All Chapters of FORBIDDEN AFFECTION : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Elena’s POV I stood near the refreshment table, trying to calm the storm of emotions brewing inside me. My fingers tightened around the stem of my champagne glass, and I took a slow sip, but the unease didn’t fade. The weight of the evening pressed heavily on my shoulders. Guests filled the grand hall, laughter and conversation blending into a hum, but all I could think about was Aiden’s absence. Where was he? He should have been here by now. The thought of him not showing up sent a cold shiver through me. I couldn’t let anyone notice my worry; I had to keep my composure. The last thing I needed was to give anyone a reason to gossip. “Father,” I said softly, pulling him away from a group of his business partners who had been deep in conversation. “Are you sure Aiden will show up?” He gav

Lara’s POV The world seemed to tilt as Jake spun me, my breath hitching from the sudden motion. But when the spinning stopped, I realized I was no longer in Jake’s arms. Instead, I found myself pressed against a chest that was far too familiar, strong, and unyielding. My uncle, Aiden. I froze, feeling his hands steady me, one firm on my waist, almost possessive and the other lightly brushing my back. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and the air between us grew thick—too thick. My heart raced, and a strange chill ran down my spine, making my body tense against his. I blinked in confusion. How had I ended up here? A quick glance to the side revealed Elena in Jake’s arms, her eyes wide with disbelief and her body stiff. It was as if the dance floor had momentarily swallowed everyone else, leaving the four of us trapped in a strange, unintended exchange. "Uncle," I breathed, my voice barely audible over the music.

Lara's POV The car ride home was suffocatingly silent. Aiden’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his knuckles slightly pale. I sat beside him, my hands clutching my dress nervously. The tension in the air was thick, and I dared not speak. When we finally reached home, he stepped out of the car without a word. I hesitated, watching him walk toward the front door, his posture stiff and unyielding. Gathering my courage, I followed him inside. The moment the door closed behind me, Aiden turned, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. "Go to your room," he said, his voice low and commanding. I froze, the authority in his tone making my heart race. "But—" "Now, Lara," he interrupted, his eyes narrowing dangerously. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his unspoken words. Without another word, I turned and ascended the stairs, my legs trembling with each step. Once in my room, I shut the door and leaned against it, my mind a tangled mess of emotions I couldn’t untangle For t

Lara’s POV Shit. My mind snapped back to reality as my Uncle's voice came from the other side of the door. “Lara, are you okay?” I blinked, my breathing still uneven. That was when I realized—I was completely naked on the floor. My face burned with embarrassment as I scrambled onto the bed, yanking the white bedsheet around me, covering myself as best as I could. It was thin, almost useless, but it was the only thing within reach. My breath was still unsteady, my heart hammering in my chest. “I’m fine!” I called out, my voice shaky, not from fear, but from… something else. He didn’t sound convinced. “Lara, open the door.” “No,” I shot back quickly. “Just go to sleep. I’m fine, seriously.” I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping he would just leave. But I could hear his footsteps pacing outside my door. “Lara,” his voice came again, low and firm, “at least let me see you. Just for a second. Let me confirm you’re really fine.” My heart pounded. He wasn’t going to let this go.

Elena’s POV That fucking Aiden. I gripped my phone so tightly I thought I’d break it. Who the hell did he think he was? Leaving me like that, embarrassing me in front of everyone, ignoring all my damn calls? Twenty. Freaking. Calls. I wanted to scream. No, I wanted to throw something—preferably at his stupid, gorgeous face. I sat on the couch, my jaw clenched, my leg bouncing with pure frustration. The whispers from last night still echoed in my ears, the fake pity, the judgmental stares. Everyone saw it. “Elena.” I turned my head sharply to see my father walking in, looking composed as ever, like his daughter wasn’t on the verge of committing murder. “Are you still