Chapter 26

Ivy, back then continues...

The world seemed to freeze when I saw Aidan, his fingers wrapped around the small book that held my deepest thoughts.

My diary, a silent confidant of my quiet life, now prey to his careless grasp. Horror clawed at my throat, but no sound escaped. His blue eyes met mine, a smug, teasing glint in them as if he'd just won a prize.

"Give it back, Aidan!" The words tumbled out, sharp and laced with panic. He was the last person I wanted reading those pages—each word a piece of my soul laid bare.

"Aw, come on, Ivy," he drawled, his voice low and taunting. It rang through the empty hallway like a mockery of my fear. "What's the harm in sharing a few little secrets?"

"Please," I whispered, the plea lost in the vast space between us. To him, this was a game, but to me, it was a nightmare unfolding.