Page 70 of Forbidden Harvest

The word ‘love’ hangs in the air, filling me with warmth. I tighten my grip on her hand, my unspoken promise that I feel the same.

Dad takes a step toward her, his eyes pleading. “Aria, please. Come home with us. We can work through this as a family.”

I see the conflict flash in Aria’s eyes, but then she turns to me, her gaze locking with mine. “My home is with Jared.”

The force of her words hits me like a physical blow. Home. She sees this apartment, our sanctuary, as her home.

“We’ll be fine, I promise,” I say, looking at them. “We just need you to accept this.”

They don’t look convinced, but I can see the determination in Aria’s eyes. She’s not going to back down.

“I know you think you love him,” Elaine says. “But give it time. The infatuation will fade, and you’ll see things more clearly.”

Aria shakes her head, her eyes never leaving mine. “It won’t. I know what I feel, and I know what I want.”

There’s an endless moment where we stand, locked in a stalemate, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, our parents share another loaded glance.

“If that’s what you want, Aria, we won’t stop you,” Dad says, defeat heavy in his voice. “But we’re here if you need us. If you ever change your mind.”

Relief washes over me as I realize they are conceding, for now. I had expected a bigger fight, but Aria’s unwavering stance has thrown them off guard.

As they turn to leave, shoulders slumped, Elaine looks back, sorrow in her eyes. “Think about what we said, Aria. We’ll be waiting.”

“I will,” Aria calls after them, but I know her words are just a formality.

When they’re out of sight, Aria turns to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I’m sorry they can’t understand.”

I pull her into my arms, holding her close. “It’s okay. They’ll come around. Eventually, they’ll have to.”

She nods, her face buried in my chest, finding comfort in my embrace. “I hope they can accept us someday.”

Their hurt and disappointment are just a small price to pay for our happiness.

I know I’ve won, and the thrill of victory courses through my veins. Aria is mine, and nothing can change that. Together, we’re an unstoppable force.

At this moment, I’m untouchable, and the triumph banishes any doubt that niggles at the corners of my mind. Aria and I are meant to be, and I know, deep down, that our love will conquer all.

38

ARIA

Two days after the intense confrontation with my mom and Jared’s dad, I’m still shaken. When another knock comes at the door, I tense up.

I open it to find Lisa standing there, looking nervous. My anger flares. “You! What are you doing here?”

Lisa hesitantly steps back, her eyes widening at my hostile tone. “I-I came to apologize, Aria. And to warn you. I overheard my dad... They found evidence that Jared murdered Aaron. Someone had a photo of them fighting on the bleachers just before he fell and when they looked into Jared more deeply due to his cyberstalking, somehow they came across it.”

I glance at Jared, seeing the storm clouds gathering in his eyes, danger sparking in their depths. “Get inside,” I say through clenched teeth. “Now.”

Lisa steps into the apartment, and I shut the door behind her.

Jared’s fingers curl into tight fists, his knuckles whitening with anger. The tension radiating off him fills the room.

“You dared to come here after your betrayal?” His voice is soft but holds a dangerous edge. “You told them everything.”

“I-I know,” Lisa stammers. “And I’m sorry. But I just found out about the murder. I thought you should know about the photo. They’re coming to arrest you.”

His gaze falls on me, and I see the internal struggle in his eyes. “Get out,” he says at last. “Or I’ll kill you.”

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