The morning sunlight crept through the curtains, painting streaks across the floor.
But the light couldn't reach the darkness in Lana's heart.
Leo had been acting… different. Distant. Mysterious.
And that silence was louder than any argument.
She poured herself a cup of coffee, trying to steady her thoughts.
He's just busy. He's a CEO. He has work.
The words sounded hollow in her mind.
A soft tap on the window made her jump.
She looked up — a figure in the driveway.
It was Leo.
He wasn't smiling. Not even a hint.
His hands were tucked into his coat pockets, shoulders tense, eyes shadowed.
She stepped outside.
"Leo… are you okay?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope.
"Here," he said softly.
She frowned, taking it.
The envelope was simple, white, sealed.
Inside, a single note read:
"Lana… I didn't want you to find out like this. I'm trying to protect you, even if you don't understand. — Leo"
Her hands trembled as she read it.
Protect her? From what?
"Leo… what is this about?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
He looked at her, eyes dark, voice firm yet gentle.
"I can't explain everything now. Just… trust me."
Lana's heart twisted.
Trust him? After everything?
"I do trust you," she said quickly, though even she didn't believe the words fully.
"But… this secrecy… it hurts."
Leo stepped closer, careful not to invade her space.
"I know. And I hate that it does. But sometimes… the truth can hurt even more."
The air between them pulsed with tension — love, fear, longing, and doubt all tangled together.
And Lana realized something terrifying:
Her heart had already chosen him, whether she wanted it to or not.
"Just… don't shut me out," she whispered.
Leo nodded silently, eyes softening for the first time that morning.
"I won't. Not again."
And though the questions lingered, the doubts, the secrets, for the first time in days, they were standing together.
Together… even in uncertainty.