The secret keeper by Zelenizer

Part1 Leila had been keeping a secret for years, It had been three years since the night it happened, but the memory still haunted her. Leila's mind was a jumble of emotions as she locked up the small Cafe she owned and headed home. The streets were quiet, with only few stragglers out enjoying the cool air. As she walked, Leila's thoughts drifted to the secret she kept hidden, even from her closest friends. What could they think if they knew the truth? would they still be her friends? Leila stopped in front of her apartment building, noticing a figure standing by the door. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a familiar scent. Her heart skipped a beat. "Ryan," She whispered, her voice barely audible. He turned, his eyes locking onto hers. "Hey, Lee," he said softly. Leila's stomach flipped. She hadn't seen Ryan in months, not since the night they'd had a massive fight and he had walked out of her life. She had thought she'd never see him again, but he was standing in front of her apartment building, Looking like he had just stepped out of a magazine. "Ryan" She said trying, to sound calm. " What are you doing here?" He smiled, that same charming smile that had won her over in the first place. "I was in the neighborhood," he said. His eyes clinking at the corners. "Thought I'd drop by and see how you're doing." Leila raised an eyebrow. " You're not exactly the drop-by type, Ryan." He chuckled. "Okay, fine. I was in trouble and I needed your help." Leila's heart sank. Trouble was something she knew all too well, and she wasn't sure she was ready to get dragged back into Ryan's chaotic world. She knew that look-he was in trouble, and needed her help. She could walk away, leave him standing there and go inside to her safe, quiet life, Or she could hear him out, see what kind of mess he'd gotten himself into this time. Ryan took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the street before focusing on Leila."I've got a problem, Lee". With a gentle calm voice " What is it Ryan?" She asked. Well...well.. I think I.. i kind of ... Owe someone money, and they aren't the patient type. I've got a week to come up with the cash, or...they'll harm me, bad." Leila's grip on her keys tightened. "How much do you owe?" She asked, her voice firm. Ryan hesitated before answering, "50 grand Lee!!" Leila's eyes widened."R50,000 Ryan? How did you manage that?," Leila's mind was racing. R50,000 was a lot of money, and she knew Ryan didn't have it. She also knew that the people he owed to wouldn't hesitate to hurt him if he didn't pay up. "Ryan, why didn't you come to me sooner?" She asked trying to keep her frustration un check. Ryan looked down, shamefaced. "I was too ashamed, Lee. I didn't want to admit I'd gotten in over my head." Leila sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. She knew Ryan's history, knew he'd always had a bit of a reckless streak. But she'd also thought he'd grown out of it. Leila sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. She knew. "Okay, let's think this through," She said, her mind racing. "I've got some savings, but it's not going to cover the full amount. "We'll need to come up with a plan to get the rest of the money..."As she spoke, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and her heart skipped a beat. It was an old friend, someone she'd thought she'd never hear from again."Alex," She said, her voice barely above the whisper. Ryan's even narrowed. "Alex? As in, Alex from...? Leila's eyes darted to his, a warning in them. "Just Alex, Ryan. Let's focus on getting you out of this mess first, okay?" Ryan nodded, buy Leila couldn't see the curiosity in his eyes. The phone buzzed again, amd Leila knew she had to answer it " Excuse me," She said, stepping away from. Ryan. She answered the phone, and a familiar voice filled the ear. "Leila it's been a long time."Alex's voice was smooth, like honey. I heard you're In a big of a bind. I might be able to help..." Leila's instincts screamed warning bells. What did Alex want in return? "How did you know I was in bind?" Let's just say I have my sources, Leila. I'm willing to help you out.. for a pice" chuckled, a low throaty sound. Leila's mind was racing. What could Alex possibly want from her? They had a history, a completed one, send Leila had thought she'd left it all behind her. " What do you want, Alex?" She asked, her voice firm. Ryan was watching her, a curious expression on his face. Leila turned away, not wanting him to see the emotions playing across her face. "I was in," Alex said, his voice dripping with intent." I want to know what your hidding Leila. And I'm not willing to give you the money to pay off Ryan's debt...in exchange for the truth!!" Leila's heart was racing. How did Alex know about her secret? And what was he willing to get it out of her? Leila's grip on the phone tightened." "I don't know what your talking about, Alex," She said, trying to keep her voice steady. Alex laughed again, that low, throaty sound that used to send shivers down her spine."Don't play dumb, Leila. I kmow you've been keeping secrets. And I'm willing to pay a top dollar for them." Leila's mind was racing. What did Alex know? And how could she get out of this situation without revealing everything? Ryan was watching her. a concerned expression on his face. Leila turned away, not wanting him to see the emotions playing across her face. "Meet me at the old warehouse on 5th and main." Alex said, his voice dripping with confidence, "come alone, and bring the truth with you. I'll give you the money, and we'll call it square." The give line went dead, and Leila was left standing there, her heart pounding in the chest. What was she going to do now? Leila doesn't kmow what to do. What us Alex talking about? What truth is he referring to? And what's at stake if she doesn't show up with it? Ryan's voice cuts through her thoughts. "Lee, what's going on? Who was that?" Leila hesitates, unsure how much to reveal, But Ryan's been her friend for years, and she knows she can trust him ... or does she. As Leila hesitated. Ryan's eyes searched hers, trying to read the expression. "What truth, