Page 106 of Wild Tangled Hearts

The chaos of emotions in my heart threatens to consume me, and I need space to think, to breathe. He runs a hand through his hair, his face contorted with fear, and I can see the pain etched into every line of his expression.

My heart aches, torn between love and doubt, between the memories of our shared moments and the undeniable truth of what I witnessed.

Sebastian's offer to drive me home is tempting, a lifeline of escape from this painful situation. But a part of me wants to hear Alex out, to understand the truth behind that kiss and the state of our relationship.

There's also a part of me that's considering ending things altogether. My heart can only endure so much.

I need to choose. To end things for good and let Sebastian drive me home, or to give Alex a chance to explain and confront the tangled web of our emotions head-on. The decision feels impossible, but it's one I must make.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Things aren’t always as they seem. Listen to Alex's side of the story and then choose whether to stay or go. Turn to this page.

It’s undoubtedly the end. There's no coming back from this. It's time to bring closure to this chapter and accept Sebastian's offer. Turn to this page.

Chapter46

Alex

IN THE SHADOW OF DOUBT

“Confidence, Bella," I murmur to myself, my reflection looking back at me with wide, anxious eyes. My dark hair cascades in loose waves down my back, and I smooth the silk dress, a delicate shade of lavender that Jess had insisted would complement my eyes. It hangs gracefully on me, a whisper of elegance in the soft morning light.

Today is Hal and Kimmy's wedding day, and I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. It's not because I'm worried about their love – I've never met a couple more perfect for each other – but it's the whirlwind of emotions that seeing Alex with Angie stirs within me.

He warned me that she will be there. And as much as I try not to worry about their friendship, it’s hard not to remember that she was his first love, and it’s pretty clear she still wants to be with him. The thought nags at me like a persistent itch, refusing to be ignored.

My phone buzzes on the vanity, startling me.

Alex: On my way, beautiful. Can't wait to see you.

I can't help but smile at the message. Our relationship has been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. Alex, with his rugged charm and infectious laugh, makes me feel like the only woman in the world when he's with me. But there are moments like this one when I wonder if I'm just a temporary stop on his journey, a placeholder until he figures out what he truly wants – Angie.

The doorbell interrupts my thoughts, and my heart leaps in my chest. I take one last look in the mirror, hoping I look confident and beautiful, and then I rush to the front door. As I swing it open, my breath catches in my throat.

Alex is dressed in a sharp charcoal-gray suit and a perfectly knotted navy tie. It's a stark contrast to his usual attire of jeans and t-shirts, and my jaw drops at the sight of him. He looks stunning like he's just walked out of a men's fashion magazine. Dark hair falls casually across his forehead, and his hazel eyes sparkle with a hint of mischief.

"Wow," is all I say, my heart doing somersaults in my chest.

He grins, those dimples deepening in a way that weakens my knees. "You look gorgeous," he says, his voice low and tender as he steps inside and pulls me into a warm embrace.

I melt against him, inhaling his familiar scent, a mixture of fresh aftershave and the earthy aroma of the great outdoors. "You clean up pretty well, too," I tease, my voice trembling with nerves.

"I thought I'd take a break from the flannel shirts and hiking boots for one day.”

I chuckle, feeling some of my tension dissipate. "I must admit, you look irresistible in that suit."

His hazel eyes flicker with mischief as he glances my way. "Irresistible, huh? That's a dangerous word, Bella."

I bite my lip, trying to suppress a smirk. "Well, you've been warned."

We share a laugh, and it feels good, like a soothing balm to my worries.

The moment we step into the church, the scent of fresh flowers and the hushed whispers of guests wash over me. Hal stands at the front with his brothers, and his expression is a mix of joy and nerves.

My attention is drawn to the back row, where Angie sits. Her eyes lock with mine for a brief, tense moment, and then she looks away, her lips curling into a glare that sends a shiver down my spine. It's a cold, calculated look that tells me she's not ready to let go of the past, that she resents my presence in Alex's life.

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