Page 35 of She will Always be Mine

Since you weren’t returning my texts, I decided to write to you the old-fashioned way but with a twist, of course. I sneaked a peek into your Amazon wish list while you laid asleep in my bed the last night we spent together and couldn’t resist gifting them to you. Felt you might enjoy them now, since I’m not there to distract you or demand your attention.

I also sent you copies of your friend Monica’s notes and she was upset you left without saying a word. Don’t worry, I told her you were in a rush and will be back soon (don’t bother denying you won’t). Since you haven’t replied back to her either, I’m guessing your mom took away your phone. I know I took a risk sending you all this but when it comes to you, I’m powerless.

Auntie Sara better not be hurting you because I will find out and you won’t be able to stop me this time. I also found out about Zain, another secret you kept from me.

As for your other secrets, I’ll eventually learn them too.

More than anything, I miss you, Nyra.

You’re always on my mind.

P.S. Never forget… you are mine.

My vision blurs by the time I finish reading it and crush the paper against my chest, desperately wishing it was him I was hugging instead.

He’s everything and far more perfect than my wildest dreams.

Riaan may present himself as dark and broody to the world. But for me, he lightens up.

My phone pings from beside me and I rush to grab it, butterflies flying in my belly hoping it’s from Riaan. Next second, I’m tumbling into a dark abyss.

With no one to catch me.

UNKNOWN:Miss me? ;)

The monster—or should I say...Zain—has come out to play.

Chapter Thirteen

NYRA

I’m sitting at the dining table, with an easy conversation flowing around me, but my mind is stuck, being haunted by the text I received almost an hour ago. It’s hard to focus while all I can think about are his intentions.

At least, I know it’s Zain this time.

The only reason he’s back is because of the ugly confrontation between him and Riaan. It makes sense for his anger to be aimed at me and to blame me for the mess I caused ever since I stepped into their lives again.

However, I’m still confused as to why he would still be targeting me because he accomplished exactly what he desired when he put his plan into action.

The fact that there’s an even larger gap between the two brothers, makes his return much scarier than before.

Each scenario that my mind can conjure is worse than the last. What mind games does he wish to play now? What sick demand could he threaten me with?

“Nyra!”

“Huh,” I mumble, pulling myself out of my troubling thoughts.

“Is everything all right,beta?” asks my dad. “You just zoned out.”

I swallow past the sudden dryness in my throat while everyone at the table stares at me. Dad and Pri are looking at me with worry while Mom is looking at me with trepidation. It’s times like this that I wish I could disappear.

“Oh it’s nothing,” I reply with a short smile. “I was just wondering about classes.”

“Do you want to go back to Pune?” dad asks softly. “If you’re feeling better, I can book us a flight and drop you off, sweetie.”

“No!” Mom says in a high-pitched voice before I can even open my mouth. She clears her throat, offering him a forced smile as she focuses her gaze at my dad. “I’m sure she can stay a bit longer. The college will still be there when she gets back.”

They both turn to me and I hate being put on the spot while they stare expectantly. The stern look in Mom’s eyes demands I agree with her. So, even though my heart screams to side with my dad, I listen to the other voice.

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