Sarah's POV
Eren's arm was draped across my waist, his body radiating warmth as he slept beside me. His features were peaceful in slumber, his lips slightly parted, the sharp lines of his jaw softened.
But I couldn't sleep.
I lay there, staring at the ceiling, Axel's words replaying in my mind like a haunting melody. "Eren's not who you think he is."
The look in Axel's eyes when he said it had been unsettling. It wasn't mischief or malice, but something darker—something weighted with knowledge I wasn't privy to.
I turned my head to look at Eren. How could he be hiding anything? He was attentive, protective, and endlessly caring. He loved me—didn't he?
Beside me, he stirred, his arm tightening around my waist as he pulled me closer. His lips brushed my shoulder, warm and tender, as he murmured against my skin.
"Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood," he said, his voice low and still tinged with sleep.
"Good morning," I whispered, turning to meet his gaze.
His dark eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought he could see the storm of doubt swirling within me. "You're quiet this morning," he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "What's on your mind?"
I hesitated. I wanted to tell him about Axel, about the strange warning and the unease that had been festering since that night. But I couldn't. Not yet.
"Just tired," I said finally, forcing a smile.
Eren didn't look convinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he leaned down and kissed me, his lips soft and reassuring.
_
The day passed in a blur of colors and sounds. Eren had planned a tour of the local markets, a lively explosion of sights and scents. Vendors called out to us as we passed, their stalls overflowing with spices, handwoven fabrics, and glittering trinkets.
Eren held my hand the entire time, guiding me through the crowd with practiced ease. At one stall, he picked up a delicate bracelet made of tiny sapphire stones.
"It matches your eyes," he said, fastening it around my wrist.
"It's beautiful," I said, smiling despite the lingering tension in my chest.
But as we wandered through the market, I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder every so often, half-expecting to see Axel lurking in the shadows.
_
The rooftop restaurant was breathtaking, its open terrace offering a panoramic view of the city's twinkling lights. Soft music played in the background, and a gentle breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine.
Eren had gone all out, ordering a bottle of wine to accompany the chef's signature dishes. He seemed determined to shake me out of my mood, his charm on full display as he recounted stories from his childhood.
But even as I laughed at his anecdotes, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
It was subtle at first, like a whisper at the back of my mind. But the sensation grew stronger, prickling the nape of my neck and sending shivers down my spine.
"Sarah?" Eren's voice pulled me back to the present. "Are you okay?"
I blinked, realizing I'd been staring at my barely touched plate. "Sorry," I said quickly. "I'm fine. Just tired."
Eren reached across the table, his hand covering mine. His touch was warm, grounding, but his brow furrowed in concern. "You've been saying that a lot lately. Are you sure nothing's wrong?"
I hesitated, torn between honesty and the need to protect our fragile peace. "I'm fine," I said again, giving him a small smile.
He didn't look convinced, but he let it go, turning the conversation to lighter topics.
_
Axel's POV
From the bar, I watched them eating.
They were the picture of a happy couple, laughing and leaning close to each other over candlelight. To anyone else, they might have seemed perfect together. But I knew better.
Eren had built his life with Sarah on a foundation of lies. And no matter how carefully he guarded his secrets, it was only a matter of time before the truth came crashing down.
I took a sip of my whiskey, the amber liquid burning its way down my throat. I shouldn't be here. Watching them like this was a dangerous game, one that would only end in pain—for all of us.
But I couldn't stay away.
Sarah was magnetic, her presence pulling me in despite every rational thought telling me to let go. She didn't belong in Eren's world of deception. She deserved someone who could love her honestly, without pretense.
She deserved me.
The moment Eren left the table, his phone pressed to his ear, I saw my opportunity.
I stood, my heart pounding as I crossed the terrace.
"Sarah," I said, my voice calm and measured as I stopped beside her table.
She looked up in surprise, her eyes widening when she recognized me. "Axel?"
I smiled, slipping my hands into my pockets. "Fancy meeting you here after so many days."
Her expression shifted, a mix of confusion and wariness. "What are you doing here?"
"Enjoying the city," I said lightly. "Though I didn't expect to run into you two again."
She glanced toward the direction Eren had gone, clearly uncertain. "Eren will be back soon," she said, her tone cautious.
I nodded, taking a step closer. "Good. I'd hate to miss him. But I was actually hoping to speak with you."
Her brows furrowed. "About what?"
I hesitated, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. "About Eren," I said finally. "And about the things he hasn't told you."
Her eyes widened, her grip tightening on her glass. "What are you talking about?"
"Axel."
Eren's voice cut through the air like a blade, sharp and filled with barely restrained anger.
I turned, meeting his glare with a calm smile. "Eren," I said. "I was just saying hello."
He strode toward us, his body radiating tension. "I told you to stay away from her."
"And I told you that secrets have a way of coming to light," I said, my gaze steady.
Sarah looked between us, her confusion deepening. "Eren, what's going on?"
"Nothing," he said quickly, placing a protective hand on her shoulder. "Axel was just leaving."
I held his gaze for a moment longer, then stepped back, my smile never faltering. "Enjoy your evening," I said, my voice low.
As I walked away, I could feel Eren's eyes burning into my back. But it wasn't his anger that stayed with me.
It was the look of doubt and confusion in Sarah's eyes.