Maria.
"Aidan!" Vanessa's voice rang out again, clearer this time as she walked toward us with quick, determined steps.
The moment Aidan heard her call, something shifted. His arm around my waist loosened completely.
Before I could even react, he pushed me slightly aside, creating distance between us. The sudden release made me stumble a little, but Noah's arms were there instantly.
He caught me without hesitation, steadying me against him as if he had been waiting for the moment Aidan would let go.
But my attention was no longer on Noah.
It was on Aidan.
Without even sparing me another glance, Aidan stepped forward and reached for Vanessa. His fingers slipped into hers effortlessly, their hands interlocking as naturally as if they had been meant to fit together all along.
Like he hadn't been holding me with those same hands just seconds ago.
The sight struck somewhere deep in my chest. A strange, uncomfortable feeling flickered there before I could stop it.
