Chapter 23: A Heart-Wrenching Confrontation

Maya walked into Alex's hospital room, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She had been worried sick about Alex, and she was relieved to see him awake and recovering.

But as she approached his bed, she noticed that something was off. Alex's expression was cold and distant, and his eyes seemed to bore into her soul with accusation.

"Hey, Alex," Maya said, trying to sound cheerful, but her voice cracked with concern.

Alex's gaze didn't waver. "You're just a side chick, Maya," he said, his voice firm and accusatory. "Rachel told me everything. You've been using me, manipulating me for your own gain."

Maya's eyes widened in shock, and she felt like she had been punched in the gut. How could Alex believe such lies about her? She had always been honest and true to him, and she had thought that he felt the same way about her.

"Alex, no," Maya protested, tears streaming down her face. "That's not true. I love you, and I would never do anything to hurt you."

But Alex just shook his head, his eyes filled with disgust and disappointment. "I don't know what kind of game you're playing, Maya," he said. "But I'm not buying it. You're just a user, and I'm done with you."

Maya felt like her heart was breaking. She had never felt so hurt and betrayed in her life. She had thought that Alex loved her, that he trusted her, but now she realized that she had been blind to his true feelings.

"Alex, please," Maya begged, her voice shaking with emotion. "Don't say things like that. I love you, and I would never hurt you."

But Alex just turned his head away, unable to look at her. "Just leave me alone, Maya," he said. "I don't want to see you again."