Afternoon — The Calm Before the Collision
Maya stood in front of the mirror, fixing her hair—but her hands were steady.
That surprised her.
Yesterday, fear lived in her chest.
Today, there was something else.
Clarity.
Adrian's words echoed in her mind—
"No more secrets."
She picked up her bag and stepped out.
Somewhere deep inside, she knew—
today wasn't just another day.
It was a confrontation waiting to happen.
---
The Unexpected Meeting
The art gallery was quiet, bathed in soft white light.
Maya walked in, unaware she was being watched.
From across the room, a woman turned slowly.
Elegant. Confident. Dangerous calm.
Shiya.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, time froze.
Then Shiya smiled—slow, calculated.
"So," she said, walking toward Maya,
"you must be Maya."Maya didn't step back.
"Yes," she replied.
"And you're Shiya."
Shiya raised an eyebrow, amused.
"I was wondering when we'd finally meet."
---
Maya vs Shiya — First Face-Off
They stood just a few feet apart.
"You know," Shiya said lightly,
"I didn't expect you to look like this."
Maya tilted her head.
"Like what?"
"So… calm."
Maya smiled faintly.
"I didn't expect you to care."
That caught Shiya off guard—just a little.
"You think Adrian told you everything?" Shiya asked.
"You think you know what you're walking into?"
Maya's voice stayed steady.
"I don't need to know his entire past," she said.
"I just need to know who he chooses now."
Shiya laughed softly.
"And you think he chose you?"
Maya met her gaze.
"He did. That's why you're standing here talking to me—
instead of him."
Silence.
Shiya's smile tightened.The Warning
Shiya leaned closer.
"You should be careful," she whispered.
"People get hurt when they get close to Adrian."
Maya didn't move.
"Then you should stop trying to hurt him through me."
That was the moment.
Shiya realized something important—
Maya wasn't fragile.
She wasn't afraid.
And that made her dangerous.
---
Adrian Feels the Shift
Across the city, Adrian suddenly felt uneasy.
Like something precious was being tested.
He reached for his phone.
> Adrian: Where are you?
Maya's reply came seconds later.
> Maya: I'm okay. I'm not hiding anymore.His heart skipped.
---
Shiya's Realization
Shiya stepped back, studying Maya.
"You really love him," she said quietly.
Maya nodded.
"And he loves you," Shiya added bitterly.
"That's what makes this… unbearable."
For the first time, there was no threat in Shiya's voice.
Only loss.
---