I was just a kid. My world was small—school, home, and my mom.
School was hell. Bullies, insults... but none of that mattered when I came home. As soon as I'd walk through that door, and my mom wrapped her arms around me, it all went away. She was my world—my safe place. No matter how bad it got, her hugs made everything better.
But that day... that fucking day... everything changed.
I was just a kid. And I had to stand there, staring at my mom... dead. The person who made everything better... gone.
I remember running—my legs barely holding me up—as I banged on Uncle Klaus's door. He opened it, and when he saw me, he looked confused. Annoyed, even. "Logan, what the hell's wrong with you?"
I couldn't say anything. I tried to talk, but no words came out. I was shaking, my whole body trembling. Aunt Claire came up behind him, her voice soft, but I could hear the concern in it. "Logan, sweetheart, why are you crying? What happened?"
I pointed to my house, struggling to form the words. "Mom... she's there."
They didn't understand at first, but something in my face must have said enough. They rushed over to my house.
And when they saw her...
Aunt Claire just fell apart, sobbing as she hugged me tight, crying like the world had just ended. And it had, for me at least.
I broke down too, whispering, "Mom... please wake up."
---
The night had a cold, biting chill to it. Outside, the wind howled, whipping through the trees and rattling the windows. Inside, the soft glow of a small lamp lit Riya's desk, where papers were scattered around, forgotten. She was supposed to be working on her school project, but her mind was too cluttered to focus.
She glanced out the window, watching the branches sway in the darkness. The world outside seemed so peaceful, so calm. But inside her head, everything was spinning.
Her phone buzzed, the sound breaking the silence in the room. She picked it up and saw Soumya's message in their WhatsApp group with Lana. The headline of the forwarded article made her stomach twist.
"Grant Holloway: Business Tycoon or Drug Lord?"
Riya's heart pounded as she opened the article. The CEO of Road Hits Records, Holloway Music's biggest competitor, was accusing Zane's father of being involved in drug dealing and human trafficking. She scrolled down, her mind reeling.
Before she could even process what she had read, another ping. Soumya sent another article, repeating the same accusations.
Then came Soumya's message:
"I always knew Zane wasn't right. I regret going to his dad's funeral. What were we thinking?"
Riya's heart felt heavy. She didn't know how to respond. She remembered the look in Zane's eyes at the funeral—the raw grief, the vulnerability. Could this really be true? Could everything he told her have been a lie?
Lana didn't reply either. She left the message on read, but didn't type anything back.
Riya closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. "Why is everything so complicated?" she muttered to herself. "Who's real? Who's fake? I don't know who to trust..."
She tossed her phone onto the bed and turned off her desk lamp. The darkness enveloped her room, but it didn't make her feel any better. It felt like the weight of everything was closing in on her. She crawled into bed, pulling the covers tight around herself, trying to shut out the noise in her head.
"Good night, Riya Kapoor," she whispered, as if saying it would make the storm in her mind calm down.
---
The Next Morning - Redwood University
The morning air was crisp, the chill of fall creeping in, but the sun was shining, casting a golden glow across the campus. It was one of those mornings where everything felt too bright, too perfect, as if it was mocking the mess Riya felt inside.
She was walking toward her first class, her thoughts still swirling from last night, when she spotted Zane. He was standing by the entrance, his face tight with frustration. He spotted her too, and without hesitation, he walked toward her.
"Riya, why are you ignoring me?" Zane's voice was sharp, but there was something deeper beneath it—something desperate.
Riya felt her heart race, but she kept her expression neutral. "I'm not ignoring you, Zane. We don't even know each other that well."
He stepped closer, his eyes searching hers, his voice dropping. "That's bullshit, and you know it. You've been avoiding me, and I need to know why. Logan isn't the guy you think he is. He's involved in some bad shit, Riya. I'm telling you this because I care about you."
Riya's stomach twisted at his words, but she held her ground. "I know Logan, Zane. And I don't need you to tell me who he is."
Zane's jaw clenched. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "I'm trying to help you. Logan's not as simple as he seems."
Riya crossed her arms, her tone hardening. "And what about you? The guy who used Olivia and made her do drugs? Now you want to act like you're the good guy?"
Zane's face twisted in anger, confusion flashing in his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about? I never made Olivia do anything. We were together five years ago, and that picture? It was taken on her birthday. Logan and his friends twisted it to fuck with me."
Riya shook her head, stepping back. "I don't care, Zane. I know about you and your father, and I want no part of it. Stay away from me."
She turned to walk away, but Zane grabbed her arm, his voice rough with emotion. "Don't bring my father into this, Riya. You don't know what you're talking about."
She yanked her arm free, glaring at him. "I know enough. Stay away from me, Zane."
Zane stood there, watching her walk away, his chest heaving with frustration and anger. His hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles white. He couldn't control the rage that boiled up inside him. With a growl, he turned and slammed his fist into the steel locker beside him, the sound echoing down the hallway.
