Lana Hayes had always believed that love could conquer anything. Even when it broke her a little, she still smiled, as if she could fix everything with one laugh, one touch, one "it's okay."
She was standing by the wide café window that morning, tracing lazy circles on the fogged glass. Outside, the rain poured like a secret the sky couldn't hold anymore.
"Why do you always stare out when it rains?" Mick's voice came from behind her, low and teasing, the kind that carried both a joke and a warning.
Lana smiled softly.
"Because rain feels honest," she said, her tone light but her heart heavy. "It falls without pretending."
Mick tilted his head, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips.
"Honest, huh? Then I must be the rain."
She laughed, that short, musical sound that used to make everyone around her smile. But this time, it didn't reach her eyes.
Because deep down, she knew Mick's honesty was just another mask—a beautiful lie wrapped in a charming grin.
For a moment, she wondered if love was worth trusting anymore.
---
Hours later, as Lana walked home, the city lights blurred behind her tears. Her phone buzzed—it was Leo. Her heartbeat softened.
"Hey," she whispered.
The voice on the other side was warm, familiar, and everything she wanted to hold onto.
"Where are you?" Leo asked. "I was waiting."
Lana smiled faintly, tucking her hair behind her ear as the wind danced through the street.
"Just on my way. I'll be there soon."
For that one second, before destiny decided to twist everything, love still felt safe.
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Author's Note by ChocoFox:
Every story begins with a heartbeat, but not every heartbeat ends the same way. If you felt something in this chapter, even a flicker, leave a little warmth before moving on. The storm is only beginning, and Lana's heart hasn't even started to burn yet.