s a mystery, today is a gift. That

ali

, my eyes lingering on the

lly decided to settle on the couch to have a nap, before my mom re

y drew near. Saturday is the day, meaning in less than five da

he name on the magazine into Instagram. And there he was-Aiden

help but fall for the sound of his voice. How co

ough his socials like a lovesick teen

nd handsome. Supe

blown obsession, and then, in a m

itated and decided to leave it as is. After all, why would he ever see it? With

was in disbelief w

alisa. Ho

ebrities never reply to messages. At l

had c

before replying. And when I finally did,

okay.

responded alm

billionaire like him? Aren't they suppo

I asked, stepping into territory

ng really.

he conversation before I cou

my mind kept drifting back to Aiden. I felt

I feel t

an unexpected sense of calm wash

I got another notification from Aiden. This time, it wa

of disappointment in my ches

by

hat what I felt wasn't just a fleeting crush. It wa

lf wondering where the beauty came from. Her feature

ing, I messag

is beautifu

replied alm

ice trailing off in th

ow what to say. But then his

are

of the thoughts and emotions swirling in my mind. I could have easily r

. stre

e responde

ivacy. But something about our conversation made me want to b

rri

eplying, his next mes

ho

ne.

ran

ea

happy w

!" I sent, my heart r

d for the first time, I felt a

ns to get out of

ad thought about running away, but I

ut I can't. My parents don't permit

" he asked, surprising

m to ask such a personal question. Aren

keep your mind

.. tha

lift off my chest. It was strange, like talking to him had

ldhood best friend, and the long years that had passed since we'd last spoken. But

at peace. Maybe, just maybe, everything would fall into place. I

-

g his conversation with Malisa. There was something about it

he felt an odd connection. It was strange, espe

. But it wasn't just her appearance; it was the way her skin tone see

he care

to this connection? A f

-

do you t