Sila leaned into her seat, as the car moved at a steady pace. She looked sideways and turned to face him fully.

"We should invite Alina over whenever she gets the time out of her schedule."

Aahil nodded without taking his eyes off the road. "She visits whenever she can. But we'll do that."

Sila played with her fingers. Aahil waited for her to ask but when she didn't, he took matters into his own hands.

"You figured it out, didn't you?"

"Wasn't hard to do so."

Aahil had expected that. He'd be surprised if she hadn't.

"How long has it been since they broke up?"

Aahil gave it a thought. "Before Osama went to Harvard."

"Years, you mean. And she's still not over him."

"Yeah, and neither is he."

He swiveled the steering, his expressions thoughtful. "I told you we got introduced to Lina in school freshman year, right? What I didn't mention was the fact that our introduction to her was through Sam. For us, she was his girl. That's another thing she took no time in warming up to us, me and Mahad."

Sila could imagine it. Osama and Alina's love had its vestiges still there.

"They started dating at the beginning of freshman year and up to the senior year they were solid. We were sure that this was it. But then Alina broke up with Osama when he was about to settle down in a new country in about just days. We tried to resolve whatever it was even though we didn't know much but there's just so much you can do as friends. Osama had to leave. Mahad and I had to as well. It was a nightmare, the beginning of his first term at Harvard. Mahad was at Yale, at a drive of more than two hours so he could only meet with us on the weekends. But I was close, it'd take just ten minutes by cab. So, I made it to a point to check up on Sam whenever I could. You can say our friendship strengthened from there. He got ahold of himself, though. He was in his dream school and had to make the most of the opportunity."

"And Alina?"

"She was here, back home, majoring in fashion designing along with her modeling career. Emotionally, she didn't fare better than Osama. She had closed herself in a shell, and no one was allowed to break her walls. But somewhere me and Mahad, we were sure that they'd get back. In love like theirs, people always do. But then came Adeel Hashmi into the picture and that misconception died its own death. He and Lina dated for a while and then broke up. We never got to know why and how. Lina never shared it with us."

Sila pursed her lips. This wasn't as easy as she'd expected.

"And now Rimsha is interested in Sam." Aahil added.

"The one he was talking to?"

"Yes, an actor and a movie geek. Hate to say but she's as insufferable as him when it comes to cinema encyclopedia. Sam knows she likes him but he also knows he's not over Lina so he'll never go ahead with it."

"He's a decent guy."

"And Lina is a sweetheart. We never doubted their integrity as humans, Sila. That's about it, two people can be the most beautiful souls you know but they'll turn out to be the worst for each other. Sam and Lina were never that, though and that's the whole point. But there are things both of them need to talk about if they ever want to move on from each other or give this another chance. The thing is, both are stubborn in their own way. Sam denies it but his hurt made him close himself to any kind of reasoning about what Alina did and Lina will never share her struggles with anyone. She will silently battle it out till she's too beaten down to get up. So, at the end of the day, if they don't want to do anything about it, none of us can make them. We can only be there if and in whatever capacity they want us to be."

A good friend. Sila could only come to this conclusion. Not once did he take sides but was aware of his friends' shortcomings and understood them fully. It spoke of his emotional intelligence. Every day, this guy was there to amaze her. It was hard to admit but she liked these surprises about the concealed aspects of his personality he didn't show often.

"Let's just hope they sort this out soon because I hate to see Alina sad."

"Don't forget Sam's competition with both Shahrukh Khan and Dilip Kumar's Devdas."

Sila shook her head. There he was. The moment was lost. "You are the worst."

"It is what it is. Don't believe me? Ask Mahad."

"Yeah, to prove your point you'll go as far as involving Mahad. As much I have noticed, he's your sworn enemy."

"That's a bit of a stretch. I prefer foe or nemesis."

Sila looked out of the window, not wanting to take this useless banter any further. But she was sure he'd say something infuriating in about a second and she'd have to shut him up again, the bickering would ensue, and the cycle would repeat itself.

"So, when are we going to discuss your rather questionable choice of socks?"

Here we go.

Sila sighed, mustering her strength. This would go on for a long while, probably the whole of the remaining drive. The gleam in his eyes vouched for that.

𝄞

She had just parked her car outside of AJ Events' main office when her phone pinged with a text.

The Rich Husband: SOS

Me: Did you change your contact name on my phone?

