UNVOICED LOVE

CHAPTER - 10

Aaron’s P.O.V.

“Can you stop staring at her?” Liam teased, nudging me.

“Like what?” I asked, playing dumb even though I knew exactly what he was talking about.

But I couldn’t help it—my eyes refused to leave her. I didn’t know this side of her still existed. From the moment we arrived, she had transformed into a child again—laughing, dancing, soaking in every second like there was no tomorrow. Her joy, her smile, her mischief—everything that had once been buried beneath her mature, guarded exterior—was now glowing like the stars above us.

“Hannah,” I whispered under my breath, mesmerized.

“Aaron!” Liam called, snapping me out of my trance. “Are you even listening?”

“Huh? Sorry, I zoned out. What were you saying?”

“You look at her like she’s all you need,” he said seriously. “Like she’s the air you breathe. Like a child admiring the moon… like a lost puppy waiting for its owner. Like you want her—only her. Like my dad looks at my mom. Like… you truly love her. As if she’s the one you’ve waited for all these years.”

I turned to look at her again. She was dancing around the bonfire with her best friend, Zander, and his girlfriend Hazel. Her laughter echoed in the night air, and I couldn’t believe Liam was right—my eyes said it all.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“Not just me—Zander knows it too. And we’re not the only ones. Even she loves you, Aaron. Haven’t you noticed the way her eyes light up around you? The way her whole face glows when she smiles at you? You both are in love… but too scared to confess because you’re afraid of losing each other.”

I looked down, sighing.

“No… I can’t propose to her. As much as I want to, it’s too early. She hasn’t even graduated yet.” I faked a smile, trying to hide the hesitation eating away at me.

Liam rolled his eyes. “Proposing marriage?! Who said anything about that? First confess your feelings! Date her—not pretend to, but actually date her. Get to know her deeper, and then propose when the time is right.”

“I can’t, buddy,” I admitted quietly. “I’m not worthy of her love. She’s so pure, so delicate… I want to change everything about myself for her. Everything I have is because of my father. I want to earn it first. I want to be someone… before I ask her to be mine.”

As if he could read my mind, Liam said gently, “You think too much. You’re already more worthy than you know. I’ve seen you protect the helpless and stand against the wicked. You’re not perfect—but you’re good. And she sees that too.”

Then he grinned. “So get your butt up and propose to her before it’s too late!”

“Too late? She’s not going anywhere,” I scoffed. “She’s mine—and the world knows it. We’re trending everywhere. Nobody would dare come between us.”

“She won’t leave,” he mumbled, “but you might.”

I paused. His words hit deeper than I expected.

“Hey,” I said quickly, changing the subject. “Let’s go ring shopping tomorrow. I need to plan this proposal!”

“Oh God, I don’t even know how to propose! Liam, you have to help me!” Panic started to rise in my chest.

“Only if you ask nicely,” he smirked.

This idiot.

“Mr. Liam Smith,” I said in a mock-stern voice, “could you help me with the proposal?”