Morning — The Distance Hurts More Than Truth
Maya didn't sleep.
Not really.
When morning light filtered through her curtains, her eyes were already open—tired, swollen, searching for answers that never came.
Her phone was still quiet.
No message.
No explanation.
Just the echo of Adrian's words from last night—
"I'm scared I'll lose you."
"If you're scared," she whispered to herself,
"then why are you leaving me alone in this?"
She picked up her phone.
This time, she didn't call.
She texted.
> Maya: We need to talk. Not later. Today.
She stared at the screen, heart pounding.Adrian — A Choice He Can't Delay
Adrian sat in his car outside his office, staring at Maya's message.
He exhaled slowly.
Running wasn't protecting her anymore.
Silence wasn't either.
He typed back.
> Adrian: Meet me at the old lakeside café. One hour.
His hands shook slightly as he put the phone down.
This conversation could change everything.
But he was done hiding.
---
Lakeside Café — Where Truth Begins
The café was quiet. Almost empty.
Maya arrived first.
She sat by the window, hands clasped tightly, rehearsing words she wasn't sure she'd be able to say without breaking.
When Adrian walked in, she felt it before she saw him.
The air shifted.
He looked tired. Worn. Real.
He sat across from her, silent.
Maya didn't wait.
"Who is she?" she asked.Straight. Honest. No fear.
Adrian's breath hitched.
"My past," he said quietly.
"Her name is Shiya."
Maya nodded slowly.
"And she's the one calling you. Threatening you."
Adrian looked up sharply.
"She didn't threaten me," he corrected.
"She threatened you."
Maya's heart skipped—but she didn't look away.
"Why?" she asked.
"What does she want?"
Adrian swallowed hard.
"Control," he said.
"And because she knows I care about you."
The words settled between them.
Care.
Maya's voice softened—but her resolve didn't.
"Then why didn't you tell me?"
Adrian leaned forward, pain in his eyes.
"Because I didn't want fear to touch you," he said.
"But I see now… I was wrong."
Silence followed.
Then Maya spoke—calm, steady.
"You don't get to decide what I can handle."
That hit him harder than anger ever could.The Promise
Adrian met her gaze.
"I'm not running anymore," he said.
"No secrets that affect you. Not again."
Maya studied him carefully.
"Then don't protect me from the truth," she said.
"Protect me with it."
Adrian nodded.
"I promise."
For the first time in days, Maya felt her chest loosen.
Not because everything was okay—
But because finally, they were facing it together.
---
Elsewhere — A Storm Watches
Across the city, Shiya stood near a mirror, reading something on her phone.
A small smile curved her lips.
"So," she whispered,
"you chose her."
Her smile faded into something colder.
"Then let's see how strong she really is."
---