Chapter 12: Trust on Shaky Ground
Caden noticed immediately that something was off with Ayla. Her folded arms, the stiffness in her posture, and the way her eyes avoided his—it was a stark contrast to the warmth they'd shared the night before.
He frowned, sliding into the chair across from her. "What's wrong?"
Ayla tapped her fingers against the table, her gaze cool. "Ran into Sabrina just now."
Caden's heart sank. Of course, Sabrina would stir up trouble. He cursed under his breath. "What did she say?"
Ayla gave him a level look. "She mentioned you two spent time together last week."
"That's not true." Caden leaned forward, his expression earnest. "She's lying, Ayla. I haven't seen her since that day outside the shop."
"Are you sure?" Ayla's voice was sharp, but beneath it was something more fragile—fear, insecurity.
Caden felt his chest tighten. He hated that she had to question him like this. "I swear, Ayla. I didn't spend any time with her. I wouldn't do that to you."
Ayla looked down, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup. Part of her wanted to believe him—to trust the way his voice trembled with honesty. But Sabrina's words still lingered, like a splinter buried under her skin.
"It's just…hard," she whispered. "It feels like every time I try to trust you, something or someone comes along to ruin it."
Caden reached across the table, his hand covering hers. "I know it's hard. But I need you to believe me. Please."
Ayla hesitated, then gave a slow nod. "Okay."
Relief washed over Caden, and he squeezed her hand gently. "Thank you."
The moment stretched between them, delicate but comforting. It wasn't perfect, but it was a step forward.
Later that evening, Ayla lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The conversation with Caden kept replaying in her mind, over and over.
She wanted to trust him—needed to trust him. But the doubt gnawed at her, whispering that maybe Sabrina wasn't entirely lying.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, interrupting her thoughts. She reached for it, expecting a message from Caden. But instead, it was an unknown number.
Unknown: You think you know him. But you have no idea.
A chill ran down Ayla's spine. She sat up, her heart pounding. Another message followed almost immediately.
Unknown: Ask him about the hotel. He'll know what I mean.
Ayla stared at the screen, her hands trembling. What hotel?
The next message made her blood run cold.
Unknown: If he lies again, you'll know. Don't be a fool, Ayla.
Her breath hitched as the phone slipped from her hands onto the bed. She tried to steady herself, but her thoughts spiraled into chaos. Could Caden really be hiding something? Or was someone just trying to mess with her?
One thing was certain: she needed answers. And she wasn't going to get them over a coffee date.