Morning — Uneasy Silence
The city woke up unaware of the storm building underneath.
Maya stood by her window, replaying last night's truth again and again.
Lila is his sister.
He hid it… to protect her.
For the first time, Adrian's distance made sense.
But fear didn't disappear.
It only changed shape.
---
Shiya Makes Her Move
Shiya sat in her car, eyes fixed on her phone.
Photos.
Messages.
Information collected patiently over weeks.
Adrian Bennett.
Maya.
Lila.
She smiled.
"If I can't have control," she murmured,
"then I'll create chaos."
Her fingers moved quickly.
One message sent.
One call placed.
The game had begun.
---
Public Pressure
By afternoon, whispers spread.
A post surfaced online.
Adrian Bennett hiding a secret relationship.
Questions about his past engagement.
Speculation about the women in his life.
Maya's phone buzzed nonstop.
Unknown numbers.
Messages she didn't open.
Her chest tightened.
This wasn't coincidence.Lila Draws the Line
Lila stormed into Adrian's office without knocking.
"She's escalating," Lila said sharply.
"I warned you."
Adrian stood, anger burning in his eyes.
"She crossed the line."
Lila nodded.
"Then we stop being careful."
Adrian grabbed his jacket.
"I won't let her touch Maya again."
---
Maya Breaks the Silence
Instead of hiding, Maya stepped outside.
She turned off her phone.
Went to the one place she felt grounded—the art gallery.
But she wasn't alone.
Shiya was already there.
Waiting.
---
Confrontation — No Masks Left
"You shouldn't be here alone," Shiya said softly.
Maya faced her.
"You shouldn't be playing games with people's lives."
Shiya smiled.
"You think this is a game?"
She stepped closer.
"You think love makes you strong?"
Maya didn't flinch.
"No," she said.
"But it makes me honest."
Shiya's smile faltered.You don't know Adrian," she snapped.
"You don't know what he's capable of when he loses everything."
Maya's voice lowered.
"Neither do you."
---
Adrian Arrives — Too Close to Losing Control
The doors burst open.
Adrian stood there, breathing hard.
"Step away from her."
Shiya turned slowly.
"So this is it," she said.
"You choose her. Again."
Adrian moved in front of Maya.
"Always."
That single word ended everything.
---
Shiya's Last Threat
Shiya's eyes burned.
"This isn't over," she said quietly.
"You don't escape me that easily."
Lila appeared beside Adrian.
"Yes," she said calmly.
"You do."
For the first time, Shiya looked… alone.