423: DESPERATE CONFESSIONS

ARIEL'S POV Andre sighed; his expression hurt. "I'm sorry, Ariel. I just... I couldn't keep pretending anymore. I have feelings for you, and I couldn't stand seeing you with him any longer," he admitted, his voice filled with remorse. I shook my head in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he was saying. "Feelings for me? Andre, we're friends, nothing more. You know that." I protested, my mind reeling with confusion. But Andre shook his head, his eyes filled with sincerity. "No, Ariel, it's more than that. I've loved you for a long time, and I couldn't keep it hidden any longer," he confessed, his voice filled with longing. I felt my heart sink at his words, the weight of his confession settling heavily on my shoulders. "Andre, I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, my mind spinning with a whirlwind of emotions. But before I could say anything else, Andre stepped closer to me, his gaze locking with mine. "Ariel, please. Just give me a chance. Let me show you how much I care