CROSSWORD OF THE HEART

The weight of Daniel's voice hung between us, shattering the fragile moment I had shared with Ethan. My body still hummed from Ethan's touch, but Daniel's presence grounded me, forcing reality to intrude on my spiraling emotions.

Ethan's grip on my waist didn't loosen, his body still pressed against mine protectively. "Whatever you have to say, Daniel, you can say it here."

Daniel's expression remained unreadable as he stepped closer, his presence a stark contrast to Ethan's smoldering intensity. "Hazel deserves a conversation without someone breathing down her neck."

I took a shaky breath, my mind clouded with confusion and desire. "Ethan, let me talk to him."

Ethan's jaw clenched, but he slowly released me, stepping back with clear reluctance. "I'll be inside," he murmured, brushing his thumb along my wrist before turning and disappearing back through the terrace doors.

Daniel watched him go before shifting his gaze to me. "Are you happy, Hazel? Truly happy?"

I hesitated, my thoughts a storm of conflicting emotions. "I don't know what I am anymore."

He sighed, rubbing his temples as if gathering his words. "You don't have to live like this, constantly torn between chaos and security. You deserve more than a love that leaves you questioning yourself."

"And you think you can give me that?" My voice wavered with uncertainty.

His hand reached for mine, his touch gentle but firm. "I know I can. But I won't force you, Hazel. I just need you to see that there's a different way to love-one that doesn't hurt."

Tears burned the back of my eyes as I searched his face for answers I wasn't sure I wanted. Ethan's fire ignited my soul, but Daniel's promise of stability was tempting in its own way.

"Hazel?" Daniel whispered, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. "Just say the word, and I'll take you away from all of this."

The night air felt suffocating as I stood at the crossroads of my heart, knowing that whichever choice I made, there would be no turning back.

A gust of wind sent a chill through me, or maybe it was the weight of the decision pressing down on my shoulders. "Daniel, I-" I faltered, the words catching in my throat.

"You don't have to say anything now," he reassured me, his voice softer, almost pleading. "Just think about it. I know you feel trapped, Hazel. And I know Ethan makes you feel alive, but sometimes passion burns too hot. Sometimes, love should be... steady."

His words lingered in the air, and I felt the sting of them deep in my chest. "And what if I don't want steady?" I countered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Daniel inhaled sharply, searching my face for a long moment before shaking his head with a sad smile. "Then I'll step back. But I need you to be sure. Because if you walk away from me now, Hazel, I won't wait around forever."

The thought of losing Daniel's presence-his unwavering devotion-made my stomach twist. But then there was Ethan, his touch still lingering on my skin, his voice in my head, daring me to take risks.

I glanced toward the terrace doors, knowing Ethan was inside, waiting. I could picture him leaning against the bar, brooding, his body taut with frustration. I had seen that look in his eyes before-possessive, desperate, as if he needed me like air.

Daniel cupped my cheek, bringing my focus back to him. "I'm leaving town in two days, Hazel. If you want to come with me... meet me at the old train station."

My breath hitched. "Two days?"

"Two days," he confirmed. "That's how long I can wait."

The weight of his words settled deep in my bones. I had two days to decide my fate. Two days to determine which man held my heart. Two days before I made a choice I could never take back.

As Daniel turned and walked away, I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling the cold of the night seep into my soul. I wasn't just torn between two men. I was torn between two versions of myself.

And I wasn't sure which one I wanted to be.