CHAPTER 12

The taxi filled the air as I stared out the window, lost in thought. The city lights sparkled below, like diamonds scattered across a dark cloth. Each twinkling light seemed to hold a story, and mine was taking a surprising turn.

The journey felt long, and my mind raced. Charles had challenged the walls I'd built around myself. He was both charming and mysterious, which made me nervous but excited at the same time. As my defenses weakened, I started to wonder if it was safe to let myself be open to him. Old hurts weren't easy to forget.

A few days later, Nathan called again. Honestly, at first I wasn't really interested in Charles, I just wanted Nathan's attention back. But now I don't know what to feel about him. When I saw his name on my phone, I felt a mix of things: annoyed, curious, and a little bit sad about the way things used to be.

I hesitated before answering. "Nathan?"

"Agatha, I'm glad you answered," he said quickly. He didn't sound as arrogan