Chapter 6: Shifting Allegiances
After the confrontation, things between Amelia and Victor became strained. He stopped calling, stopped initiating their usual meetups. When they saw each other in public, it was as though he was avoiding her, the warmth in his gaze replaced by a coolness that unsettled her. Amelia found herself caught in the aftershocks of their unspoken fallout, wondering if things could ever go back to the way they were.
Elena, on the other hand, had become even more of a steady presence in Amelia's life. Their friendship deepened, and though Amelia hadn't fully processed her feelings, she began to realize that the emotional connection with Elena was something she didn't want to lose. They spent more time together—quiet dinners, late-night talks, and spontaneous adventures around the city. But despite all the closeness, there was still an unspoken distance. Amelia didn't know how to confront her feelings for Elena, let alone verbalize them.
One evening, Elena took Amelia aside during a walk through a quiet park. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the trees, and the air felt thick with unspoken words.
"Amelia," Elena began softly, her voice filled with a tenderness that made Amelia's chest tighten. "I know this has been hard for you. And I'm not rushing you… but I need you to know something."
Amelia turned to her, her heart beating faster. "What?"
"I've always known how I feel about you," Elena said, her gaze steady and unwavering. "I've been waiting for you to figure things out for yourself, but I can't wait forever. I care about you… more than you realize."
Amelia's breath caught in her throat. The words hung between them, heavy and real. It wasn't just friendship that Elena was offering—it was love. And for the first time, Amelia realized that she wanted it. She wanted Elena's love, but she also wasn't ready to give up on what she had with Victor.
"I—" Amelia started, unsure of how to respond. "I don't know what to say, Elena."
"You don't have to say anything," Elena replied, her voice filled with quiet understanding. "But I need to know if this is something you can give back. If you can give me that same love, or if I'm just a placeholder."
Amelia's heart broke at the thought. She wasn't sure of anything. But she knew one thing: she couldn't keep living in this state of uncertainty, torn between two people who both held pieces of her heart.