As the morning sun crept through the curtains, Mia's heart thudded louder with every step she took down the hallway. Her breath caught in her throat as she neared the courtyard.
She knew she had to talk to Jared, to make him understand the truth, but just the thought of it made her feel nervous.
When she found him in the courtyard, he was leaning against a tree, looking deep in thought. Mia took a deep breath and walked toward him.
“Jared,” she called out softly.
Jared was lost in thought as he leaned against the tree, and when he noticed Mia approaching, his eyes narrowed slightly, preparing himself for another argument. Since their last heated conversation, Jared had been on edge, half-expecting Mia to confront him again about the pageant and the secrets she thought he was hiding.
H
