Chapter 172. Love

Candice

"Goodnight, daddy!" I kissed dad goodnight, and I hurried back to my room after dinner, shut the door behind me, and collapsed onto my bed. Grasping my stuffed teddy bear, I held it tightly against my chest as I let out a soft whimper. The absence of Kaden was already weighing heavily on my heart, and I felt tears gather in my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away.

How could I possibly allow him to stay next time? This feeling was entirely new to me, but it made me happy and excited.

I had never experienced love before; my feelings had always been mere infatuations. However, this time was distinctly different. Kaden made my heart race uncontrollably whenever he was near. I always wanted to hug him and feel his warmth, and his lips—those full, natural red lips—sent shivers down my spine at the mere thought of kissing them.

As I sat up, still clutching the bear in my arms, a knock on the door startled me from my reverie. "Please come in