Tangled Hearts

Chapter 20

Noah's car pulled up to the sprawling mansion, and Kat's heart skipped a beat. She had been dreading this moment since she agreed to come home with him.

As they stepped inside, Noah led her to the living room, where a warm fire crackled in the fireplace. He gestured for her to sit, and Kat hesitated before complying.Noah, seated beside her, winced slightly as he adjusted his weight.

She noticed immediately. "How's the pain now?" Kathrine asked, her voice soft but edged with concern.

Noah offered her a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Better," he said, shrugging slightly. "The meds are kicking in."

Kathrine studied him for a moment, her eyes narrowing. She wasn't easily convinced. "You've always been terrible at lying, Noah."

He chuckled, a low sound that echoed in

He chuckled, a low sound that echoed in the stillness around them. "And you've always been too sharp for your own good."

She gave him a half-smile, a mix of exasperation and affection. "You should rest. We didn't come all this way for you to push yourself too hard."

"I'll rest after finish what we came here for," Noah said, his voice steady, though a hint of something deeper lingered beneath the surface.

Kathrine turned to him, her eyes searching his face. There was something in his tone, something that made her heart skip a beat. "For what, Noah?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He met her gaze, his expression softening in a way she hadn't seen before. "Kathrine... you've always been so special to me," he began, his voice filled with an unexpected tenderness. "This isn't just about the the frindship anymore It's about us-about what I have never said, what I always avoided."

"Kat, from the moment I met you, I knew you were different. Your kindness, your empathy...it drew me in. I've always cherished our friendship, and I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

Kat's expression softened, touched by his sincerity. "Noah, I care about you too. But I don't understand why you've been acting so strange lately."

Noah took a deep breath, his voice cracking. "I've been struggling, Kat. With my own demons. But being around you...it makes me feel alive. You're the only one who truly gets me."

As he spoke, Noah's face inches from hers, Kat felt her heart race. She saw the vulnerability in his eyes, the genuine emotion.

Noah's eyes locked onto hers, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. Kat's heart skipped a beat

As they pulled away, gasping for air, Noah smiled, his eyes shining with emotion. "I've wanted to do that for so long, Kat."

"Noah, I..." she started, but he cut her off, by Noah tried to kiss her once again Kat pulled herself she didn't want this not she felt that she did something wrong very wrong.

On other hand Rhea's heart raced as she and Aiden rushed Alex to the hospital. He was unconscious , and Rhea's mind was filled with worst-case scenarios.

"Aiden, hurry!" she urged, her voice shaking with worry.

Aiden's face was set in a grim expression as he sped through the streets. "I'm going as fast as I can, Rhea."

They finally arrived at the hospital, and Aiden screeched to a halt outside the emergency entrance. Rhea leapt out of the car and rushed to help Aiden carry Alex inside.