The confession

The drive back felt longer than it should have.

No one spoke a word.

The music from the radio was the only sound heard; they played some slow song.

Lena kept her eyes on the window. The ocean had disappeared behind them, but she could still feel it—on her skin, in her hair, the way she felt underwater.

Scarlett, however, was watching her, which made her uncomfortable.

Lena could feel it. The way her gaze moved, like she wanted to uncover a case.

That was the thing about Scarlett—whatever she wanted, she fought for it.

When they got to the house, Scarlett was the first to step out.

“Well,” she said lightly, stretching as if the day had been completely normal. “Today was fun.”

Lena didn’t respond. She reached for her bag and walked inside without waiting.

Jayden lingered for a second before following.

Lena didn’t stop until she got to her room.

The door shut behind her quietly.

She dropped her bag on the bed and stood facing the mirror for a moment.

Then she let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

Everything from the beach replayed at once—the kiss was sensational; she felt a tingling around her chest.

Lena pressed her lips together, annoyed at herself.

This wasn’t supposed to be happening.

Where were her morals?

A soft knock came at the door.

Lena stiffened.

“Lena.”

She hesitated, then walked over and opened it slightly.

“What?” she asked.

Jayden leaned against the doorframe, his expression serious.

“We need to talk.”

Lena almost laughed.

“Now you want to talk?”

He didn’t react to that. “Can I come in?”

She stepped aside.

He walked in slowly, like he wasn’t sure about what to say to be on her good

Neither of them spoke.

Then Lena crossed her arms.

“So,” she said. “Say it.”

Jayden ran a hand through his hair.

“What happened back there… we can’t keep doing this, I mean, pretending.”

Lena let out a short breath.

“I’m not pretending.”

“Really?” he said. “Because one minute you’re acting like what we have is special, and the next—”

“That sounds rich, coming from you,” she cut in.

He squints his eyes.

Lena shook her head. “You don’t get to act confused. You’re the one making everything complicated.”

“How?”

She looked at him like he’d just asked the dumbest question.

“You said we are grown adults having fun, remember? and lest I forget, you already have someone by your side,” Lena said. “You sit there while she throws herself at you, while she tries to get under my skin—and you just… stand there.”

Jayden frowned. “That’s not fair.”

“It’s not supposed to be fair,” Lena shot back. “Look at the situation we’re in.”

He exhaled slowly.

“I didn’t ask for this either, Lena.”

“It doesn't look that way,” she said.

For a second, Jayden didn’t have a response.

Lena’s voice dropped slightly. “You think she doesn’t know something’s off? Scarlett is not who you think she is.”

"She's not a bad person.

"No one said that," she said, rolling her eyes.

That's not what I meant, and I know she likes me, but I have told her it's not possible,” he said quietly.

“Then why are you still playing along?”

Jayden looked at her.

"I'm not, okay? I just don't want to get her hurt.”

Lena held his gaze.

“By hurting me?”

Before he could respond, she turned away, walking toward the window.

“I’m not doing this,” she said. “I’m not going to be dragged into whatever game this is.”

“I think there's a misunderstanding,” Jayden said.

Lena’s jaw tightened.

“I wish we didn't get to this point,” she replied.

"So do I,” he said. “But that doesn’t change anything.”

Silence stretched between them.

Then Lena spoke again, slower this time.

“What happens when Richard finds out?”

Jayden didn’t hesitate.

"He won’t.”

Lena turned back to him, unimpressed.

“This is wrong.”

"We can right things; just break up with him, and I will do the rest.”

She shook her head slightly.

“I can't."

"Why?" he said. We both know he doesn't treat you good”

Lena smiled at that, but it was a mocking smile.

“And who told you that?"

Another pause.

Then Jayden stepped closer.

“Look,” he said, quieter now. “Whatever this is between us… I want it to never end; I have fallen for you.”

Lena’s heart skipped.

“You can't," she said.

He hesitated, then added, “The first step is to tell Dad about us.”

“About what?”

"Our love, we wronged him, but if we don't tell him the truth, it gets deeper.”

Lena stared at him.

"You're delusional,” she said flatly. “What do you think he's going to do?” Give us a hug or something.

“That’s not what I mean."

“Then what do you mean?”

Jayden’s expression shifted.

“I mean this isn’t just… a fling anymore,” he said. "I don't want us to be a secret anymore.”

Lena held his gaze.

“And?”

“And I need to know the feeling is mutual before taking an action.”

She let out a small, humorless laugh.

“You really think this is a movie, right?”

Jayden didn’t respond.

Lena looked away first.

“Just go,” she said.

He didn’t move.

“Jayden.”

After a second, he nodded.

“Alright.”

He walked toward the door, then paused.

"I will fight the heavens and earth to have you,” he added.

Lena didn’t turn.

And he left.

The door closed.

And just like that, the room felt quiet.

Downstairs, Scarlett was exactly where Lena expected her to be.

In the living room.

She had changed into something comfortable, her hair pulled back in a messy bun, but there was nothing casual about the way she looked up when Lena walked in.

“There you are,” Scarlett said.

Lena didn’t stop walking. “Was I missing?”

Scarlett smiled slightly.

“Maybe.”

Lena grabbed a bottle of water from the table.

“Say what you want to say,” she said.

Scarlett tilted her head.

“You’ve become bold.”

“Or maybe I’m just tired,” Lena replied.

Scarlett watched her for a moment.

Then she stood up slowly.

“You think I don’t see what’s happening?” she asked.

Lena met her eyes.

“I think you see what you want to see.”

Scarlett stepped closer.

“No,” she said softly. "I see what you want me to see.”

Lena didn’t react.

“Little things,” Scarlett continued. How can you be playing father and son at the same time?

Now you've got him wrapped in your fingers; I see how he looks at you when he thinks no one’s paying attention. The way you blush when he shows you attention.”

She smiled again.

“You’re not as sleek as you think.”

Lena took a sip of water.

“Or maybe you’re just not smart.”

Scarlett let out a quiet laugh.

“Am I?”

She leaned in slightly.

“Because I’m very good at knowing when something belongs to me.”

Lena’s expression didn’t change.

“People aren’t things, Scarlett.”

Scarlett’s smile faded.

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

Then Lena set the bottle down.

“If you have proof, show it,” she said. “If not, you’re just talking.”

Scarlett studied her face.

“You’re interesting,” Scarlett said.

“I’ve heard worse.”

Scarlett smirked.

“Oh, I’m sure you have.”

She turned away, picking up her phone.

“But don’t worry,” she added casually. Just one messy move and you're caught.”

Lena scoffs. “Take your time.”

Lena knew sooner or later she had to get rid of whatever she had going with Jayden.

Lena couldn’t sleep.

She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind running in circles.

Everything felt like it was balancing on something fragile.

Because of her, what she and Richard had built is about to crumble.

She turned to her side, pulling the blanket closer.

This wasn’t just about her anymore; it's more like a battle between hearts.