Chapter 6: A Choice to Make

As the days went by, Alex and I continued to see each other in secret. We'd steal kisses in the shadows, exchange sweet messages, and make plans for a future together. But I knew that our love was not without its challenges.

One day, as we were walking across campus, we ran into Rachel. She was smiling and laughing, oblivious to the fact that her boyfriend was secretly in love with someone else.

"Hey, guys!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I was thinking we could all grab dinner together tonight. My parents are in town, and they want to meet you, Alex."

Alex hesitated, looking at me with a mixture of guilt and panic. I knew that he was torn between his loyalty to Rachel and his love for me.

"I don't know, Rachel," he said finally. "I have a lot of work to do tonight."

Rachel's face fell, and she looked at me with a hint of suspicion. "Oh, okay," she said. "Maybe some other time, then."

As we walked away, Alex turned to me with a look of desperation. "I don't know what to do, Maya," he said. "I feel like I'm being torn in two. I love you, but I also feel responsible for Rachel. She's been my girlfriend for three years, and I don't want to hurt her."

I took his hand, feeling a surge of empathy for him. "I know it's hard, Alex," I said. "But you have to make a choice. You can't keep living this lie forever. It's not fair to either of us."

Alex nodded, looking determined. "You're right," he said. "I'll make a choice. But I need some time to think."

I nodded, feeling a sense of uncertainty. I knew that Alex's choice would change everything. It would either bring us together or tear us apart.

As we parted ways, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would Alex choose me, or would he stay with Rachel? Only time would tell.