Loving You More

CHAPTER THREE

Chapter 3: The Confession

Nicola's heart pounded as she walked to Luke's flat. She had mustered every ounce of courage to confess her feelings. Today was the day.

As she knocked on the door, Luke's voice called out, "Come in!"

Nicola took a deep breath and entered. Luke looked up from his script, a hint of curiosity on his face.

"Hey, Nic! What brings you here?"

Nicola's voice trembled. "Luke, can we talk?"

Luke's expression turned serious. "Of course, what's up?"

Nicola's eyes locked onto his. "I...I have feelings for you, Luke. Romantic feelings."

The room fell silent. Luke's eyes widened, shock etched on his face.

"Nicola, I...I had no idea," Luke stammered.

Nicola's heart sank, anticipating the worst.

"Luke, please say something," Nicola urged, her voice cracking.

Luke's expression turned uncomfortable. "Nicola, I...I don't feel the same way. I'm flattered, but...I feel nothing towards you romantically."

Nicola's heart stung at the words.

"Nothing?" Nicola repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Luke nodded, his eyes avoiding hers. "I'm sorry, Nicola. You're an amazing person, but...we're just friends to me."

Nicola felt a stab of pain, but she wasn't angry at Luke. She understood.

"Luke, I know this may seem sudden, but...I think we could be more than friends," Nicola said, her voice filled with hope.

Luke's expression turned firm. "Nicola, I appreciate your feelings, but...I don't feel the same way. We're better off as friends."

Nicola's eyes searched his, seeking a glimmer of doubt.

"Are you sure, Luke? We've known each other for so long...maybe there's something more between us."

Luke's voice turned gentle but firm. "Nicola, I'm positive. I value our friendship, but...romantically, I don't feel anything."

Nicola's heart shattered, but she refused to give up.

"Luke, please...just consider it, I truly love you... For years... " Nicola pleaded.

Luke's expression turned sympathetic. "Nicola, I've considered it. My answer remains the same. We're friends, and that's all we'll ever be. I don't want to hurt you more so please stop, whatever it is you are feeling."

She prepared herself not to cry. She swear to God. But it's as if her tears had their own mind from falling against her will.

She gathered all her courage to ask.

" Can't you just atleast try to love me? "

" No, and I'll never be. We're friends, Nic.. I don't want yo ruin that. "

The finality of Luke's words hit Nicola like a wave. She nodded, accepting defeat.

"I understand," Nicola whispered, tears streaming down her face.

As she left Luke's flat, Nicola's world crumbled around her.

Nicola rushed to Claudia's flat, tears blurring her vision.

"Claudia, I did it," Nicola sobbed, collapsing onto the couch.

Claudia enveloped her in a warm hug. "Oh, Nicola, I'm so proud of you for confessing your feelings. I'm here for you, no matter what."