Lena's pov
His forehead pressed lightly against mine, warmth radiating from him. The moment stretched, fragile and electric, and for a second, I wanted to forget everything — the mission, the lies, the danger — and just feel it all.
But then reality crashed back like a wave.
I pulled away, stepping back with shaky breaths.
"I… I have to go," I said, my voice barely steady.
Ethan's eyes searched mine, confusion and concern mixing with something deeper. "Lena, wait. What's wrong?"
I shook my head, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "It's nothing. Just… too much right now."
Inside, my heart was a battlefield. Every beat screamed that I wanted to stay, to let down my guard, to trust him. But the mission screamed louder. I couldn't afford to fall—not for him, not for anyone.
I turned, walking away with hurried steps, fighting the flood of emotions threatening to break through.
Don't fall. It's just a mission.
But as I disappeared into the night, the weight of what I was hiding felt heavier than ever.