Ryan rushed out of the restaurant, his heart pounding harder than his footsteps. He spotted Mia leaning against the railing outside, arms crossed tightly against her chest, her face pale under the city lights.
"Mia," he called softly, slowing down as he approached.
She didn't look at him. "Ryan… what was she talking about? Why did she sound so confident?"
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Because Suzan is manipulative. She twists everything. Yes, I went to her place once, but not for the reason she's making you think.
Mia finally turned her eyes toward him, her expression torn between hurt and hope. "Then why didn't you tell me before? Why does it feel like people around you always know more about your life than I do?"
Ryan stepped closer, gently cupping her cheek. "Because I was afraid. Afraid that if I told you everything, the danger, the politics, the enemies—I'd lose you. I wanted to protect you, Mia, not push you away."
Her lips trembled, and for a moment, she let herself lean into his touch. "I don't want secrets, Ryan. Not after everything we've been through. I need honesty more than protection."
His eyes softened, his voice steady. "Then I'll give you honesty. From now on, no more hiding. No more Suzan, no more half-truths. You're my mate, Mia. My everything. And I'll never let her—or anyone—come between us."
A tear slipped down Mia's cheek, but this time it wasn't only from doubt—it was from relief. She whispered, "I want to believe you."
He leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead. "Then believe me. Because no matter what Suzan tries, she'll never be you. And I'd choose you a thousand times over."
Mia finally wrapped her arms around him, clinging to the warmth of his embrace. For now, that was enough.