The Rich Husband: I literally sent you an SOS and this is what you have to ask?

The Rich Husband: I did though when you were sleeping. It's a sin to call your husband a problem.

Me: It is also a sin to lie.

The Rich Husband: I'm rich, Sila and I'm your husband. Where's the lie?

Me: I'm literally outside Ajwa's office replying to your Bakwas. I sent you to work just half an hour back.

The Rich Husband: I'm supposed to attend meetings with Baba all day. #KillMe #DoItNiceAndQuick

Me: Drama queen. It can't be that bad.

The Rich Husband: It is and you know what's funny? It can get worse. #SaveMe #IAmYourSuhaag #IWillShowYouMyAbs #Uncensored

She didn't want to but couldn't help her laugh at that.

Me: You are really chaotic when you're bored. I'm off to meet Ajwa. See you in a few hours. Try to survive, eh? Toodles :P

The Rich Husband: Give her a hard time and if you don't, I'll disown you.

Me: It's called a divorce.

The Rich Husband: God forbid. At least try to stay positive. #Astagfar

Locking her car, she went inside the office. As soon as she rounded the corner toward Ajwa's room, she found Shifa and Talal there.

"Sila!"

Shifa met her with her trademark grin but the same couldn't be said for Talal. His eyes darted behind her. Sila followed his gaze.

"What?"

He smirked. "Still the same car?"

"Were you expecting the royal state coach?"

"Nah, but a vehicle exuding your in-laws' riches."

"Seriously, Talal?" Shifa looked about done with his shit. Talal made a face and left an enraged Shifa and a resigned Sila behind.

"He's going to be an ass about my in-laws now, isn't he?"

"You know he hates the elites and now, you're a part of them. Also, Ajwa gave him your place on the team. He was in control of everything. But since you're back, that's in jeopardy."

"I'm not back, though. I'm just here to hear Ajwa out and clear my dues."

"Oh."

"Yeah, I gave years of hard work to this company but got treated like shit. The least I deserve is a clean slate."

"And an apology."

"Maybe but I won't get ahead of myself here. How's Muji?"

"He's around. I'll let him know you're here. You can say Hi when you're back from Ajwa's office."

"Sounds like a plan."

Both of them stopped outside the door. Shifa gave her a thumbs-up and went ahead to her workstation.

Sila sighed as she knocked at the door.

𝄞

When Sila came here, she hadn't hoped for a teary reconciliation or Ajwa's redemption. As someone who literally built the reputation this company enjoyed today, that too with her blood and sweat, being involved in every successful event, and knowing the working of things better than the owner, it was difficult to imagine how abruptly she got sidelined just because she got into an unfortunate situation.

She just wanted closure, sort of. So, she could look back at this experience without its rather unfortunate ending making her reconsider her own professional worth. She didn't want to come back here to work. She had an idea nothing would be the same anymore. And she'd rather put her efforts into something she felt happy being a part of than trudging along something she had lost her enthusiasm for.

Talal's reaction more or less proved to her she was right in her decision.

But the real stamp of approval came when she was ten minutes into meeting Ajwa.

"You have to understand I had no other option, Sila. That scandal was huge. Everyone person I know was talking about it. The name of my company was being thrown around like nobody's business and I couldn't afford that."

"I do understand that, Ajwa. You don't see me complaining. That was the time to damage control and we all did it the way we deemed it right. But you literally erased me from the team, gave my place to Talal and if I'm not wrong, promoted Nofil as a permanent member to fill up the empty slot."

"That was needed. We had to make do with whatever we had at our disposal. And you weren't fired."

"I might as well be, Ajwa. That was not much different."

Ajwa didn't look even a bit fazed. "But the good thing it passed, all of that. You're in a far better state than you were then and we all can look past that. The Jahangirs protected you the way I had never thought they would and now, you're one of them, Sila. How amazing is that? I can't tell you how happy I'm the way things turned out for you. It's time to let the bygones be. Come back to work so that we can roll the way we used to. And since you're the daughter-in-law of the freaking Jahangirs, I expect a lot more assignments from them. ACHC was just the beginning."

There it was. Sila couldn't say she didn't see it coming. But even the smudge of hope was too good to be true. This was why she couldn't work here anymore even if she overlooked the situation she went through. It was no longer about her work but more about where she came from now.

