Ayla

My heart sank. For some reason, ever since yesterday, I had this overwhelming urge to see River—or at least hear his voice.

My eyes drifted to the white flowers on the nightstand. Their soft petals almost whispered to me, like they were sending a silent message that River was out there, cheering me on.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the pounding in my chest that felt louder than it should. There was something strange—like a connection growing between us, something I wasn’t ready to admit out loud.

My phone buzzed. Unknown number. I hesitated for a second, but my finger moved before my brain caught up. I swiped green.

“Hello?” My voice came out a little raspy.

“Oh, thank God! You picked up right away. It’s me, River. How are you feeling?”

“River…” His name slipped from my lips like a reflex.

I was surprised, though. How did he even get my new number? Oh, of course—Yuna. She was always like that, quick to act without being asked.

“I’m doing better,” I said softly. “Might get discharged tomorrow.”

Honestly, I was relieved he called. Maybe it sounded weird, but after all the chaos, I just needed to know he was okay.

We ended up talking for a while. Mostly about him—school, random little things that somehow made me want to know even more.

Strangely enough, he was so open. And we had only known each other for a few days. It felt… warm. Like talking to someone I had known for years.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I glanced over. Mom walked in—along with two people who always managed to stir up mixed feelings in me—Reese and Reid.

“How are you, sweetheart?” Mom’s voice was gentle, but her eyes scanned me like a detective looking for clues.

“I’m fine, Mom,” I replied.

Reese approached first. His face was the same as always—serious, stiff, way too intense for a guy in his twenties. “You need to be more careful, Ayla,” he said firmly, controlled as always. “River is still someone you barely know.”

I blinked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Not everyone who looks good actually is good.” He held my gaze for a long second. “I’m not saying he’s bad. Just… don’t trust too quickly.”

I took a long breath, biting back the sarcastic response fighting to come out.

Then Reid dropped onto the edge of my bed, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. “Gotta hand it to you, Ay. Even when you’re stuck in here, you’ve still got time for long calls with a guy. How’s lover boy doing?” He nudged my arm playfully.

“Reid!” I glared at him, heat flooding my cheeks.

I could already predict it—Reid would be the loud one about this, and Reese would give his subtle-but-bossy warnings, the classy version of Rhett’s brute-force approach.

Reid chuckled. “Relax. I won’t tell Rhett. But if he finds out, well… I’d say your guy’s got guts after what happened yesterday.”

His words reminded me of something that had been nagging at me since last night. I looked at them both. “Speaking of Rhett… were you two involved?”

“No,” Reese answered immediately, his tone sharp.

“And we don’t want to be,” Reid added, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I don’t do drama. When Rhett’s pissed, you can’t reason with him.”

I exhaled heavily. God, it was exhausting being Ayla Monroe—someone who couldn’t even casually hang out with a guy without the world imploding.

**

The next day, I finally got discharged. The fresh air felt amazing, but I couldn’t shake the sense of unease clinging to me.

As I stepped outside, the last person I wanted to see right then was standing by the car—Rhett. He was a mess. His face was bruised all over, his lip split, and—God—his arm was in a cast.

I froze in my tracks. “What the hell did you do to yourself?” My voice was ice-cold.

He dropped his gaze. “I just—”

“Did Papa do this?”

He didn’t answer, but I knew. Of course it was Papa. His world ran on two words: Must and Pain. The thought sent a chill down my spine.

Thank God he had never treated me that way. He didn’t raise his voice, never had to. All it took was that unblinking stare and one word—must—and you obeyed.

“If you ever do this again,” I cut him off, refusing to sound weak, “I swear, Rhett—I will never speak to you again. Ever.”

His eyes flicked up to mine, full of hurt like a scolded little boy. But I didn’t care. My anger burned too hot. Not just because he hurt River—but because he made me feel… afraid of losing something I didn’t even fully have yet.

An old memory flashed—the time at the movies with Yuna, when some random guy just asked for my number. Rhett snapped back then too, and hit him without thinking.

Back then, I was annoyed, maybe even a little amused. But this? This was different. This time, I was scared. Scared because the one bleeding this time was River.

**

Later that afternoon, Dad called me into his study. The massive room with its dark wood walls always made me feel small. He was sitting behind his desk, calm but sharp-eyed as ever.

“Ayla, sit.”

I obeyed, my heartbeat spiking.

“Starting today, you’ll have a female bodyguard,” he said matter-of-factly. “Her name is Carina. She’s only five years older than you. I want you to feel comfortable.”

I swallowed hard. “Papa… weren’t you a little harsh with Rhett?”

His eyes narrowed. “I only taught him a lesson. I don’t tolerate him acting like a street thug. He needs to learn self-control.”

I nodded slowly, but my thoughts spiraled. What if Papa ever came face-to-face with River?

As if reading my mind, Dad leaned back. “Ayla, don’t get too close to River.”

I looked up at him. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t want you getting hurt again.”

I bit my lip, holding back everything I wanted to say. My heart was screaming, but my logic knew—Papa never joked.

Still, no matter what anyone said, I couldn’t shake this feeling. That strange, undeniable connection between me and River… it was still there. And it wasn’t going anywhere.