Page 93 of Wild Tangled Hearts

God, he is so sweet. So perfect.

As we lie there, our intimate moment still fresh in our minds, Alex's phone suddenly vibrates. His expression tightens with worry when he glances at the screen. “It’s the hospital.” Without hesitation, he answers the call.

I watch him anxiously, my heart racing as I sense something is wrong. The conversation is brief, but the gravity of the situation becomes evident when he hangs up.

"It's Angie,” he says, his voice tinged with concern. "I'm still listed as her emergency contact.”

“Is she alright?”

“She's been in a car accident. I don't know how serious it is."

My heart sinks as I hear the news and instinctively reach to touch his arm. "Do you want me to go with you?"

He looks torn, his gaze filled with gratitude and indecision. "I appreciate it, but I'll text you with updates. Right now, I need to go."

I nod, understanding the urgency of the situation.

He swiftly gathers his things and rushes out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Minutes turn into what feels like hours as I anxiously await a message from Alex. My mind racing with every possible scenario and hating myself for the jealousy and insecurities that well up in my chest.

Finally, my phone buzzes, and I hastily grab it, my heart pounding.

Alex: Angie is fine. Just some minor cuts and bruises.

Bella: That’s good news.

Alex: She’s pretty shaken up. I'm going to stay with her for a bit.

My thumbs hover over the screen. “Don’t be jealous,” I whisper. “They’re still friends. That’s all.”

But even as the words fall from my lips, a nagging voice in the back of my head tells me otherwise.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Have faith in Alex's genuine intentions. His friendship with Angie is purely platonic, and friends support one another. Embrace his offer to accompany him to the wedding, accepting the invitation to share this special event together. Turn to this page.

Follow Alex's example and be a supportive friend – don't let Jess down. Accompany her to the wedding because, after all, Alex hasn't formalized their relationship yet. Turn to this page.

Chapter41

Sebastian

DAD JOKES AND GRILL SMOKE

“Sounds like a real party,” Sebastian says, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as we make our way toward the bustling backyard of my Aunt Helen’s. The mouthwatering scent of barbecue wafts through the air, blending with the symphony of laughter and animated conversations.

“Our family get-togethers always are,” I reply, leaning into him and giving his arm a gentle squeeze. I smile up at him, a rush of gratitude for his presence by my side. “Don’t worry, they’re a rowdy bunch, but they’re mostly harmless.”

“Mostly?” he raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye.

I chuckle. “As long as you can survive a few dad jokes and my aunt’s flirting, you’ll be fine.”

He laughs, a rich and melodic sound that makes my heart skip a beat. Leaning down, he presses a tender kiss to the top of my head. “I think I can handle that.”

I stop and put my arms around his neck, drawing him down into a kiss. Everything seems different now. It feels right. Like I’ve always belonged with him. Sure, his world is fancy French restaurants and operas, and mine is family barbecues and school art projects, but I know this thing between us is real.

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