Loving You More

CHAPTER ONE

Chapter 1: A Lifetime of Friendship

Nicola Coughlan sat in her cozy flat, surrounded by memories of her childhood. Photos of her, Luke Newton, and his sister, Claudia Jessie, adorned the walls. Their lifelong friendship had been a constant source of comfort and joy.

As she gazed out the window, Nicola's thoughts drifted back to their earliest days. She remembered Luke's mischievous grin, Claudia's infectious laughter, and her own freckled nose. They had grown up together, exploring London's streets, sharing secrets, and supporting each other through thick and thin.

It all started when Nicola was six years old. Her family had just moved to a new neighborhood, and she felt lonely. Luke, then seven, had introduced himself with a charming smile. Claudia, five, had tagged along, and the trio quickly became inseparable.

As they grew older, their friendship deepened. They shared sleepovers, family vacations, and countless memories. Nicola had always felt a special connection to Luke, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. They would spend hours playing in the park, sharing stories, and laughing together.

Nicola recalled the time Luke had stood up for her against a bully in school. She remembered the way he had looked at her, his eyes filled with kindness and concern. From that moment on, Nicola felt a sense of safety and security around Luke.

Their teenage years brought new experiences and challenges. Luke had joined the school drama club, and Nicola had become his biggest supporter. She attended every play, cheering him on from the front row. Claudia, meanwhile, had become Nicola's confidante, sharing secrets and advice.

It wasn't until Nicola turned 16 that she realized her feelings for Luke went beyond friendship. They were studying for exams together, and Luke had helped her understand a difficult concept. His patience, kindness, and genuine interest in her success had touched her heart.

As she looked into his eyes, Nicola felt a flutter in her chest. She couldn't deny her emotions anymore. She loved Luke, but she was afraid to confess her feelings, fearing it might ruin their friendship.

Over the years, Nicola had become adept at hiding her true emotions. She continued to support Luke's acting career, attending his plays and offering constructive feedback. Claudia, sensing Nicola's feelings, had become her confidante.

As Luke's fame grew, so did Nicola's love for him. She watched him charm audiences, his talent and charisma captivating everyone around him. Her heart swelled with pride, but also ached with longing.

Nicola remembered the countless nights she had spent thinking of Luke, wondering what could have been if she had confessed her feelings. She recalled the birthdays, holidays, and special moments they had shared, always hoping that one day he would see her in a different light.

Now, at 24, Nicola felt the weight of her secrets. She longed to tell Luke how she truly felt, but fear held her back.

Just then, Claudia's voice echoed from downstairs, breaking Nicola's reverie. "Nicola, Luke's here!"

Nicola's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't seen Luke in weeks, not since his latest acting gig. She rushed downstairs, her curly brown hair bouncing with each step.

Luke stood in the doorway, flashing his famous Newton smile. "Hey, Nic! Missed you."

Nicola's cheeks flushed as she hugged him tight. "Missed you more."

As they settled into their favorite routine – coffee and gossip – Claudia joined them, completing their little trio.

"Luke, we need to celebrate your latest success," Claudia said, a sly grin spreading across her face.

"Absolutely!" Luke agreed. "Where do you suggest?"

"How about dinner at that new Italian place?" Nicola suggested, her heart racing at the prospect of a night out with Luke.

"Sounds perfect," Luke said, his eyes meeting Nicola's.

As they made plans, Nicola couldn't shake off the feeling that this dinner might change everything. Claudia's encouraging gaze told her it was time to take a chance.

Nicola's heart pounded in anticipation. Would she finally confess her feelings, or would she let another opportunity slip away?

As they chatted, Nicola couldn't help but notice the way Luke's eyes sparkled when he laughed. She felt a flutter in her chest, her pulse racing with excitement.

"Earth to Nicola!" Claudia teased, snapping Nicola back to reality.

Nicola blushed, trying to compose herself. "Sorry, lost in thought."

Luke's eyes locked onto hers, his expression curious. "What's on your mind, Nic?"

Nicola's heart skipped a beat. Should she reveal her true feelings or play it safe?

She honestly couldn't decide and talk. It feels her throat was completely dried up by Luke's question. If she were to be honest and vocal about what is on her mind right now, everything might change.

She looked at Claudia who was surprisingly looking at her too, gave her a simple smile-a reassuring smile.

Oh, Claudia. She really knows everything!

She still remembers the day they talked weeks ago.

*****

One sunny day, as they were hanging out on the balcony of Luke's house, (because he decided to live on his own and he invited the two of them) Claudia couldn't help but notice the way Nicola looked at Luke. It was a gaze she had seen before, but never quite so intensely. Claudia's eyes sparkled with curiosity; she had suspected Nicola's feelings for Luke for a while now.

Claudia's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Nicola's behavior. The way Nicola's cheeks flushed when Luke spoke, the way her eyes lit up when he smiled. It was all too familiar.

Claudia decided to test her theory when Luke leaves to get some refreshments. She casually leaned over to Nicola and whispered, "Hey, Nic? Can I ask you something?"

Nicola's eyes met Claudia's, a hint of wariness in her expression. "What is it?"

"Do you have feelings for Luke?" Claudia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nicola's cheeks flushed deeper, and she looked away, trying to compose herself. "What makes you ask that?"

Claudia's eyes sparkled with delight. "I've seen the way you look at him, Nic. I've known you long enough to recognize that gaze."

Nicola sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat. "Okay, fine. Yes, I have feelings for Luke."

Claudia's face lit up with a warm smile. "I knew it! I'm so happy for you, Nic."

Nicola's eyes widened in alarm. "Shh, Claudia! Don't say anything to Luke."

Claudia held up her hands, mock-innocently. "I won't say a word, I promise. But you have to promise me you'll tell him soon."

Nicola nodded, feeling a mix of emotions: fear, excitement, and hope.

As they continued their evening, Claudia's observation had set off a chain reaction. Nicola's feelings for Luke were no longer a secret, at least not to Claudia. And Claudia was determined to help her friend confess her love.