Chapter Six:UNFINISHED CONVERSATIONS

Tiana was done pretending like nothing happened.

She found Zayden on the balcony later that night, leaning against the railing, a cigarette between his fingers. The city lights reflected in his eyes, but she wasn't here for small talk.

She crossed her arms. "Why did you do it?"

He glanced at her. "Do what?"

She scoffed. "Don't play dumb, Zayden. Why did you walk away from me three years ago?"

Zayden exhaled, flicking ash off the cigarette. "T, it's late."

"Don't." Her voice was firm. "Don't act like I'm being unreasonable. You ended things without a reason. Without an explanation. Do you have any idea what that did to me?"

Zayden didn't answer right away. He took another drag, then muttered, "I had my reasons."

Tiana laughed bitterly. "That's not an answer."

Silence.

She stepped closer. "You owed me at least that, Zayden."

His jaw tightened. "I don't owe anyone anything."

That stung.

Tiana took a deep breath. "Wow. So that's how it is?"

Zayden finally turned to her. His eyes—usually unreadable—held something different tonight.

Guilt.

Regret.

Something she wasn't sure she wanted to understand.

"Tiana," he said softly.

And for a second, she thought he might actually tell her.

But then, just like three years ago, he shut down.

"It's in the past," he muttered, turning away.

Tiana felt something inside her snap.

She took a step back. "You're right. It is."

She didn't wait for his response.

She walked away.

But deep down?

She knew this wasn't over.

Because Zayden was hiding something.

And this time, she was going to find out what.

****************************

Zayden sat alone in his car, hands gripping the steering wheel.

His phone buzzed. Another text from Tiana.

Zayden, I don't know what's going on, but please talk to me.

His throat felt tight.

He wanted to.

God, he wanted to.

But then he looked at the crumpled letter on the passenger seat.

The one that changed everything.

And he knew.

He couldn't be the guy she needed.

Not anymore.

So, he did the only thing he could.

He shut her out.

Even if it killed him.

***********************

Tiana lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

Her mind was a mess.

But one thing was clear.

Zayden was lying.

And if she wanted the truth?

She was going to have to drag it out of him.