"Actually Aajwa—"

The door to the office opened. Both Sila and Ajwa looked at the new arrival. Ajwa smiled but Sila couldn't help her grimace. Mr. Shakeel wasn't too ecstatic to see her either.

"Mr. Shakeel, right on time."

For the first time in his life. Ajwa's enthusiastic greeting grated on Sila's nerves. The man took his seat, sneering at Sila. "I wasn't aware she'd be here today."

"You have always been bad at keeping up with the schedule." Sila matched his tone. The sudden hostility in the air was unacceptable to Ajwa. She had it in her bag and Shakeel was just sabotaging everything.

"Mr. Shakeel, Sila, and I were in the middle of an important conversation."

"By all means, continue. But I ought to be here as I'm her direct Boss."

Ajwa tried to convey the urgency to him through her eyes but seemed like even all the clandestine meetings couldn't teach him the art of reading Ajwa's body language.

"Very well, then. Sila,"

Ajwa's thinned lips upturned into a smile. "As we were discussing, when do you think you can resume?"

"You're letting her rejoin?" Mr. Shakeel all but shouted even before Sila could utter a word. Ajwa couldn't hide her annoyance now. "That's it, you should wait outside while we finalize everything."

"Oh, for fuck's sake, Ajwa! We've been through this! This can't happen. Don't forget the hassle we went through because of her shenanigans. Canoodling with that Jahangir boy while on a professional assignment!? She's not coming back."

"Damn straight. I'm not."

Sila got up. Her impassive face didn't give much but her gaze on both Ajwa and Shakeel was anything but mild.

"I've been trying to tell Ajwa this since the moment I entered her office. I'm not here to take my position back. My time with AJ Events is over. I'm ready to move on to better things and I will."

She nodded at a stupified Ajwa. "Clear my dues. I haven't been paid for ACHC yet. Doesn't look good on a company of this stature."

Then she moved to a satisfied Mr. Shakeel. "The moment the news hit the tabloids and social media, Ajwa replaced me from her team to prevent my damage to hit you all. AJ Events worked well without me and the scandal I faced. How all that affected you all when your girlfriend did everything in her wake to avoid it is really out of my understanding."

Ajwa choked on her breath. Mr. Shakeel's eyes widened. Sila picked up her purse. "Shocked are we? Let's not get into who's up to what shenanigans in their personal life that too using all the privileges it provides them on the professional front. Don't do that. You'll only have a mirror shoved into your face."

Before she left, she turned around once more. "Don't forget my payment. You don't wanna get involved with Jahan's legal team."

She didn't wait after that. Her feet stopped only after she was beside her car, unlocking it. Once inside, the first thing she did was open the chat on her phone.

Me: It went worse than I hoped.

Me: I kinda told them I know about their relationship

Me: And I might've gloated about having Jahan's legal team on my side.

Me: I feel a bit bad but a lot fucking awesome.

The Rich Husband: Boredom? What's that when a stud is married to you? Tell me everything!

So, that's what she did.

𝄞

Getting home, she dropped herself on the couch and sighed deeply. Her task for the day was over. AJ Events was a thing of the past. She wouldn't wallow in misery over something that was bound to get toxic for her. Talal, Ajwa, Shakeel. She dodged a bullet there. It was time to relax and rejuvenate. She would bag a better job. She always found a way through every obstacle life threw her way and she'd do that here as well.

It wasn't even midday. She could utilize this time to be productive. They had a stocked pantry. She could prepare dinner for both of them. Yeah. That was a good idea. But first, she needed a shower.

As per her norm, she took a while inside but when she came out, she was more relaxed than ever. Showers were truly a blessing she'd never shut up about.

The dinner was hours away so she had plenty of time to kill. She sat on the living room couch, scrolling her phone. Haleh was having a meltdown in the GC. Apparently, Mahad had again fucked up. Sila laughed at the colorful language Haleh used for him. She made a mental note to let Mahad know about some of the endearments.

She opened the Instagram Explore page, her favorite pass time. In her scrolling, she stopped at a post. It was basically a Reddit screenshot, the original post was made by a woman where she talked about her partner not being upfront about his rather intense preferences in bed which lead up to their ugly breakup. Sila made a face and ignored it, spooked by the subject matter, as always. Then she looked up some recipes. She'd be cooking a full-course meal here for the first time and that needed to come out perfect. She couldn't imagine the field day Aahil would have if she messed up. After all, homemade food was her idea.

