Chapter 2: The Stranger Has a Name.
The room tilted.
Not literally, but Mila's mind swayed hard enough to make the floor feel uneven. She blinked once. Twice. But the man standing at the center of the table didn't change.
Same dark eyes.
Same devastating smile.
Same lips that had kissed her like she was the only girl in the world.
He stood tall, composed—his hand wrapped around her sister's like he belonged there.
Mila couldn't breathe.
She grabbed the nearest chair, her fingers trembling slightly as she forced her lips into something resembling a smile. People were hugging, laughing, clinking glasses. No one noticed the earthquake tearing through her chest.
Except him.
He looked up—and froze.
Just for a second. Just long enough for his eyes to widen in unmistakable recognition.
And then... it was gone.
Replaced by a carefully blank expression. He let go of her sister's hand.
Her sister—Anna—bubbled with joy. "Mila! You made it! Come meet—"
He cut in, voice smooth. Calm. Too calm.
"We've already met."
Mila swallowed hard.
Anna tilted her head, confused. "Really? When?"
Mila opened her mouth. Nothing came out. Her brain scrambled for lies, excuses—anything that didn't sound like we kissed last night and I didn't know he was your damn fiancé.
He stepped closer, extending a hand like this was their first time. "I bumped into her once. Briefly."
His voice didn't waver. His eyes didn't flinch. He was good at this.
Too good.
Mila stared at the hand he offered but didn't take it. Not yet. "Briefly," she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Anna laughed, oblivious. "Crazy small world, right?"
Mila nodded slowly, her eyes still locked on him.
"Yeah. Insanely small."
Later
She stood in the hallway outside the restroom, gripping the edge of the sink like it was the only thing anchoring her to the planet. Her reflection looked calm. Her heartbeat said otherwise.
What the hell had she done?
What the hell was he doing?
And why the hell did she still remember how his lips felt?
"Mila."
His voice came from behind her.
She spun around to find him in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
"You shouldn't be here," she snapped.
His jaw tightened. "I could say the same to you."
Her eyes narrowed. "You knew. The moment you saw me this morning, you knew."
"And you didn't?" he shot back.
She flinched.
"Last night..." she whispered. "You never said your name."
"You never asked."
Silence stretched.
He took a step forward, lowering his voice. "I didn't know you were her sister."
"And now that you do?"
Another step. "I'm trying to forget what happened."
Her throat tightened. "Good. So am I."
But her voice cracked on the last word, betraying her.
He stopped in front of her. Too close again. Always too close.
"This stays between us," he said, low and final.
She nodded.
But deep down, a part of her knew the truth.
Secrets never stay buried.
And some sins don't stay silent.
End of Chapter 2
Every secret has a price…
Before you turn the page, I want to know:
What would you do if the man you kissed turned out to be your sister's fiancé?
Should Mila come clean… or keep it buried?
Who's hiding more—Mila or him?
Is this the beginning of a heartbreak… or something more?
What do you think? Comment below—I'm reading every single one!