Chapter VIII

My heart skipped a beat. I glanced back inside, where Stella and her friends were still deep in conversation.

Taking a deep breath, I slipped away quietly, making my way to the park close to the hotel I and Chris were staying.

When I arrived, Nicolas was waiting, pacing anxiously. He looked up as I approached, his expression a mix of relief and tension.

"Melissa," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Thank you for coming."

I crossed my arms, trying to steady my racing heart. "Nicolas, what is it? What do you want to talk about?"

Nicolas took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine. "Melissa, I've been thinking about us, about everything that’s happened. I can't stop thinking about you."

I took a step back, feeling a mix of desire and confusion.

He nodded, his face strained. "I mean it."

I glanced……