Emily's phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Sophia's name flashed on the screen.
"Emily, meet me at the coffee shop," Sophia said.
Emily's heart skipped a beat. Sophia was alive?
As Emily arrived at the coffee shop, Sophia's expression was tense.
"Emily, I'm sorry," Sophia said. "I never meant to hurt you."
Emily's mind reeled. "What's going on?"
Sophia's eyes clouded. "Alex has been using you."
Emily's world crumbled. "Why?"
Sophia's voice trembled. "He wants revenge for my disappearance."
Emily's anger flared. "Why didn't you contact Alex?"
Sophia's voice dropped. "I was protecting him."
Emily's thoughts swirled. What to believe?
As Emily left the coffee shop, the city streets seemed darker.
Emily's phone buzzed again, Alex's name flashing on the screen.
"Emily, I need to explain," Alex said.
Emily's heart pounded. "Explain what?"
Alex's voice turned cold. "About Sophia."
The line went dead.
Emily's doubts had grown. Was Alex trustworthy?
The night wore on, Emily's anxiety growing.
She needed answers.
Emily's determination grew. She would uncover the truth.