"You're going to regret this, Riya," he muttered under his breath, his fist still throbbing.
---
Later, Logan was lounging with Drake, Nick, and a few others outside the university, the usual buzz of campus life swirling around them. Logan leaned back, sunglasses on, pretending everything was fine. But his mind was somewhere else—somewhere dark.
His phone buzzed, and when he saw the name flash on the screen, his blood ran cold. Vinnie Russo.
Logan's hands shook slightly as he answered. "Sir?"
Vinnie's voice came through the phone like ice. "Logan Cruz. You've been quiet lately. How's life treating you after taking $125 million worth of my coke?"
Logan swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "Sir, I'm working on it. I just need a bit more time."
Vinnie's laugh was low, mocking. "Four months is a long time, kid. How much more time do you need?"
Logan's heart pounded. "Sixty days. I'll have the money, I swear."
Vinnie's tone didn't change. "Meet me tomorrow. Nexus office, 25th floor, Victory Avenue. Don't make me come looking for you."
The line went dead.
Logan stared at his phone, the weight of Vinnie's words settling in like a lead weight in his chest.
Drake leaned over, his expression tight with worry. "Hey, who was that?"
Logan nodded, his face pale and his voice tight, low."The biggest underground mafia boss in Emerald Falls… Vinnie Russo"
Drake leaned in, his voice barely a whisper.
"Shit... "
Logan rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the pressure building. His usually cocky demeanor was gone, replaced by a hard edge of worry.
"The deal we made... 125 million dollars' worth of cocaine. It's been four months, and we still haven't been able to pay him back. If I don't get him his money, we're all fucked."
The table went quiet. Even Nick, who always seemed to have a carefree attitude, looked uneasy.
Drake's voice dropped lower.
"Logan, we're running out of time. Either we get the cash, or Russo's gonna come after us. You know how he works. He doesn't leave witnesses."
Nick frowned, tapping his fingers nervously against the table.
"Bro, maybe it's time to cut the love game. Focus on the business. You're spending way too much time on this Riya thing."
Logan shot him a sharp look, his eyes flashing with anger.
"I know what I'm doing, Nick. Don't fucking tell me!"
Nick held up his hands, backing off.
"Alright, alright. I'm just saying, we're running out of options."
Drake sighed, glancing at Logan, his voice soft.
"Logan, what did Russo say?"
Logan shook his head, frustration bubbling to the surface.
"I don't fucking know. He just told me to meet him at the Nexus office. 25th floor. Victory Avenue."
One of Logan's other friends chimed in, his voice tense.
"What if it's a trap? What if Russo's planning something?"
Logan clenched his jaw, his mind racing.
"I'll figure it out. I always do."
But despite his confident words, there was a flicker of doubt in Logan's eyes. The reality of his situation was sinking in, and he knew time was running out.
—
Zane, Bob, and Leo sat in Zane's car, the engine humming quietly as they drove through the city. The sun was high, casting a bright light over everything, but there was tension inside the car. Zane's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his mind swirling with frustration.
Bob glanced at Zane from the passenger seat, noticing the angry look on his face.
"What's up, man? Why do you look so pissed?"
Zane exhaled sharply, his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel harder.
"Riya. She fucking dragged my father into our conversation."
Leo, sitting in the back, shook his head.
"Damn, that's low, bro. Bringing up your dad like that?"
Bob frowned, leaning back in his seat.
"What the fuck, man? She's crossing the line. I don't care how new she is to Redwood; she's gotta know better."
Zane sighed, the anger and hurt clear in his voice.
"I know she's new, but... fuck, man. It still hurts. I don't want to hate her, but she's getting pulled in by Logan. And she has no idea what she's dealing with."
Bob snorted, his voice blunt.
"Yeah, and you're blind in love with her. Doesn't mean you should let her walk all over you. She's gonna end up like every other girl here."
Leo laughed darkly from the back.
"Exactly. She'll just be another pretty face in Logan's long list of girls."
Zane shot them both a glare, his voice hard.
"Shut the fuck up. She's different."
Bob shrugged.
"Whatever, man. Just don't let her drag you down."
The conversation died down as Zane parked the car in front of the city bar. The bar was quiet, with only a few people inside – it was the middle of the day, after all.
—
The bar's dim lighting gave the place a relaxed, almost sleepy vibe. A few patrons sat at the counters, quietly nursing their drinks. The smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke hung in the air, mixing with the faint sound of music playing from the jukebox in the corner.
As Zane, Bob, and Leo walked in, the bartender – a striking woman in a tight, revealing outfit – immediately noticed them. Her eyes landed on Zane, holding his gaze for a moment before she quickly looked away.
They made their way to a booth in the back, sitting down as the bartender came over to take their order.
Zane leaned back in his seat, trying to shake off the anger still swirling inside him.
"Give me a bottle of whiskey. The good stuff."
Leo glanced at Zane, his eyebrow raised.
"Whiskey? You really that pissed off?"
