Morning — A Sister's Instinct
Lila Bennett hated coincidences.
So when she heard Shiya's name mentioned in the same sentence as Adrian's, something inside her tightened.
She stood by her studio window, phone in hand.
One missed call from Adrian.
Two from Clara.
That was enough.
Lila grabbed her jacket.
Whatever was happening—
it involved her brother.
---
Lila Meets Maya
The café was almost empty when Lila walked in.
Maya looked up—and paused.
Something about the woman standing in front of her felt familiar.
"You're Maya," Lila said gently.
Maya blinked.
"Yes… do I know you?"
Lila smiled softly.
"Not yet. But I know you."
They sat.
There was an odd warmth in Lila's presence—comforting, grounding.
"You met Shiya," Lila said quietly.
Maya stiffened.
"Yes."Adrian Arrives
The door opened.
Adrian froze when he saw them together.
"Maya…"
"Lila…"
Both names left his mouth before he could stop himself.
Maya looked between them.
Understanding flickered.
"Lila," she repeated slowly.
"Bennett."
The silence was loud.
Adrian closed his eyes.
Lila stood.
"You don't get to hide this anymore," she said calmly.
Adrian swallowed hard.
"Maya," he said, his voice low,
"there's something I should've told you a long time ago."
---
The Reveal
Lila stepped beside him.
"I'm his sister," she said simply.
The words landed softly—
but their impact was heavy.
Maya didn't speak.
She just stared.
Not shocked.
Just… processing.
"You hid this," she finally whispered.
Adrian nodded.
"Not from shame," he said.
"From fear."Maya's eyes softened.
"Of losing her?" she asked, glancing at Lila.
"Yes," he said.
"And of losing you."
Lila reached out and squeezed his arm.
"You won't," she said firmly.
"Not anymore."
---
Elsewhere — Shiya Watches
Shiya stood in the shadows, watching the café from across the street.
Her phone buzzed.
A message.
> They know.
Her fingers tightened around the screen.
"So," she whispered,
"you brought family into this."
Her smile returned—slow and dangerous.
"Then let's see how far blood can protect love."
---