Chapter 35

*Tonia's Pov*

The rest of the day unfolded like a slow dance of avoidance and silent interactions. I kept my distance from Aaron, my embarrassment still lingering like a shadow. Every time our paths crossed, my heart raced, and I found myself desperately trying to hide the fluttering nerves that threatened to betray my composure.

As the evening arrived, we gathered around the dining table for dinner. The atmosphere was tense, an unspoken tension filling the air. I took my seat, my eyes focused on the plate before me, determined to remain unnoticed.

But fate had other plans. As the meal came to an end, the task of...