Chapter 16: A Rift Between Us

The sun was warm, and the breeze was gentle as Shobie and Aya walked hand in hand through the park. Their fingers intertwined, their eyes filled with love, they looked like the perfect couple, lost in their own world. Laughter echoed between them as they enjoyed each other's company.

But their moment of bliss was interrupted when they suddenly crossed paths with Theo. The moment his gaze fell upon their joined hands, his expression shifted from shock to something unreadable.

Shobie's heart pounded, and without thinking, she quickly pulled her hand away from Aya's grasp. It was instinctual—reflexive—and the instant she did, regret sank in deep.

Aya's eyes widened in disbelief, then darkened with anger. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she took a step back.

"Shobie…" Aya's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried so much weight.

Shobie turned toward her ex, who let out a small chuckle. "So, this is why you never came back to me?" he asked.

Shobie sighed. "I don't owe you an explanation."

A few more words were exchanged between them, but Aya didn't stay to listen. She turned on her heel and made her way back to the car, her heart heavy with disappointment.

When Shobie finished talking to her ex, she looked around, confused. It took her a moment to realize where Aya had gone, and when she spotted her sitting stiffly inside the car, her stomach twisted in guilt.

Shobie slipped into the driver's seat and reached out for Aya's hand, but Aya immediately pulled away.

"Aya…" Shobie's voice was soft, but Aya refused to meet her gaze.

"Let's just go home," Aya said, her voice cold and distant.

The drive home was silent, thick with tension. The moment they stepped into their house, Aya walked straight to the bedroom without saying a word. Shobie followed, determination in her steps.

"Aya, please talk to me."

Aya turned around, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Why did you let go of my hand, Shobie? Are you ashamed of me?"

Shobie's heart clenched. "No! That's not it, Aya. I was just… surprised. I didn't expect to see him."

Aya shook her head. "That's not an excuse. The moment you let go, it felt like I was nothing to you. Like I didn't matter."

Shobie stepped closer. "You do matter, Aya. More than anything. I love you."

"Then why did you choose to make me feel like I didn't?" Aya's voice cracked, and the first tear slipped down her cheek.

Shobie reached out, cupping Aya's face gently. "I made a mistake. I got scared, but it doesn't mean I don't love you. Please, forgive me."

Aya bit her lip, looking away. "I don't know, Shobie. I just… I need time."

Shobie nodded, pulling Aya into a hug despite her resistance. "Take all the time you need. Just don't shut me out."

Aya let herself be held, her body trembling slightly as she cried softly against Shobie's shoulder. It wasn't okay yet, but maybe—just maybe—they could find a way to heal together.