Maya didn't cry when she reached home.
That scared her more than tears ever could.
She stood in front of the mirror, staring at her own reflection, trying to recognize the girl looking back at her. The same eyes… but heavier. The same lips… but silent.
Why does loving him feel like standing on the edge of something fragile? she wondered.
Her phone buzzed.
A message from Emila.
> Emila: Party tomorrow night. No excuses. You need a break.
Maya hesitated… then typed:
> Maya: Okay.
Maybe distraction was what she needed.
Maybe noise could silence her thoughts.Adrian — Decision at Midnight
Adrian sat alone in his apartment, lights off, city glowing through the glass windows. Maya's words kept replaying in his mind.
I won't be an option you hide behind.
He rubbed his face, frustration burning behind his eyes.
She was right.
Running from the past hadn't erased it.
Hiding the truth had only pushed her away.
His phone rang.
Unknown number.
He knew before answering.
"Shiya," he said coldly.
Her laugh came smooth and dangerous. "Still sharp, Adrian."
"What do you want?" he asked.
"I heard you met her," Shiya replied softly. "The girl you're pretending isn't changing you."
His jaw tightened. "Stay away from her."
"Oh?" she teased. "Or what? You'll finally tell her who you really are?"
Silence.
That was her weapon.
"You have until tomorrow night," Shiya continued. "Either you come to me willingly… or she learns everything."The call ended.
Adrian stared at the phone, chest tight.
Tomorrow night.
The same night as the party.
---
The Party — Laughter with Cracks
Music thumped through the club as lights danced across the room.
Maya arrived with Emila and Lila, forcing a smile she didn't feel. The girls looked stunning, confident, alive.
"Tonight," Emila shouted over the music, "we forget men."
Lila laughed. "Impossible, but I'll try."
They ordered drinks.
One turned into two.
Then three.
Across the room—
Alex stopped mid-conversation when he saw Emila laughing with a stranger.
His smile faded.
Max noticed Lila leaning close to someone at the bar, listening, smiling politely.
Something dark flickered in his eyes.
Jealousy wasn't loud.
It was sharp.
---Collision
Alex reached the bar first.
He grabbed Emila's wrist—not hard, but firm.
"That's enough," he said.
Emila blinked. "Alex? What are you doing here?"
"Stopping you from forgetting me," he replied.
The guy beside her backed away.
Across the room, Max stepped between Lila and the stranger.
"She's taken," he said flatly.
Lila's eyes widened. "Max—this isn't—"
"I don't care," he snapped. "I saw the pictures."
Tension cracked through the air.
Maya watched it all unfold—love turning into control, care into anger.
And then—
She felt it.
Adrian's presence.
She turned.
He stood at the entrance, eyes scanning the room… until they landed on her.
Time slowed.
Noise faded.He walked toward her, expression intense, determined.
"Maya," he said.
She swallowed. "You shouldn't be here."
"I know," he replied. "But I can't lose you without fighting."
Her heart betrayed her, racing despite herself.
"Then tell me," she said quietly. "Everything."
He nodded.
"After tonight," he promised. "No more secrets."
Their fingers brushed.
Neither pulled away.
But somewhere in the shadows—
Shiya watched.
And smiled.