She was fully engrossed in perfecting her meager cooking knowledge when the doorbell rang. She hadn't gotten the alert on the intercom so whoever it was, was a regular here.

Sila opened the door and sure enough, the househelp from Jahangir House stood there, grinning at her.

"It's nice to see you again, Nayi Dulhan."

Sila made a face. "Call me Sila, please."

With that, she let her in. Sila had seen her around Jahangir Residence a few times. She was Jamil's sister but unlike him, she didn't live permanently live there. The woman, in her early thirties, grinned like an adolescent. "You are the newest bride of the house. What else am I supposed to call you? Bhabhi? But Aahil is younger than me. Sila Jee? But you're also younger than me? Beta? But I'm not that old, God forbid. My eldest has just got admission into the school. Didn't you know?"

"As I said." Sila interrupted her spiel. "Call me Sila. Just that."

"Okay, Sila. It feels weird but I have to oblige, after all, you are my employer."

"I'm not. You work for my in-laws."

"Same thing. The Jahangirs are close-knit. Didn't you know?"

Didn't you know? That could be her whole personality. She didn't wait for Sila's instructions and got to work as if it was part of the routine.

At the same time, Sila's phone rang. She picked it up, seeing Sabah's name on it.

"Sila, did Asiya arrive?"

"Yes, she just got here."

"Good. She'll take care of the chores and if you need her to cook, she'll do that as well."

"Auntie, there was no need."

"Not for now but when you are busy with work, she'll prove to be an asset. She talks a lot but is also very efficient. She visits once a week as Aahil isn't prone to creating mess and sorts out his place on his own. But if you want me to, I can send her here daily."

"I think once a week is good. We can manage well."

"Ahan? Okay then. Do let me know if you need anything and do visit soon. I miss you both."

It hadn't been two days since their last visit to Jahangir House. Mothers. Sila smiled. "Sure Auntie but I'm afraid your son is busy."

"He has pleaded thrice by now to call his father home so the meetings are dispersed. Busy, yeah."

At that, Sila could only laugh.

Asiya didn't need any directions. Sila tried to help her even though she refused repeatedly. In about an hour, they were done cleaning up the place. Asiya gathered her things, about to leave with the driver.

"That's it. I'll see you next week, Ma'am."

"It's Sila. And we haven't cleaned that room yet."

Sila pointed at the door in the far corner of the apartment. Asiya's expression became grave.

"I'm not allowed entry there. Didn't you know?"

"Not even for cleaning purposes?"

"Not even for that. Sir is very particular about it."

Something slowly crawled under Sila's skin. Discomfort?

"I tell you, I'm working here for quite some years now, and never have I ever been inside it. At first, I used to think it was a storeroom but I don't think that's the case. When I asked Jamil, my brother, didn't you know? He told me to not meddle with something I have no business knowing. I said okay, cool. Who am I to say anything but just so you know, Ma'am."

She leaned in conspiratorially. Sila didn't correct her this time around.

"One of our relatives went abroad and since his comeback, he hasn't been the same. Very weird habits, I tell you. And Sir spent quite a long time in a foreign country. I'd say, be careful."

Sila immediately straightened up. Asiya seemed to be wanting to say more but Sila held up her hand. "Thank you, Asiya. I think you should leave."

Asiya didn't need to be told twice. She left with the same bounce in her feet she had when she came here but Sila's whole system has been jumbled.

𝄞

The Rich Husband: Are you sure about the dinner? I mean if you don't want to, there's no need. I can help you when I get home or we can get take-out.

Sila read his hour-old message for the umpteenth time. It was sweet but her mind was too occupied to pay heed to the cute gestures.

She tried to brush it off but the thought had seeped into her mind. When he told her that room was out of bounds, she found it odd but didn't think much of it. But today, finding out through Asiya that no one was allowed to go in there even for the simple task of cleaning it made her halt.

That serious? What could possibly be there?

Then there was his elusive way of skipping any detail about his time in the USA. Sila had noticed it many times now. He never divulged much about it. She didn't even know what he studied there. She was practically in the dark about a big chunk of his life while he more or less knew all about hers.

He was deliberately hiding it.

But why?

Was he really...NO. She jerked away from the couch, standing up and pacing the room. But what if? If she gave it a serious thought, they were in the very initial stage of their married life, and in some ways, he was still a stranger to her. Then his fixation on not letting her in on some things.

