Chapter 7: Uninvited Guest
The next morning, Ayla was still replaying the memory of Caden's kiss on her cheek. It was just a small gesture, but it left her feeling lighter—like a tiny promise of something more.
She was sipping her morning coffee when her phone buzzed.
Caden:
I'm near your place. Wanna grab breakfast?
Ayla smiled and texted back:
Ayla:
Sure. I know a good spot.
They met at a cozy little café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, a place Ayla always went when she needed to think. Caden arrived looking effortlessly charming, his hair slightly tousled and a teasing grin on his face.
"Fancy seeing you here," he said, sitting across from her.
"Didn't you invite yourself?" Ayla replied with a smirk.
Caden laughed, flagging down the waiter to place their orders. Just as their food arrived, the café's door swung open—and in walked a woman Ayla didn't recognize.
She was tall, elegant, and carried herself with the kind of confidence that made heads turn. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Caden.
"Caden!" the woman called, walking straight to their table.
Ayla blinked, confused, as the woman leaned down and gave Caden a tight hug—one that lingered just a second too long.
Caden shifted awkwardly. "Uh, hey, Sabrina… What are you doing here?"
Ayla's stomach tightened. Sabrina?
The woman—Sabrina—finally released him and smiled brightly. "I just got back to town! Thought I'd surprise you." She glanced at Ayla, her expression curious. "And who's this?"
Caden looked uncomfortable, as if he'd forgotten how words worked. "This is Ayla. Ayla, this is Sabrina."
Ayla forced a polite smile, though her mind was racing. Who the hell is Sabrina?
Sabrina's smile didn't falter. "Oh, I've heard about you." She turned to Caden with a playful grin. "You didn't tell me you were hanging out with someone new."
Caden opened his mouth to respond, but Ayla beat him to it.
"Hanging out? That's a generous term," Ayla said, her tone cool.
Caden shot her a look, clearly caught between wanting to explain and wishing Sabrina would disappear.
Sabrina gave a light laugh, completely oblivious to the tension. "Well, it's good to meet you, Ayla. Caden and I go way back."
Way back? That stung more than Ayla wanted to admit.
The rest of the meal was awkward, with Sabrina making casual comments about old memories and inside jokes that left Ayla feeling like an outsider. Caden kept trying to change the subject, but the damage was done—Ayla's mind was already spiraling.
Who was Sabrina to him? An ex? A close friend? And why hadn't he mentioned her before?
By the time they finished eating, Ayla's mood had soured.
"I should get going," she said abruptly, standing up before either of them could stop her.
Caden's eyes widened. "Wait, Ayla—"
"It's fine," she said, her voice sharper than she intended. "Thanks for breakfast."
Without waiting for his response, she grabbed her bag and walked out of the café, leaving Caden and Sabrina behind.
Outside, the rain had started again, but this time it didn't feel soothing. It felt cold, like it was soaking into her bones. Ayla pulled her jacket tighter around her and cursed herself for caring so much.
She didn't even know what Caden and Sabrina's relationship was—and yet it hurt. Stupid.
Her phone buzzed.
Caden:
Ayla, wait. Let me explain.
Caden:
It's not what you think.
Ayla stared at the messages, her heart twisting. She wanted to believe him. But she also knew how easily people could disappoint you.
Back at the café, Caden sat with his head in his hands, frustrated with how everything had gone so wrong so quickly.
Sabrina frowned. "Did I say something wrong?"
Caden sighed. "You have no idea."