All I want is you!

Chapter 13: The Walls Between Us

Bella found herself thinking about Alex more than she wanted to admit. She still told herself they were just friends, but the way her heart reacted every time he was near told a different story.

One evening, as they walked home, Alex turned to her with a thoughtful look.

"You never talk about your past," he said.

Bella stiffened. "There’s nothing to talk about."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "I don’t believe that."

She sighed. "It’s just... I didn’t have the best childhood. My parents were never around much, and I had to take care of myself most of the time. When my mom passed away, my dad didn’t know what to do with me. That’s why I came here to live with my aunt."

Alex didn’t say anything right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft. "I get it. My parents weren’t exactly present either. My dad was always working, and my mom... well, she had her own life to live."

Bella looked at him in surprise. She had always assumed Alex came from a perfect family.

"Guess we’re more alike than we thought," she said with a small smile.

"Yeah," Alex agreed, his eyes locked on hers.

For a moment, it felt like something had shifted between them.

Then, out of nowhere, Alex reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Bella froze at the gentle touch, her breath catching in her throat.

"You’re different from anyone I’ve ever met," he murmured.

Bella swallowed hard. "Alex..."

He took a step closer, his eyes searching hers. "Do you ever think about us? About what we could be?"

Bella’s heart pounded in her chest. She did think about it—more than she wanted to—but she was scared.

"I don’t know," she whispered honestly.

Alex sighed but didn’t push her. "I’ll wait," he said. "As long as it takes."

Bella didn’t know what to say. Part of her wanted to run, but another part—the part that was slowly falling for him—wanted to stay.

As they stood there under the city lights, Bella realized something: Alex wasn’t just breaking down her walls. He was making her want to keep them down.

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