Amara's eyes widened as she heard the voice . "Ethan? It's Sarah." Ethan's expression turned guarded . He glanced at Amara, then moved to answer the door. His movements were tight, like he was bracing himself.
"Sarah, what are you doing here?" Ethan asked, voice tight . Amara hovered behind him, feeling like an intruder . Sarah smiled, eyes darting to Amara . "I needed to talk. About us."
He stared at Sarah, confused . "There's no us, Sarah. Not anymore." Sarah's smile faltered, but she recovered . "Ethan, we were engaged. We can fix things."
Amara felt like she'd been punched . "I… I'll go." Ethan caught her arm. "Amara, wait." But she pulled away, grabbing her bag . "No, it's fine."
"Why did she come? Does he still love her?" . Amara's mind spun as she rushed out. She didn't want to hear this.
L
Ethan chased her into the hallway . "Amara, it's not what you think!" Amara didn't look back, tears pringing her eyes . "Just leave me alone."
Ethan's voice echoed. "Amara, stop!" But she kept walking…
Amara didn't stop until she hit the street, tears blurring her vision . What just happened?! She hailed a taxi, jumping in . "Just drive."
The driver glanced in the mirror. "Where to, miss?" Amara shrugged . "Anywhere."
Ethan stood in the doorway, frowning . Sarah approached him, looking smug . "Ethan, we need to talk."
Ethan shook his head. "Not now, Sarah."
Sarah's expression turned cold . "You're making a mistake."
Amara's phone buzzed – Ethan calling l. She ignored it, heart racing . Tobi texted: "What happened?!" Amara typed back: "Sarah showed up."
Tobi replied: "Wtf?! Want me to come over?" Amara smiled sadly . "No, I'm okay."
She spent the night tossing and turning . Why did Sarah's arrival hurt so much?
Next morning, Amara dragged herself to work . Ethan was waiting by her desk, looking tired . "Amara, please talk to me."
Amara shook her head . "Not here." Ethan nodded, following her to a quiet room .
"Amara, Sarah means nothing," Ethan said, stepping close . Amara felt a spark, but pulled back . "You should've told me."
Ethan sighed. "I was going to. I swear."
They talked, tension easing . Amara realized – she trusted Ethan .
As they finished, Ethan smiled . "Dinner tonight? My place." Amara nodded, heart fluttering …
Just as she agreed, Lola walked in . "Ethan, your meeting's in 5." Ethan groaned . "Thanks, Lola." Amara smiled – but Lola's gaze lingered on her …
Lola turned to leave, then paused . "Amara, can I have a word?" Amara nodded, uneasy .
Lola leaned in. "Be careful, okay? Ethan's… complicated."
Amara frowned. "What do you mean?"
Lola's expression turned serious . "Just… trust your gut."
Amara pushed it aside, focusing on Ethan . He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close . "Tonight."
Amara smiled, heart racing …