Explanation 2

"What's happening here?" I demanded, my voice echoing with a mix of shock and anger.Lance glanced at me, his expression feigning innocence as he took a few steps back, putting some distance between himself and Emily."I asked what's happening," I repeated, my tone sharper this time, cutting through the tension in the room."Kiera, please, let me explain," Lance started, his voice calm but tinged with apprehension as he began to approach me."Explain? Explain what, Lance?" I interrupted, my emotions bubbling to the surface. "About you and Emily going on a business trip together? Do you honestly expect me to believe that it's just business?"Lance sighed, his eyes pleading for understanding. "Kiera, it's not what you think. Emily and I...""Save it," I interjected, struggling to hold back tears. "You've been avoiding me for weeks, ignoring my calls and messages, and now I find out you've been with her the whole time. Is she the reason you've been distant?""It's not like that," Lance insisted, reaching out to touch my hands in a gesture of reassurance."Then what is it like?" I demanded, my voice cracking with emotion. "Is it true that you two were together all this time?"Lance hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Yes, we were," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.I pulled my hands away, the weight of his confession hitting me like a ton of bricks. Without another word, I turned and walked out, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the tense silence behind me. Lance made no move to follow, but Jayden, ever observant, trailed after me, a silent presence offering support in the midst of my turmoil."It's tough dealing with these feelings, isn't it?" Jayden's voice was soft, concern evident in his eyes. "How about I take you somewhere to unwind?""Relax? Do you really think I'm in the mood for that?" I exclaimed, my emotions raw.Jayden gently took hold of my shoulders. "Maybe we can set this aside for now. You can talk to me; it might help ease your mind," he suggested, offering comfort.Feeling a glimmer of hope, I nodded, and we set off together. Jayden led me to a quaint night cafe, the soft glow of its lights inviting yet soothing."Beer?" I raised an eyebrow at his choice."Sometimes, drowning your sorrows is the quickest way to forget," Jayden explained, his tone reassuring. "Trust me, nothing bad will happen. And afterwards, I'll make sure you get home safely."As the night progressed, we lost track of time amidst conversations and several rounds of beer. The clock struck midnight, and the reality of returning home crept back into my thoughts. I knew Lance would be waiting at the villa, a prospect I wasn't ready to face just yet."I don't want to go back. Can we go to the bridge instead? I want to spend the night there," I confided in Jayden, seeking solace in the peaceful ambiance of the bridge.Understanding my need for space and tranquility, Jayden readily agreed and escorted me to the bridge, where the gentle flow of the river and the cool night air provided a calming effect."You don't have to stay with me," I said, feeling guilty for burdening him with my troubles as we sat on a bench by the water."I'm not leaving you alone," Jayden insisted firmly, his presence a silent reassurance in the stillness of the night._ROSE_...