ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴡɪꜱᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛꜱ (*Completed*)

Chapter: 31

Aria Delaney

I couldn't sleep that night. Dante was lying next to me, his arm draped protectively over my waist. His breathing was slow and steady, a stark contrast to the turmoil in my mind. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the face of Dante's father and heard his threatening words.

I slid out of bed carefully, trying not to wake Dante. The mansion was eerily quiet, the moonlight casting long shadows on the walls. I needed to clear my head, to think about everything that had happened and what it meant for me and Dante.

I found myself in the kitchen, pouring a glass of water when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see Alex, his expression one of concern.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

I nodded, taking a sip of water. "Just couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind."

Alex leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "I heard what happened tonight. Are you really okay with all of this?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I don't know, Alex. It's just... a lot. Finding out Dante's father might be involved in my parents' murder, and then seeing him with my stepsister... I don't know what to think anymore."

Alex placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Whatever you decide, just know I'm here for you. We all are."

I smiled weakly. "Thanks, Alex. That means a lot."

As I headed back to my room, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. I knew I needed to confront Dante about everything, but I wasn't sure I was ready for the answers I might get.