85

OLIVIA

My lashes flutter, my gaze locked on the phone in my hand, on the text that seems to grow bolder with each passing second.

No, I won't let myself be fooled. I won't fall for Aiden’s tricks, not this time. This can't be for me. Aiden must have made another mistake again.

My gaze never leaves the screen as I wait for the “ it was a mistake” message. But, it never comes. I begin to suspect that this is more than a slip of the finger. This is serious.

But why? Why would Aiden send me this text after constantly ignoring me and giving me those lingering stares? Is this just another ploy to remain on my mind? If so, it is working. He's always been there, occupying a corner of my thoughts.

Wait, does he expect me to reply? Am I being an idiot? Of course, he does.

I inhale, hold my breath for a moment, then let it out slowly. It's time to strike back. I won't answer his 'I miss you' text, no matter how many butterflies it sends fluttering through my stomach. He doesn't deserve to be