Late Night

Alex helped Aries sit on the edge of the bed in the quiet guest room. The noise from downstairs was faint, replaced by the hum of silence and the soft glow of a bedside lamp.

Alex: There. Just rest for a while, okay? I’ll get you some water.

Aries: [smiling weakly] Thank you, Alex. I didn’t mean to worry you.

Alex: Don’t worry about it. You’re always taking care of others — let someone take care of you for once.

He paused by the door, glancing back at her.

Alex: [gently] You know... whoever hurt you before — they lost someone amazing. Don’t ever forget that.

Aries: [softly] You really think so?

Alex: I don’t think so — I know so.

He smiled, then stepped out.

As soon as the door closed, Aries lay back and covered her eyes with her arm.

Aries (whispering): Four years... and I still can’t forget, huh?

Downstairs, Brylle looked up toward the staircase, silent, lost in thought — while Jasmine continued talking, unaware of where his heart still lingered.

Later That Night

The soft hum of music drifted upstairs. Aries slowly opened her eyes — she must’ve dozed off.

Beside her, Alex was asleep in a chair, his head resting against the wall, his coat draped over his lap.

Aries: [whispering] You stayed...

She smiled faintly and carefully placed the blanket that had covered her shoulders over him instead.

Aries (softly): Thank you....

After a moment, she stood and quietly slipped out into the dim hallway.

Aries (to herself): I should thank Miggy and Devine before I leave.

But as she turned a corner near the back garden, she froze.

Brylle stood there — leaning against the wall, staring at the night sky.

He turned when he sensed her presence.

For a long moment, neither spoke.

Brylle: You’re awake.

Aries: Yeah... I’m fine. I didn’t want to make a scene earlier.

Brylle: You disappeared upstairs with that guy. I thought you were leaving for good.

Aries: He’s Alex. He helped me when I wasn’t feeling well.

Brylle came forward, shoulders tense, like he’d been holding back something for a long time.

Brylle (voice tight): Why didn’t you contact me? Four years — no calls, no messages. What happened, Arie? Tell me. I deserve an explanation.

Aries looked at him, the old, familiar ache threading through her chest. For a moment she simply breathed, gathering herself.

Aries: And what about you, Brylle? I deserve an explanation too. What happened while I was gone? Why did I come home to find you with someone else?

His face shifted — surprise, then the guilty honesty she’d always known in him.

Brylle: That’s not fair. You left without saying much. I thought — we both—

Aries: Don’t. She cut him off, and the single word held both weariness and warning. I don’t want this to turn into excuses.

He tried again, faster this time, words stumbling out.

Brylle (pleading): I never meant to— I thought you were gone for good, and I— I got lonely. Things happened. I should have told you. I should have—

Aries raised a hand before he could finish. Her voice shook, but she kept it steady.

Aries: Enough, Brylle.

She stepped closer, not to relent but to make him see. I don’t need your explanations. It’s been years. We’ve both built our lives. Maybe you think you have reasons—fine. But I don’t want them. I want peace.

Brylle’s jaw worked; the glass in his hand trembled.

Aries (softening, but resolute): You have Jasmine now. I have my life. We both tried to be happy. Let’s leave it like that. Forget the past — for both our sakes.

For a second, Brylle searched her face as if looking for any sign she might change her mind. The hurt in his eyes was raw and real.

Brylle (quiet): Do you... really mean that?

Aries: Yes. She met his gaze and let the hurt be honest and small. I’m done re-opening old wounds. Goodbye, Brylle. Take care of her. Take care of yourself.

She turned and walked away, each step deliberate. Behind her, Brylle stood frozen beneath the stars, the unspoken words louder than the night — and for the first time, he had to let her go without an answer.

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