Page 63 of Forbidden Harvest

I can’t fathom the idea of staying away from Jared. My heart pounds as desperation wells up inside me. “But why? We’re not blood-related. It’s not illegal.”

Their eyes narrow, and I instantly regret my outburst. Mom gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.

The officer clears his throat. “Even so, the circumstances surrounding your relationship with your stepbrother are complicated. There’s evidence of an unhealthy obsession and stalking that predates any romantic involvement.”

I shake my head, shoulders slumping. “But it’s consensual. He loves me, and I love him. I can’t stay away from him,” I whisper, “He needs me.”

The officers exchange a weighted glance. “We’ll need to look into this further,” the taller one says. “Given the history and the power dynamics at play, we must investigate potential charges and ensure your safety.”

Defeat washes over me at their words. How can I make them understand?

“Where is he now?” I ask, my voice cracking. “Is he here?”

“We have him in custody for questioning,” the officer replies, his gaze unwavering. “He’ll be held until we can determine the full extent of his actions and the charges we need to press.”

The words hang in the air, filling the room with an oppressive silence. Jared, in custody, because of me?

“I want to see him,” I state, lifting my chin defiantly. “You can’t keep us apart.”

“Aria, honey, listen to them,” Mom pleads. “They’re only trying to help.”

I turn to her, my heart twisting at the devastated look on her face. Taking a deep breath, I meet her gaze steadily. “You don’t understand, Mom. What Jared and I have... it’s more than just some crush or unhealthy fixation. It’s real. It’s everything.”

My voice cracks on the last word, the weight of my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. But I refuse to back down, not when it comes to Jared. He’s my light, my darkness, my everything.

“We will be in touch,” the police officer says, both standing. “It’s best you keep your distance from the police station.”

Once they’re gone, my mom and stepdad leave me alone in the living room. I pace back and forth, fury building inside me.

How could Lisa do this to me?

After everything we’ve been through and all the secrets I’ve entrusted her with, she goes behind my back like this.

The sound of the doorbell interrupts my furious thoughts. I wrench open the door, and there she stands—Lisa, her eyes filled with worry and guilt.

“What are you doing here?” I snap.

Lisa flinches. “Aria, please, let me explain.”

“Explain?” I echo. “Explain how you could betray my trust like this?”

She takes a tentative step forward. “Aria, I was trying to help you. I was worried about you.”

“Worried?” I let out a harsh laugh. “You crossed a line, Lisa. You know how much Jared means to me and used that against me.”

Lisa’s face falls. “I’m sorry, Aria. I truly thought I was helping.”

“Helping? By making me out to be some sort of victim? Assuming I’m incapable of making my own decisions?”

Lisa’s eyes shimmer with tears, but I don’t pity her. She made her choice, and now she must live with the consequences.

“Aria, listen to me.” Lisa’s voice cracks, her eyes pleading. “Jared is dangerous, and you know it. He’s been obsessed with you for years. You have to see that.”

I recoil, my anger flaring. “He loves me,” I insist. “He understands me, accepts my darkest parts without judgment.”

Lisa’s looks hurt. “I was trying to protect you, Aria. I never meant to hurt you.”

I shake my head, my eyes narrowing. “Get out, Lisa. You’re not my friend anymore. You betrayed my trust, and now you ask me to forgive you? It’s too late for that.”

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