Maya's apartment was quiet, almost too quiet, and it made the memories of last night hit her even harder. She sat on the edge of her bed, hugging her knees, her eyes red from crying. Chloe had left for a moment to get some water, and the silence pressed down on her chest.
Her mind kept replaying everything — the club, the drinks, the dancing, and the moment that had changed everything. The memory of Blake's hands on her, his voice so close, and the way she had felt completely lost in him made her heart ache in a way she had never known.
And then… the betrayal.
He had left. Just like that. No explanation. No word. Just money on the nightstand and the echo of a goodbye that never came.
She pressed her face into her knees, the reality of what had happened sinking in. Her first time, gone like a fleeting dream, and with him. Blake Simpson. Her thoughts spiraled:
Was it supposed to be like this? Did he even care? Or was I just… another girl to him?
A soft knock on the door startled her. "Maya? Are you okay?" Chloe's voice was gentle but concerned.
Maya wiped her tears roughly and tried to compose herself. "I… I'm fine," she lied, though the crack in her voice betrayed her.
Chloe didn't press further. She entered the room quietly, carrying a glass of water and a small plate with toast. She set them beside Maya and sat down, tugging her friend into a comforting hug.
"You don't have to pretend with me," Chloe said softly. "I know what happened, and I'm here. You're not alone."
Maya's tears threatened again, but this time they were mingled with gratitude. "I just… I can't believe he left like that. I thought… I thought he might… you know… care. Or at least… talk to me."
Chloe shook her head, frustrated on Maya's behalf. "That's Blake for you. He's arrogant, stubborn, and… complicated. But it doesn't mean you're not important. You just… weren't what he expected."
Maya pulled back from the hug and stared at her hands. "What does that even mean? I'm not… a gold-digger. I'm me. And he… he doesn't even know me. But somehow, I feel… hurt. Angry. And confused all at once."
Chloe gave her a small smile. "That's because he left you with feelings, Maya. Strong ones. You didn't even know what to expect, and now your heart's caught somewhere it wasn't ready to be."
Maya let out a shaky laugh, the first in hours. "Yeah… I guess that's one way to put it."
The two friends sat in silence for a while, the city buzzing faintly outside the window, while Maya tried to process everything. She knew one thing: she didn't regret the night — the connection, the touch, the intensity. But Blake's sudden departure left a bitter taste she couldn't swallow.
Somewhere across town, Blake was doing the exact same thing — sitting in his high-rise apartment, staring blankly at the skyline, replaying the night over in his mind. The memory of Maya's shocked, vulnerable face, the way her body had tensed when he touched her, and the soft, stubborn way she had resisted being just another girl in his world made his chest tighten.
She's not like them. She's… different. And I left her alone.
The guilt gnawed at him, but he justified his actions. She's probably mad at me. She probably hates me now. And… I don't know how to fix it. I can't just walk back in and pretend nothing happened.
Meanwhile, back in her apartment, Maya finally stood, running a hand through her hair. She knew she had to face the world outside her bedroom, even if her heart felt like it had been smashed into pieces. Chloe had already cleaned up the breakfast remnants and was packing away some sketchbooks.
"I… I should get ready for class," Maya said, her voice steady, though her stomach twisted at the thought of leaving the safety of her room.
Chloe nodded. "Take your time. And Maya?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't let him ruin your week. You're better than letting someone's mistake define you. You've got school, work… life. And trust me, Blake Simpson? He's going to realize what he lost."
Maya gave a faint smile, though her heart still ached. "Thanks, Chloe. I… I just… need a moment to breathe."
Chloe patted her shoulder. "Take all the moments you need. I've got you."
Maya looked out the window at the bustling city, the sunlight cutting through the clouds, and took a deep breath. She had no idea what the future held with Blake, or if she even wanted to face him again. But one thing was clear: her life had just gotten a lot more complicated, and nothing would ever feel quite the same again.
And somewhere, Blake Simpson, sitting alone in his penthouse, made a silent vow to himself. He had underestimated the girl from the café, underestimated her strength, her fire… and most of all, the effect she had on him.
She's not like the others. And I can't let her go.