Maya pulled away from Ethan so quickly it was as if she had been burned.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to steady her breathing.
"You…" her voice shook, "you were there."
Ethan froze.
For the first time since she had met him, he looked caught off guard.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said, but his voice lacked its usual confidence.
Maya shook her head.
"Stop lying."
Silence filled the room.
"I saw you," she continued, her voice quieter now but stronger. "With Daniel."
Ethan's jaw tightened.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
"You shouldn't have seen that," he muttered.
Maya's heart skipped.
"So it's true?"
Ethan looked at her.
Really looked at her this time.
And something in his expression changed.
Less guarded.
More… serious.
"I didn't hurt him," he said firmly.
Maya swallowed.
"But you know what happened."
It wasn't a question.
Ethan exhaled slowly, like he was carrying a weight he didn't want to share.
"I know enough," he admitted.
"Then tell me."
"I can't."
Maya felt anger rise in her chest.
"Why not?"
"Because the moment you know everything…" Ethan said, stepping closer, "…you won't be safe anymore."
Her heart pounded.
"Maybe I'm already not safe."
Their eyes locked.
And for a brief second—
Everything else faded.