Doubts

Ariana arrived at work, looking slightly more composed than usual, and was immediately greeted by her best friend, Darine. They sat down for their usual morning chat, and Darine wasted no time diving into the details of the previous night.

"So, tell me," Darine leaned in, her tone playful but curious. "What happened with Leonardo after the party?"

Ariana hesitated, running her hand through her hair. "He confronted me in the evening and in the morning too". And she told her the details referring that was pointless arguments

Darine raised an eyebrow. "Pointless? Or maybe he just wants to talk to you more? Get to know you again?" She smirked. "And from what I noticed, he's not paying much attention to Hanna anymore."

Ariana shook her head, refusing to entertain the idea. "I don't think so. Leonardo is… complicated. I don't want to waste my energy figuring him out anymore."

Darine studied her friend for a moment before shifting the topic. "Alright, fine. But what about Liam? Did anything happen between you two?"

Ariana's cheeks flushed slightly as she recalled the previous conversation with Liam. "He… he asked me if we could start dating. You know, take things slow and get to know each other."

Darine beamed, clearly excited. "That's amazing, Ariana! Liam's a great guy. You should give him a chance. It's not every day someone like him comes into your life."

Before Ariana could respond, the office door opened, and Liam walked in, his confident smile lighting up the room. "Are you two just going to sit here all day, or is someone coming out for a coffee break with me?" he teased, his eyes briefly locking with Ariana's.

Darine nudged Ariana playfully. "Go on, don't keep him waiting. And don't worry, I'll hold down the fort here." She winked, making Ariana roll her eyes with a small smile.

The Coffee Outing

Ariana and Liam stepped out of the office and found a quiet café nearby. The atmosphere was relaxed, and they started talking about their lives, interests, and plans for the future.

To her surprise, Ariana found herself enjoying the conversation more than she expected. Liam was thoughtful and genuine, a stark contrast to Leonardo's sharp edges.

He asked her about her hobbies, her dreams, and even her favorite books. He listened attentively, responding with warmth and encouragement. For the first time in a long while, Ariana felt seen and valued.

As the conversation went on, Ariana couldn't help but compare Liam to Leonardo. While her husband was commanding and intense, Liam was calm and caring. There was a softness in his demeanor that reminded her of her father—a kind of quiet strength and gentleness that she had longed for.

By the end of their outing, Ariana found herself smiling more freely. Liam walked her back to the office, and just before they parted, he looked at her and said, "I'm really glad we did this. I'd like to get to know you better, if you're open to it."

Ariana nodded softly, her heart feeling a strange mix of guilt and hope. "I'd like that too."

As she returned to her desk, Darine was already waiting, grinning knowingly. "So? How did it go?"

Ariana sighed, but there was a trace of a smile on her lips. "It was… nice."

"Nice?" Darine teased. "Come on, details!"

Ariana laughed, shaking her head. For now, she wanted to keep the budding connection with Liam to herself, at least until she could figure out what it all meant.

...…..

Leonardo arrived at the café where Hanna had asked to meet. She was already seated, looking tense and uneasy. As soon as she saw him, her eyes filled with tears, and she started speaking in a trembling voice.

"I'm so sorry, Leonardo," she began, wiping at her eyes. "I know I promised to come last night, but I just couldn't do it. I'm not ready… not ready to face my family with this."

Leonardo sighed, leaning back in his chair. He tried to keep his expression calm and understanding. "It's fine, Hanna. I understand. Let's not make a big deal out of it."

She shook her head, clutching a tissue in her trembling hand. "I… I don't know what to say, Leonardo. Everything feels like it's falling apart."

He leaned forward slightly. "It's about your father, isn't it?"

She nodded, her voice breaking as she spoke. "I thought I'd be prepared for it… you know? He was sick for so long, but now that he's gone…" She trailed off, covering her face with her hands.

Leonardo sighed deeply. "I know how hard this must be for you. Losing someone that close—it's never easy."

She nodded and for a moment, they sat in silence, Hanna staring down at her hands. Then, as if trying to change the subject, she asked hesitantly, "What about you, Leo? How are you holding up?"

Leonardo shrugged, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "Same as always. You know me, Hanna. I don't let much get to me."

Her lips twitched in a weak attempt at a smile. "Yeah, you always were the tough one." She paused, her gaze softening. "But… what about Ariana? Things must be awkward between you two."

Leonardo raised an eyebrow, not expecting the shift. "What about her?"

"I mean…" Hanna hesitated, her tone becoming quieter. "Sometimes, I feel jealous of her. She gets to live with you, see you every day." Her voice dropped further. "And she's so beautiful, Leonardo. Don't you ever…?"

He frowned, leaning back in his chair. "Hanna, don't go there."

But she pressed on. "You must notice it. She's gorgeous, Leo. And you're a man."

He shifted uncomfortably. "I told you, she has a boyfriend. She's always out of the house, leaving early and coming back late. She's clearly seeing someone."

Hanna tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her tear-filled eyes. "Are you sure about that? Maybe she's just working."

Leonardo snorted. "Working? She doesn't seem like the type who would have a job."

Hanna looked at him, clearly holding back a comment. Instead, she glanced at her watch and let out a small gasp. "It's getting late. I told my family I'd be quick, and if I stay any longer, they'll start asking questions."

Leonardo nodded, standing as she did. "You'll be okay, Hanna?"

She smiled faintly, though her eyes were still watery. "I'll try. Thanks for coming, Leonardo."

As she stepped forward to hug him, she whispered, "I just wish things were simpler."

He didn't respond, only patting her back lightly before letting her go. As he watched her walk away, his thoughts lingered—not just on the grief she carried, but on the strange turn their conversation had taken.