Chapter 13: Confrontation at Midnight
The next day passed in a blur, Ayla distracted by the cryptic messages. By nightfall, she knew she couldn't sit on this any longer. She needed to confront Caden—tonight.
When she arrived at his apartment, she hesitated for a moment before knocking.
Caden opened the door with a warm smile. "Ayla! Hey, I was just about to text you."
She didn't return his smile. "We need to talk."
His expression faltered. "Uh…sure. Come in."
Ayla stepped inside, her heart pounding. The cozy warmth of his apartment felt at odds with the storm brewing inside her.
"What's going on?" Caden asked, concern etched on his face.
Ayla took a deep breath, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "I got a message last night. From someone who knows you."
Caden frowned. "What kind of message?"
Ayla stared at him, trying to read his expression. "They told me to ask you about the hotel."
For a moment, Caden looked genuinely confused. Then his eyes widened slightly, and Ayla saw it—the flicker of recognition.
He knew exactly what she was talking about.
Her heart dropped. "So it's true?"
Caden ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. "It's…not what you think."
"Then tell me what it is, Caden!" Ayla snapped, her voice trembling. "Because right now, it feels like you've been lying to me this whole time."
"I haven't!" Caden's voice rose in frustration. "Look, I can explain. Just—give me a second."
Ayla crossed her arms, waiting. "I'm listening."
Caden took a deep breath. "A few weeks ago, I stayed at a hotel because I needed some space. Work was stressful, and…I just needed to get away. Alone."
Ayla raised an eyebrow. "And you didn't think to tell me?"
"I didn't think it was a big deal!" Caden said, exasperated. "It wasn't about you, Ayla. It had nothing to do with us."
"But you still kept it from me," Ayla whispered, her voice full of hurt. "Why?"
Caden ran a hand over his face. "Because I knew you'd react like this. I didn't want to make things worse."
Ayla felt tears sting her eyes. "You don't get it, do you? It's not about the hotel. It's about trust. And right now, I don't know if I can trust you."
Caden stepped closer, his voice soft and pleading. "Ayla, please. Don't let this ruin us. I care about you—so much."
Ayla closed her eyes, trying to steady herself. She wanted to believe him. But the doubt was still there, gnawing at her, whispering that maybe—just maybe—he was hiding more.
"I need time," she whispered, stepping back.
Caden's face fell. "Ayla…"
"Just…give me some space," she said, her voice breaking.
Before he could say anything else, Ayla turned and walked out the door, leaving Caden standing there, helpless and heartbroken.