Chapter 40: A Choice Left Unspoken

Ariana's pulse pounded in her ears. The space between her and Leila was too small, the air too charged.

She had spent years perfecting the art of control. Of keeping her emotions locked away.

But tonight—tonight was different.

Leila was staring at her like she already knew the answer to the question she had no right to ask.

"Who do you really want, Ariana?"

Ariana wanted to scoff. To laugh. To deny.

But her throat felt tight.

Because what if—what if Leila wasn't wrong?

What if Ethan wasn't wrong?

What if, for all her confidence and all her calculated moves—she had never actually been in control?

Leila smirked, tilting her head slightly. "You're thinking too hard."

Ariana exhaled sharply, stepping back. Distance. She needed distance.

"Go home, Leila," she said, her voice clipped.

Leila's smirk didn't waver. "If that's what you really want."

Ariana didn't answer.

Because she didn't trust herself to.

Leila's gaze flickered over her face, searching for something. And for a moment—just a moment—Ariana thought she might say something else.

But then, Leila simply turned.

Walked away.

And Ariana was left standing there, staring at the empty space she had occupied.

Her chest felt tight.

Her fingers trembled.

And for the first time in a long time—she didn't know what her next move was.