Thea couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something big. Ariana's past was still shrouded in mystery, but piece by piece, the truth was beginning to surface. Sitting in the library, she pored over old files, photographs, and attendance records. Silvia sat beside her, scrolling through digital archives, hoping to find something the physical records didn't reveal.
"I don't get it," Silvia muttered. "If Ariana had feelings for someone else, why did she let the rumors about her and Harrison spread?"
Thea ran her fingers through her hair, her eyes scanning a list of student names. "Maybe she was protecting someone."
Silvia glanced at her. "You think she was in love with someone forbidden?"
Thea tapped the paper. "Or someone dangerous."
As she flipped through a stack of old student ID photos, her eyes widened. "Silvia," she whispered, holding up a picture. It was a yearbook photo, and in the corner of the frame, barely visible, was a man wearing the same shoes from the photo on Ariana's phone.
Silvia leaned in, her breath hitching. "That's him."
Thea's fingers trembled slightly as she turned the page, revealing a name beneath the photo. Their eyes met, realization dawning between them.
"We need to find out who he really is," Thea said firmly.
But before she could dig further, her phone buzzed.
It was Edwin.
Thea, you need to come to the hospital. Adrian was in an accident."
The words sent a cold shiver through her body. She shot up from her seat, knocking over a pile of books. "What happened?" she asked urgently, already grabbing her coat.
Silvia stood as well, concern flashing across her face.
"He was driving late last night. I think he was distracted. The car skidded off the road," Edwin said over the phone. "I've been with him all night, but I have an urgent meeting. Can you come?"
"I'll be there." Thea hung up and turned to Silvia. "I have to go."
Silvia squeezed her arm. "I'll keep looking into Ariana. You take care of Adrian."
Thea nodded and rushed out.