Elaine sat on the balcony, her fingers curled around the warmth of her coffee mug, yet she felt nothing. The sky was clear, the morning sun gentle against her skin, but inside, she was cold—numb.
Her phone vibrated on the small table beside her. Alex.
She swallowed, watching the screen as it flashed his na over and over. Her fingers twitched, but she didn't pick it up. She couldn't.
No matter how much she wanted to hear his voice, the image of him and Olivia was burned into her mind, replaying in an endless loop.
The door creaked open, and Adrian stepped onto the balcony. Without a word, he pulled a chair beside her and sat down, his gaze heavy with concern.
Elaine exhaled, glancing at him with tired eyes. "Adrian... I'm sorry for burdening you with my problems." Her voice was small, uncertain.
Adrian shook his head imdiately. "No, Elaine. You never were a burden." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argunt. Then, after a pause, his jaw tightened. "But I swear, I'll smash his face for making you cry like this." His hands clenched into fists. "If he was going to hurt you like this, I should have pursued you harder."
Elaine looked at him, her heart twisting at his words.
She offered a sad smile. "If only I could have fallen for soone like you..." she whispered.
Adrian's expression softened, but there was a flicker of pain in his eyes. He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I would have never let you feel this kind of pain, Elaine."
A lump ford in her throat. She wanted to believe that, but the damage was already done.
And the worst part? She still loved Alex.
Desperation clawed at Alex as he searched for Elaine. The hostel was empty—no sign of her. His calls went unanswered, his ssages left on read. His frustration grew with each passing second.
He had no choice. He called soone to track her location.
When he finally got the address, he didn't waste a second. A modest two-story house stood in front of him. His heart pounded as he climbed the steps and knocked urgently.
The door swung open, and Adrian stood there.
The second their eyes t, Alex knew what was coming. A fist flew at him, landing hard on his jaw.
The impact sent him stumbling back, a tallic taste filling his mouth. He barely caught his footing when Adrian grabbed his collar, yanking him forward.
"You basta*d."
Alex didn't fight back. He let Adrian rage because deep down, he knew he deserved this.
Adrian clenched his fist again, ready to land another punch, but before he could—
"Adrian, stop!"
Elaine's voice.
Alex's breath caught, his gaze snapping toward her.
She stood there, eyes swollen and red, face pale. She looked exhausted—like she had cried all night.
But she was still look so beautiful.
Adrian exhaled sharply, his knuckles tightening. "Elaine, you don't have to—"
"I need to talk to him," she said firmly.
Adrian didn't move. He stared at her for a long mont before releasing Alex's collar. "Five minutes. And if I hear you making her cry again, I swear I'll break every bone in your body."
Alex barely acknowledged him. His focus was only on her.
Elaine stepped outside, wrapping her arms around herself. She didn't look at him at first, her expression guarded.
For a long mont, neither spoke.
Then, finally, Elaine broke the silence. Her voice was quiet, but steady.
"Tell , Alex... was it all a lie?"
His chest tightened. "Elaine, no—"
"Then explain," she cut in, her voice shaking. "Because I saw the pictures. I saw you in that bed with her. Tell I didn't see what I saw."
Alex took a step forward, desperation clear in his eyes. "Elaine, I was drugged."
She stilled.
"I don't rember anything from that night. I went to et Olivia because she was threatening with our pictures—yours and mine. She tricked , drugged ," he said, voice raw. "When I woke up, she was already there, and you—" his voice broke slightly, "you were standing at the door."
Elaine's fingers clutched at her sleeves. Her anger faltered, her expression shifting.
"Please," Alex begged, stepping closer. "I swear to you, I never touched her willingly. I never wanted to. You are the only one, Elaine."
She looked at him then, really looked at him. His eyes were desperate, pained. She wanted to believe him.
But the images from that night were still burned into her mind.
"I..." she started, then hesitated.
Alex held his breath.
Elaine closed her eyes for a mont, then exhaled shakily. "I don't know, Alex. I just... I need ti."
His shoulders slumped. It wasn't forgiveness. But it wasn't a goodbye, either.
"I'll wait," he said softly. "As long as it takes."
Elaine didn't reply. She turned away, walking back toward the house.
Adrian stood at the door, arms crossed. He didn't say anything—he didn't have to.
Alex watched the woman he loved disappear inside, leaving him alone in the cold, rain-soaked night.
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