Mariana POV
Aiden didn't press me for an answer. He just stood there, his expression calm yet piercing, as if he could see every thought racing through my mind. The tension in the air was thick, almost suffocating, and I knew I had to say something before it swallowed me whole.
"You make everything so complicated," I finally muttered, breaking the silence.
Aiden tilted his head, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Complicated? Marian, I'm trying to make things simple. You're the one fighting it."
"I'm not fighting anything," I said quickly, though I didn't even believe the words.
"Really?" He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he took a step closer. "Then why do you always look like you're ready to bolt every time I get too close?"
"I don't…" I trailed off, biting my lip. He wasn't wrong, but admitting it felt like surrendering some part of myself I wasn't ready to give up. "It's just… a lot."