Zane ignored him, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag as the bartender returned with their drinks. She placed the whiskey in front of Zane, giving him a lingering look before moving on.
Bob laughed, watching the bartender walk away.
"Looks like someone's got her eyes on you, Zane."
Zane shrugged, pouring himself a glass of whiskey and downing it in one go.
"Doesn't matter."
He finished the bottle faster than either Bob or Leo could get halfway through their beers. Bob shook his head in disbelief.
"Damn, Zane. Slow the fuck down, man."
Leo laughed, his voice teasing.
"Heartbreak's a bitch, huh?"
Zane didn't respond, raising his hand to order another bottle. The bartender came over again, her gaze still fixed on Zane as she placed the bottle down. He caught her eye this time, and there was a flicker of something between them – something unspoken.
Zane stood up suddenly, grabbing the bottle.
"You guys stay here for a minute."
Bob and Leo exchanged confused glances as Zane walked toward the bartender. He leaned against the counter, his voice low and smooth.
"Hey... you look stunning."
The bartender smiled, a flirtatious glint in her eyes.
"Thanks. I'm Sophia."
Zane held out his hand, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Zane."
There was a brief pause before Zane nodded toward the back.
"Can we talk somewhere quieter? It's too loud in here."
Sophia smiled, nodding.
"Follow me."
—
Sophia led Zane upstairs to a small, private room overlooking the bar below. The music was quieter here, the atmosphere more intimate. His mind is still racing from his earlier conversation with Riya.
Zane was in full rush, his mind clouded as he closed the door behind them. He took a long swig from the whiskey bottle in his hand, the liquid burning his throat, and pulled Sophia closer, his other hand gripping her waist tightly.
The dim lights in the room cast shadows over their faces as Zane's fingers dug into her skin, lifting her slightly. He placed the bottle down on a nearby table, his hands now free to pull her closer. Sophia responded instantly, wrapping her arms around his neck, her breath hot against his skin.
They stumbled toward the bed, their bodies pressed tightly together, their lips crashing with an intense urgency. Zane kissed her hard, his thoughts racing faster than the heat building between them. His hands roamed up her back, lifting her with ease onto his lap.
Sophia tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him even closer as they fell onto the bed. Her kisses grew more feverish, and Zane responded, but in the midst of the passion, flashes of Riya's face began to fill his mind. The memory of her soft voice, the way she looked at him, cut through the moment.
His rhythm slowed, and Sophia, sensing it, started kissing along his jawline, trailing down his neck. She removed his shirt with ease, her hands tracing the lines of his chest and abs.
She sat up for a moment, her eyes burning with desire, and in one swift motion, she began to undo the straps of her outfit, revealing the curves of her body. The tension was thick in the air, and Zane's body responded, but his mind—his mind was somewhere else entirely.
As she moved closer again, the vivid image of Riya's face hit him harder. It was as if Riya's presence, her innocence, was cutting through the heat of the moment.
Sophia continued, her lips moving over Zane's skin, but before she could go any further, Zane suddenly froze.
"Stop," Zane muttered, his voice thick with a mix of emotions.
Sophia blinked, confusion crossing her face. "What? What's wrong?"
Zane sat up, running his hands through his hair, clearly conflicted. "I can't do this," he said, standing up abruptly, reaching for his pants. "I thought I could, but... this isn't right."
Sophia looked at him, clearly stunned and frustrated. "What the hell? We were just getting started."
Zane quickly pulled on his pants and shirt, his movements frantic. "I'm sorry. I really am... but I can't." He grabbed his jacket, still half-dressed, and bolted for the door.
Sophia, now standing, looked after him in disbelief. "You're just gonna leave?" she asked, incredulous.
Zane didn't respond. He was already halfway down the hall, his mind in turmoil. The whiskey and adrenaline weren't enough to drown out the guilt and confusion now overwhelming him. He knew that no matter how much he tried to escape it, his thoughts kept coming back to Riya.
---
Zane practically ran out of the bar, still shirtless, and headed straight for the car where Bob and Leo were waiting.
"Hey, what happened?" Bob asked as Zane climbed into the driver's seat, his shirt still in his hand, breathing heavily.
Zane shook his head, his voice tense. "Nothing. Let's just go."
Leo gave him a sideways glance. "Man, you're half-naked. You alright?"
Zane ignored the question, throwing the car into gear. "Just shut up and let's get out of here," he muttered.
Bob chuckled under his breath, though he was clearly concerned. "At least wear your clothes, man."
Zane didn't respond. He floored the gas pedal, the car roaring down the street as they sped away from the bar, leaving behind the confusion, the frustration, and the lingering thoughts of the one person who now seemed to occupy his every waking moment—Riya.
---
The drive continued in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. Zane's mind was a blur of emotions—anger at himself, confusion about Riya, and frustration at the whole situation. He wasn't sure what he was doing anymore, but one thing was clear: whatever had just happened, it wasn't about Sophia. It was about something deeper. Something he couldn't yet understand.