Loving You More

CHAPTER TWO

Chapter 2: Secret Confessions

For Nicola, it was an advantage to have her parents being friends with Luke and Claudia's parents too, for so long. She got every chance to be with them, with him, in every party, events or gatherings that was organized both by their families, just like today.

It was her parents' wedding aniversary and of course, her parents invited them. She got the chance to talk to him earlier, but decided to leave soon as her heart won't stop beating fast around him.

Nicola's heart skipped a beat as she watched Luke laugh with Claudia. His eyes sparkled, and his smile lit up the room. She felt that familiar flutter in her chest, a sensation she had grown accustomed to over the years.

As the evening drew to a close, Nicola retreated to her room, her thoughts swirling. She pulled out her journal, a trusted confidant for her secret feelings.

"Dear Journal," she wrote, "I can't believe how much I love Luke. Every time he smiles, my heart skips a beat. Every time he laughs, I feel alive. I wish I could tell him, but I'm scared of ruining our friendship."

Nicola's pen paused, her thoughts drifting to the countless moments she had shared with Luke. She remembered the way he had supported her during her grandparents' passing, the way he had encouraged her to pursue her writing dreams.

"Luke has no idea how I feel," she continued writing. "And I'm not sure if I'll ever have the courage to tell him. But for now, I'll keep my secret safe, hidden away in these pages."

Days turned into weeks, and Nicola's feelings for Luke only intensified. She found herself stealing glances at him, admiring the way he moved with confidence, the way his eyes sparkled when he spoke.

Claudia noticed the change in Nicola's behavior and smiled knowingly. She had promised to keep Nicola's secret, but she was determined to encourage her friend to confess her feelings.

"Nicola, you can't keep hiding your feelings forever," Claudia said, as they sipped coffee in Nicola's flat. "Luke cares about you deeply, and I'm sure he'll appreciate your honesty."

Nicola's eyes widened in alarm. "But what if he doesn't feel the same way? What if it ruins our friendship?"

Claudia's expression turned serious. "Nicola, you'll never know unless you try. And even if it doesn't work out, your friendship will survive. Luke values your relationship too much to let it fade."

Nicola nodded, feeling a surge of determination. Maybe Claudia was right. Maybe it was time to take a chance.

But as she looked at Luke, laughing with a group of friends, Nicola's doubts resurfaced. What if he rejected her? What if their friendship changed forever?

As the days passed, Nicola's internal conflict intensified. She wrote in her journal, pouring out her heart, but unable to muster the courage to confess her feelings to Luke.

Meanwhile, Luke remained oblivious to Nicola's secret. He valued their friendship above all, never once suspecting that Nicola's feelings for him went beyond friendship.

"Hey, Nic! Want to grab dinner tonight?" Luke asked, strolling into Nicola's flat.

Nicola's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. "Love to," she replied, trying to sound casual.

As they walked to the restaurant, Nicola couldn't help but steal glances at Luke. She felt that familiar flutter, that longing to be closer to him.

But for now, she remained silent, her secret confessions locked away in her journal, waiting for the day she would find the courage to reveal her true feelings.

As the days passed, Nicola's internal conflict intensified. She wrote in her journal, pouring out her heart, but unable to muster the courage to confess her feelings to Luke.

Numerous opportunities arose, but Nicola's doubts and fears held her back. They walked along the Thames, and Nicola mustered her courage, only to be interrupted by a group of street performers.

"Luke, can I talk to you about something?" Nicola asked, her voice trembling.

"Of course, Nic! What's up?" Luke replied, his eyes locked on hers.

But before Nicola could continue, Claudia appeared, excitedly chattering about a new fashion trend. The moment was lost.

Another evening, they watched a sunset on Hampstead Heath. Nicola's heart pounded as she turned to Luke.

"Luke, I...I wanted to say something," Nicola stammered.

Luke's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What is it, Nic?"

But Nicola's courage faltered. "Just...just how beautiful this view is."

Luke smiled, oblivious to Nicola's true intentions. "Isn't it, though?"

Meanwhile, Luke began sensing that something was amiss. He caught Nicola gazing at him, her eyes filled with an intensity he had never seen before. He tried to brush it off, attributing it to his imagination.

"No, Luke, you're just being paranoid," he told himself. "Nicola's always been a great friend. She can't possibly feel that way."

But the seed of doubt had been planted. Luke found himself stealing glances at Nicola, searching for signs that his suspicions might be true.

As they spent more time together, Luke's confusion grew. He valued their friendship above all, but a part of him wondered if he had been blind to Nicola's feelings all along.

One evening, as they walked home from a dinner party, Luke turned to Nicola.

"Hey, Nic? Is everything okay? You seem...different lately."

Nicola's heart skipped a beat. Had Luke finally noticed?

"I'm fine, Luke. Just stressed with work," Nicola replied, trying to sound casual.

Luke's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press the issue. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."

Nicola smiled, feeling a pang of regret. She had missed another opportunity to confess her feelings.

As they parted ways, Nicola couldn't shake off the feeling that she was running out of chances. Would she ever find the courage to reveal her true feelings to Luke?