She chewed on her lower lip.

How would she know? And if it was true? If he were into the one thing that was a big No for her. She abhorred even the concept of it.

The ringing of her phone made her flinch. She roamed her eyes and found it on the table.

"Sila, we have an emergency."

Same, Amal! Same! She wanted to say but only looked on at the commotion on the other hand through the video call.

"Emergency? You mean Haleh being an evil bunny." Rameen drawled, apparently tired of the situation.

"I'm no bunny but if that guy tests me one more time, I'll show him who he's messing with."

"Gosh, Haleh. You need to reconsider your rage! You told us he never, for once took Aun Peerzada's side even though he came there with him. Calm down."

"You know what, Reen? I hate you too."

"As if I'm swimming in the love I have for you."

"Shut up!" Amal tried her best to be the mediator but it earned her two cushions from two different sides.

Sila stayed silent through it all, her mind still reeling from the thoughts earlier.

"Sila? Are okay?"

As always, it was Rameen who noticed her silence and soon as she did, Amal and Haleh were also attentive.

"You look worked up over something. What happened?" Haleh forgot all about her beef going on with Mahad as she looked through the camera.

"Richie Rich messed up?"

"Steal his money and come back to us. We will hide you till he forgets all about it."

"Guys! Shut up! She looks upset!" Rameen rebuked them and they listened to her, finally.

"Sila?" She prompted her best friend who sighed and placed her hand on her head. "I was just wondering."

"About what exactly?"

Sila folded her legs beneath her and settled the phone in her lap. "Remember Aalia?"

"Amal's friend whose husband had weird kinks?"

"Don't remind me! He was one sick in the head fella."

"But why she's being discussed here?"

At that, Sila massaged her temples. "How did she know?"

"Obviously, when they got down and dirty. How else was she to find out and...wait for a damn second! Why do you ask?"

She covered her eyes with her palm. Her three best friends looked alarmed. "Sila! No! I'm sure it's a misunderstanding." Rameen cried.

"The plot thickens." Amal sniggered.

"She's confused because they are not sexually active right?" Haleh wanted to confirm.

"You two, I will personally kill you! Behave or shut up." Rameen was quick to don her Mama bear suit. That essentially shut Haleh and Amal up but could it dwindle their curiosity? Not a chance.

"How did you even get this idea? Geez!"

"He has a locked room in his apartment, Reen, OUT OF BOUNDS!! And he's always so evasive about his past, particularly his years outside of Pakistan."

"That doesn't mean it's...Gosh, I don't wanna do this!"

"Did you talk to him?" Amal finally sobered up.

"What she'll exactly say to him, hun? Hey husband, I have a doubt that the thing which raises my hackles in sex, I think you are into it, and hehe it'll be good if you tell me so I can run to the Khasa and Murli hills."

That did nothing to make Sila's mood better. Haleh shrugged. It wasn't supposed to as well.

"I hate it here!" Sila finally cried. Before Amal, Reen, and Haleh could say anything to comfort her, the door of the apartment clicked open. Sila's eyes widened. She immediately cut the call and got up.

"The way you're ingoing my texts, I thought you'd be snoring away in the bed but here you are."

He said. His tone was normal, the elation of a hectic day coming to an end there in his slight smile.

"What's the progress about dinner? I'll help you. Let me freshen up." Saying that he placed the shopping bag on the table and as he did, something clanked inside it.

Sila felt her heart come into her throat. Her eyes zeroed in on the bag and as soon as she spotted a shiny chain peeking out of it, she did nothing but scream at the top of her lungs.

"What the fuck!"

Aahil moved quickly and held her by her arms but she came out of his hold, trying to ensure the distance between them.

"NO, and NO!"

She raised her finger in a warning. Aahil's face showed both his confusion and misery. "The fuck is going on here!"

"No fuck will go on! Not like this! No way!"

"Sila? English, please? Or Urdu? Heck, I can understand a bit of Greek as well but use proper words and tell me what the hell is going on!"

He tried to hold her once again but she swatted his hand away.

"Really now! What—"

"I'm not into it."

"Into what?"

She bit on her lip and eyed him with disbelief written on her face. "This!" She pointed to the chain. Aahil remained clueless but then, slowly it made sense to him and when it did, his eyes widened, and his mouth opened and closed, you know, like a goldfish.

