Sarah's POV
The city outside was beginning to hum with life—cars honking in the distance, street vendors setting up their stalls—but I felt strangely detached from it all. Eren was still asleep beside me, his face serene in the morning light.
I turned onto my side, studying him. His dark lashes fanned over his high cheekbones, his lips slightly parted as he breathed evenly. How could someone look so peaceful and yet feel so far away? Last night's tension lingered like an unwelcome guest in the room. I wanted to reach out, to run my fingers through his hair and kiss the worry off his face. But something held me back.
The weight of Axel's words refused to lift.
"Eren's not who you think he is."
I closed my eyes, the memory cutting through me like a shard of glass. Axel's tone had been calm, almost too calm, as though he was absolutely certain of what he'd said. And then there was the way Eren had reacted—cold, sharp, protective, like a man guarding something fragile and forbidden.
Was Axel just trying to manipulate me? To drive a wedge between me and Eren? Or was there some truth hidden in his words?
I hated how doubt had begun to creep in, a silent intruder that whispered in the quiet moments.
---
When Eren stirred, his arm slipped across my waist, his fingers grazing my hip. His touch was familiar, grounding.
"Good morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
"Morning," I whispered back, forcing a smile.
He shifted closer, his lips brushing my temple in a lazy kiss. "You're quiet this morning. Did you not sleep well?"
I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. I didn't sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about Axel.
Instead, I said, "Just a little restless, I guess."
Eren propped himself up on one elbow, his dark eyes searching mine. For a moment, it felt like he could see through me, like he knew every thought that had been swirling in my mind.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his brow furrowing.
I nodded quickly, avoiding his gaze. "I'm fine. Really."
But I wasn't fine. And judging by the faint tension in Eren's jaw, neither was he.
---
Later that morning, we found ourselves standing at the breakfast buffet. The clinking of plates and the hum of conversation filled the room, but the silence between us felt deafening.
Eren was quieter than usual, his movements sharp and deliberate as he piled fruit and toast onto his plate. I wanted to ask him what was wrong, but the words felt heavy in my mouth.
Instead, I reached for a croissant, my mind drifting.
"Sarah," Eren said suddenly, breaking the silence.
I looked up, startled. "Yes?"
"I have a meeting today," he said, his tone casual, though his eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place. "It came up last minute. Some business I need to take care of."
Disappointment pricked at me, but I forced a nod. "Of course. Do you need me to come with you?"
He shook his head quickly. "No, no. It'll be boring. Just some legal stuff." He gave me a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You should take the day to explore. Relax. Maybe check out that park we passed yesterday."
The suggestion was kind, but it felt off—like he was trying to push me away.
"Okay," I said finally, keeping my tone light.
---
The park was sprawling, a green oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Sunlight streamed through the canopy of oak trees, casting dappled shadows on the winding paths. The scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the faint perfume of flowers blooming in neat beds along the trails.
I wandered aimlessly, trying to shake the unease that had settled in my chest. The park was peaceful, filled with the laughter of children playing and the rhythmic sound of joggers' feet hitting the pavement. But I couldn't fully enjoy it.
I couldn't stop thinking about Eren—or Axel's cryptic warning.
As I walked, I felt it again: that prickling sensation at the nape of my neck. Someone was watching me.
I glanced over my shoulder, but the path behind me was empty, save for a young couple strolling hand-in-hand. I turned back, my heart thudding. It was probably nothing. I was just being paranoid.
But the feeling didn't go away.
Eventually, I found a bench beneath a towering oak tree and sat down, trying to steady my racing thoughts. The air was cooler here, the shade providing a welcome relief from the midday sun. I closed my eyes, letting the sounds of the park wash over me.
"Sarah."
The voice was soft but unmistakable.
My eyes flew open, my breath catching as I looked up. Axel stood before me, his hands in his pockets, his posture casual but his eyes anything but.
"Axel?" I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Taking a walk. Same as you."
I stood, my heart pounding. "Are you following me?"
His smirk faltered, replaced by something softer, almost vulnerable. "No. But I'm glad I found you."
I crossed my arms, trying to put distance between us despite the few feet that already separated us. "Why? So you can say more things to make me question my husband?"
Axel's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "You deserve to know the truth, Sarah."
My pulse quickened. "What truth? What are you talking about?"
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Eren isn't who he says he is. He's hiding things from you—things that could change everything."
I shook my head, my hands curling into fists. "Why should I believe you? You're his brother. You've never liked him. This is probably just some twisted game."
His eyes softened, and for a moment, I saw something raw and unguarded in his gaze. "This isn't a game," he said quietly. "I'm trying to protect you."
"From what?" I demanded, my voice rising.
Axel hesitated, as though weighing his next words carefully. "From the lies he's built your life on."
My chest tightened, anger and fear warring within me. "You're wrong. Eren loves me. He's always been honest with me."
"Has he?" Axel countered, his tone sharp. "Think about it, Sarah. Has he ever told you about his past? About the things he's done? The things he's hiding?"
I stared at him, my mind spinning. Of course, Eren had secrets. Everyone did. But that didn't mean he was lying to me—or did it?
Axel took another step closer, his voice softening. "You don't have to believe me now. But when the truth comes out—and it will—you'll understand."
Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my heart racing and my mind drowning in unanswered questions.