Aliana stared at the documents in her hands, her mind racing. The files had arrived anonymously at her hospital earlier that day, a thick envelope filled with legal papers and photographs—evidence that pointed to Hedro being involved in a massive corporate fraud scandal.
She didn't want to believe it. Hedro wasn't capable of such deceit. But the more she read, the more damning the evidence appeared. Bank transactions, correspondence under his name, and even testimony from supposed witnesses painted a picture of a man deeply entangled in corruption.
She thought about confronting him directly, but fear and doubt held her back. What if it was true? What if the man she had come to care for had been lying to her all along?
That evening, she texted him.
We need to talk. Come to the park at 7 PM.
---
Hedro arrived at the park just as the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. He spotted Aliana sitting on a bench, her posture tense, the envelope clutched in her hands.
"Aliana," he greeted, his voice warm. But her expression stopped him cold.
"What is this?" she asked, holding up the envelope.
Hedro frowned, taking a step closer. "What are you talking about?"
"These!" she snapped, pulling out the papers and shoving them at him. "Bank statements, emails, contracts—all with your name on them. They say you embezzled millions, Hedro. That you ruined families, destroyed businesses. Is it true?"
Hedro's heart sank as he skimmed the documents. "This… this isn't me. I don't know where this came from, but I swear to you, Aliana, it's not true."
"How can I believe you?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Everything here points to you. How do I know you're not lying?"
"Because I wouldn't lie to you," he said, his voice desperate. "You have to trust me, Aliana. This is a setup. Someone's trying to frame me."
"Who? And why would they do that?"
"I don't know," Hedro admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But I promise you, I'll find out."
Aliana shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "I can't do this, Hedro. I can't be with someone I can't trust."
"Aliana, please—"
"No," she said firmly, stepping back. "It's over. Don't contact me again."
Hedro watched helplessly as she turned and walked away, her figure disappearing into the shadows. For the first time in his life, he felt truly alone.