"I...What?"

Then as if it was spelled to him once again, his disbelief got more visible. His jaw clenched and his eyes slightly narrowed at her. "Why would you even think this way? Are you out of your mind?!"

"Why would I? I have solid reasons!"

"Give me the fucking reasons then!"

"First of all, this! Whatever it is!" She pointed to the table, at the chain. Then her finger went in the direction of the room at the far end. "Out of bounds! No one is allowed to go there even for cleaning purposes! Don't blame me if my mind flashes morbid images of what is inside! You give nothing about your past! Especially about your time in the States! I practically know nothing about that part of your life and you are never ready to share it as well!"

"So you came to this conclusion? Who told me you are a genius? I want a refund."

"Don't try to divert the topic! Not when you've done nothing to prove it!"

"Sila—"

But she moved away from him, shaking her head. He had had enough of this.

"Don't." He whispered seriously as he held her hand. His words were firm but his hold on her was anything but.

Slowly, but with determined steps, he brought her close to the table and took out the chain from the shopping bag.

It was Sila's turn to be shocked seeing the collage stand identical to the one on his photo wall. She looked between it and him but he said nothing to prove anything to her. His actions were doing all the talking.

"I..."

He shook his head and came to the door. Sila was right behind him. He held a key from his keychain and held the doorknob.

He paused just for a second.

But then his eyes collided with hers.

And the next thing Sila knew, he pushed open the door and gestured for her to take a look inside.

That's what she did.

Whatever she expected to see, wasn't this. It was a room like any other. Filled with stuff, very normal stuff.

Or not.

She could make out a couch, and a coffee table under the white dust covers. There were other things too she couldn't place but it was the one in the corner that made her falter.

"Is that a..."

Aahil leaned against the wall with his head bent. Sila looked at him.

And she really looked. "A Piano?"

His answer was a slight nod, so slight that if she hadn't been fully attentive to him, she'd missed it.

"You...this..." She stuttered. Aahil has her hand still in his hold. He played with her ring, looking down, not being able to face her.

"Aahil..."

That did it. He closed his eyes and when he opened those, he was looking straight at her. "Bachelor of Music in Composition, Berklee College of Music. Class of 2018."

A whisper.

But the clarity couldn't fool anyone.

He left the wall, ready to leave. Ready to bolt. Run. Don't look back. This was it. This was the limit. He couldn't twiddle anymore with it.

But he stopped. Feeling a tug at the back of his shirt.

His eyes closed. Don't ask me more. Don't, Sila. Please, don't.

"I'm sorry."

The broken whisper and the tension left him like the cord he'd release without playing the note on it.

She didn't meet his eye. Embarrassment and mortification colored her face. "Oh, God. This was really not it. I want to... I can't face you at the moment. But seriously. I'm sorry. I really am. I...Oh, God!"

His own dilemmas were cast aside without a moment's notice. Her. That's what remained. Her. That's what mattered. Her.

Her lower lip was between her teeth. She was going to draw blood. She tried walking past him but he immediately stop her.

"I said I can't face you right now."

"I heard you."

Bringing his thumb to her lip, he freed it from the onslaught of her teeth. "It's fine."

"It's not. I hate myself for always assuming the worst and causing a huge racket over it. This was...not done, Aahil."

"Wasn't my first time seeing your meltdown. I'm used to it by now."

Meek and uncertain. He hated seeing her like that. And on his expanse? Nah. Never.

Slowly, his arms came around her. Sila slowly looked up at him, conveying through her eyes what she couldn't as aptly through her words. And Aahil understood. As he bent his head to her level.

"What's in the dinner?"

She sniffled. "Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"I was worried sick. The thought of dinner didn't even cross my mind."

"Take-out it is then."

Sila felt the worst if it was possible. She could've blamed it on Asiya and her friends but at the end of the day, she was the one who started it and let it fester.

"Gosh! I wish tonight had never happened."

"Look at the positives, at least now I know what not to do when our time finally comes."

"You are never going to let me live this down, right?"

"Not in the foreseeable future."

"I hate you."

"No, you don't."

She didn't. He was right. Tonight really shouldn't have happened. So much she got wrong sans one thing.

She was right when she said there was so much she didn't know about him.

Tonight, even with all its chaos and stupidity, reinforced this very fact.

The room behind her whispered as such.

𝄞