Chapter 20(Adrian P.O.V)

“Adrian.” Nina’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, worry creasing her brows.

“Nothing much,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’m just wondering how much longer we have to stay here.”

“I have a feeling Zayn will be caught sooner than we think,” Nina replied as she sat beside me.

“I hope so.” I ruffled her hair gently.

“Let’s go check up on Tori,” she said, standing up.

“Sounds like you like her already,” I teased.

“Yeah, I like her. She’s cool- not like those rich, spoilt kids I know.”

“Nah, she’s not arrogant,” I agreed.

“You look extra interested in her though, Ad,” Nina said, smirking.

“What?” I asked, avoiding her gaze.

“You like her. It’s so obvious.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Adrian’s in looooove,” she sang.

“Stop it, Nina,” I groaned, covering my ears.

“Come on, Ad. Just admit it.”

“Fine,” I muttered. “I’m in love with her.”

The door opened.

Nina froze.

I froze.

Tori stood there, wide‑eyed.

“Yay! Adrian’s in love with Tori!” Nina sang even louder this time, completely oblivious.

Tori cleared her throat. “Um… I made dinner for us. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, so you can… continue.” She gave a tiny smile and walked off.

I wanted to sink into the floor.

“What have you done?” I whispered to Nina.

“Oh, stop being a crybaby. You love her,” she said and skipped out.

After changing into something fresh, I headed downstairs. Tori was already setting dinner, avoiding my eyes like they were fire. I shot Nina a warning look- I will get you back for this- and she stuck her tongue out playfully.

“Thank you,” I said softly as Tori served the food.

Dinner was amazing, but my heart was doing backflips the whole time. Tori had heard everything. And now? I had to face it.

When we finished, Nina stood and stretched. “Goodnight guys!” She winked at me before heading to her room.

I swallowed hard and stepped closer to where Tori was washing dishes.

“Tori… can we talk?”

She turned, hands pausing in the sink.

“Look,” I began, feeling my pulse in my throat, “I know I’m way out of your league. And I suck at taking hints. But I like being around you. I haven’t felt this way about anyone before.”

Her eyes softened.

“I know we haven’t known each other for long,” I continued, “but we don’t have to rush anything. I just… I need you here. And after everything, after falling for you- I don’t want to let you go.”

I took a breath.

“I love you, Tori.”

I braced myself for rejection.

But she smiled.

“I feel the same way,” she said, stepping closer. “You were cold at first, and I was insecure and hurting. I didn’t want to fall for you either… but I did. And seeing the way you protected me- how you risked everything for me- made me feel safe.”

Her hand touched my cheek, warm and gentle.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Adrian. I love you.”

Relief hit me so hard I almost laughed. Instead, I pulled her into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around me, and for the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

Then she kissed me.

For a second I froze- but only a second. I kissed her back, deeper, lifting her onto the kitchen slab without breaking the moment. I paused only to look into her eyes.

“You’re mine now, Tori,” I whispered.

She smiled. “Yeah… I’m all yours.”

The moment shattered when Nina burst out of her room.

“So you’re together officially?” she asked, wearing the proudest smirk.

“Yeah,” Tori said, blushing.

“Yay! I’m so happy!” Nina squealed, dancing around the kitchen. “I knew it!”

We both laughed at her chaotic celebration.

Whatever came next- Zayn, danger, chaos- we would face it.

Together.