept me. Yes, I understood we were step–siblings, and these feelings complicated things, but shouldn’t he at least try to fight for me?
The mere thought of never having a chance with Apollo made my heart squeeze painfully. I couldn’t hold back the tears streaming down my face. I didn’t want to cry over this again, but the emotional pain felt unbearable.
Suddenly, the door swung open, catching me off guard. My eyes widened as I saw Isabella standing at the entrance. There was no way to hide my tear- streaked face in time.
“Tell me the truth,” my sister demands, noticing my tears. “Is there something you haven’t shared with us since you got back from Havenville?”
Great. She always seemed to notice when something was off, especially since she had been around me so much lately.
“Lana.” She presses for answers. “Tell me the truth. What happened that night? You’ve been acting different ever since you returned.”
I bit my lip, wanting to be honest with her for once. I had promised myself I wouldn’t spill my secrets to anyone in the family, but the emotional turmoil was too much to bear alone.
“I’ll tell you the truth,” I whisper, meeting her gaze. “As long as you promise not to freak out.”
She frowns. “What could you possibly say that would make me freak out?”
I sigh, “Oh, you might be surprised.”
She rolls her eyes and straightens up. “Okay, I promise not to freak out. Just tell me already. I need to know what’s been weighing on you.”
Speaking my truth proved harder than I expected. The words seemed stuck in my throat.
“I’m waiting,” she says, impatience creeping into her voice.
I hug myself tightly, ready for her outburst when I finally say, “I found my mate that day. I lied to mom when I told her I didn’t find him. I lied to everyone.
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Chapter 43
I made all of you believe that I never found him but I did.”
Her eyes widened slightly, disbelief etched on her face.
“I don’t understand,” she said, puzzled. “Why would you hide this? It’s what you’ve always wanted. You wouldn’t stop talking about finding your mate. Why lie?”
I can’t meet her eyes as I whisper, “Because I knew everyone would freak out once they found out who my mate was. I decided that it was best to keep it a secret and act like he didn’t exist.”
She folded her arms, shock evident on her face. “You mean to tell me your mate is someone we all know?”
I nod. “Yes, in fact, it’s someone we see almost every day.”
Her curiosity piqued further. “Daily? Who is it? The suspense is killing me. I need to know now!”
I was certain her excitement would vanish as soon as I revealed my secret.
Was it really a good idea telling her that our step–brother was my mate? That would further complicate things if one other person knew about us.
However, I knew if I chose not to tell her today, she would harass me for the rest of my life. I didn’t have a choice now that I had started telling her the
truth.
I couldn’t turn back now.
It was too late.
“And you promise not to freak out?” I sought her assurance. “You can’t tell anyone once I confess.”
She rolls her eyes again. “Your secret is safe with me. I promise.”
Taking a deep breath, I gathered the strength to reveal the truth.
“Just say it already!”
“Apollo!” I exclaimed as quickly as I could.
She paused, her confusion evident as she glanced around the room. “Apollo? Did you hear his car or something? Why are you suddenly mentioning his
name?”
I felt the urge to hit her with a book.
“No,” I snap. “Apollo is the name of my mate.”
She stared at me, her expression morphing as my words started to sink in. I could see the moment realization struck her hard, her eyes widening in
disbelief.
She falls from her chair as she tries to back up.
“Isabella!” I gasp.
She looks up at me with her hair all over her face,
“See,” she whispers, “this is me not freaking out. Not freaking out at all.”
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