☆Hate Sparks☆

Chapter 8: Choosing Sides (Aria's pov)

Aria paced her apartment, unable to shake the worry gnawing at her. After her conversation with Zoe in the park that morning, she'd been on edge, wondering how things were going between Zoe and Alex. She glanced at her phone for the hundredth time, debating whether to send another text.

Just as she was about to give in and call, her phone rang. Zoe's name flashed on the screen.

"Aria?" Zoe's voice was thick with tears. "Can... can I come over? I really need a friend right now."

Aria's heart clenched. "Of course. I'm here. Come over anytime."

As she waited for Zoe to arrive, Aria's mind raced. What had happened? Was Zoe okay? She tried to push down the tiny flicker of hope that sparked in her chest. This wasn't about her feelings; Zoe needed a friend.

The doorbell rang, and Aria rushed to answer it. The sight of Zoe, eyes red and puffy from crying, made Aria's protective instincts flare. Without a word, she pulled Zoe into a tight hug, feeling the other woman's body shake with fresh sobs.

"It's okay," Aria murmured, stroking Zoe's hair. "I've got you. You're safe here."

She guided Zoe to the couch, listening intently as Zoe recounted what she'd discovered about Alex. With each word, Aria felt a mix of emotions – anger at Alex for his betrayal, sympathy for Zoe's pain, and a guilty relief that Zoe was now free.

"I'm so sorry, Zoe," Aria said, taking Zoe's hands in hers. "You didn't deserve that. Alex is an idiot for treating you this way."

As Zoe continued to open up, Aria found herself marveling at her strength. Even in the face of such betrayal, Zoe's inherent kindness shone through. It was one of the things Aria loved most about her.

Love. The word echoed in Aria's mind, and she realized with startling clarity that it was true. She was in love with Zoe.

When Zoe's voice dropped to a whisper, saying she needed to confess something, Aria's heart raced. She met Zoe's gaze, hardly daring to hope.

"When I was with Alex, I was confused about my feelings for you. But now... now I realize that what I feel for you is real. It's not just friendship, and it's not confusion. I think I'm falling in love with you."

Aria's breath caught in her throat. Joy surged through her, tempered by concern. "Zoe, I... I feel the same way. But are you sure? After everything that's happened today..."

Zoe's certainty, her declaration of love, broke down the last of Aria's reservations. As their lips met in that first, tender kiss, Aria felt as though everything in her life had been leading to this moment.

When they finally parted, Aria couldn't stop smiling. "I love you too, Zoe. I have for a while now."

As they settled into conversation, discussing their future and the challenges ahead, Aria felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in years. The scars from her relationship with Jason were still there, but with Zoe, she felt safe, valued, and truly loved.

Looking at Zoe, Aria knew that whatever obstacles they faced – be it the pipeline project, their differing backgrounds, or the judgments of others – they would face them together. For the first time in a long time, Aria was excited for what the future held.

This was more than just a new relationship; it was a chance at the kind of love and partnership Aria had always dreamed of but never thought she'd find. And she was ready to embrace it with open arms.