Chapitre 48: CHAPTER 48: Mixed Feelings

　　The rhythmic tapping of my shoes echoed against the polished floor as I hurried down the hallway from my early morning gym session, a familiar knot of nervous excitement twisting in my stomach. The next entry in Ava's diary was about Alexander's return from Cambridge, and for some reason, I was anticipating reading it.

　　Maybe it was because this was the first glimpse into their dynamic as young adults, or maybe, a traitorous part of me yearned to see a softer side of Alexander, a glimpse of the man he might have been before the weight of responsibility settled upon him.

　　Reaching my room, I sank onto the plush armchair, the leather cool against my skin. Picking up the diary, I flipped to the marked page. The familiar scent of vanilla and parchment filled my senses as I began to read: