Lila stood on the porch of Jacob's ranch, her phone pressed to her ear as Aiden's voice filled the line.
"I'm here," he said, his tone urgent. "I flew out as soon as you told me where you were. I couldn't wait any longer."
Her heart skipped a beat. Aiden had come all this way, but she wasn't sure how to feel. Gratitude, frustration and a tinge of guilt mixed into a confusing storm.
"Aiden, this isn't a good time," she replied, her voice low. "I'm in the middle of something important."
"I know," he said. "And I want to be there for you. Please, just let me see you. I'm at the motel in town."
Lila sighed, glancing back at Damon, who was watching her from the doorway. She felt his silent question and nodded slightly.
"I'll think about it," she said finally. "I'll call you later."
Inside, Damon raised an eyebrow. "That was him, wasn't it? Aiden?"
"Yes," Lila admitted. "He's here."
Damon's jaw tightened. "Why? What does he think showing up now will accomplish?"
Lila frowned. "He says he wants to support me."
Damon shook his head, frustration flickering in his eyes. "And you believe him? After everything he put you through?"
Lila's voice sharpened. "It's not that simple, Damon. People make mistakes. I can't just write him off."
Damon stepped closer, his voice softening. "I'm not saying you should. But don't let him distract you from what you're here for."
She nodded, knowing he was right but still feeling torn.
The next morning, Lila decided to meet Aiden at the motel. She told Damon she needed to handle it alone, though his reluctance to let her go was clear.
When she arrived, Aiden was waiting for her outside. He looked tired but determined, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.
"Lila," he said, stepping forward. "Thank you for coming."
She crossed her arms, keeping some distance between them. "Why are you here, Aiden? I didn't ask you to come."
"I know," he said, his voice earnest. "But I couldn't stay away. I've been a fool, Lila. I let my pride and insecurities ruin everything between us. I don't want to lose you."
Her heart twisted at his words, but she held firm. "Aiden, you already lost me when you chose to doubt me instead of trusting me. Do you know how much that hurt?"
"I do," he said, his voice breaking. "And I hate myself for it. I'll spend the rest of my life proving to you that I can be the man you deserve."
Lila looked away, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "I don't know if I can trust you again, Aiden. Not yet."
"Then let me try," he pleaded. "Even if it takes forever, I'll wait for you."
When Lila returned to the ranch, Damon was waiting on the porch.
"How did it go?" he asked, his tone cautious.
"It's complicated," Lila admitted. "He says he wants to make things right."
Damon's expression darkened. "And do you believe him?"
"I don't know," she said honestly. "But I owe it to myself to figure it out."
Damon looked away, his jaw tightening. "Just don't let him hurt you again."
Lila reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "Thank you, Damon. For everything. I don't know what I'd do without you."
His gaze softened as he looked at her. "You'd be fine. You're stronger than you realize."