The rain was falling heavily outside.
She never thought she would see him again.
Not after the promise he broke.
But there he was…
Standing in front of her door like the past never happened.
Her heart trembled.
Was it love… or fear?She tried to steady her breathing, but her pulse refused to calm down.
Three years ago, he had walked away without a proper goodbye.
No explanation.
No warning.
Just a broken promise and a shattered heart.
She had spent countless nights convincing herself that she hated him.
That she had moved on.
That if he ever came back, she would never forgive him.
Yet now, standing face to face with him,
her heart betrayed her."Why are you here?" she asked again, her voice stronger this time.
Arin swallowed hard.
"I know I don't deserve to stand here. But I had to see you."
A bitter laugh escaped her lips.
"After disappearing for three years? You think you can just come back?"
His jaw tightened.
"It wasn't my choice."
"Liar."
The word slipped out before she could stop herself.
For a moment, silence stretched painfully between them.
The evening wind brushed past, carrying memories she had tried to bury."I was protecting you," he finally said.
Her brows furrowed. "From what?"
Before he could answer, headlights flashed across the street.
A black car slowed down near the gate.
Arin's expression changed instantly.
The calm mask he was wearing cracked.
"They found me," he muttered.
"Who found you?" she demanded, fear creeping into her voice.
He stepped closer, lowering his tone.
"There are things you don't know about me… things I never wanted you involved in."
Her heart pounded louder.
"What are you talking about?""I made enemies," he admitted. "Dangerous ones. The night I left… they threatened to use you against me."
The world seemed to tilt beneath her feet.
"So you thought breaking my heart was better than telling me the truth?"
"It was the only way to keep you alive."
The black car's engine stopped.
The door opened.
And footsteps echoed in the quiet street.Arin grabbed her hand instinctively.
"If anything happens, don't trust anyone. Not even the police."
Her eyes widened.
"Arin—"
But it was already too late.
Someone was walking toward them.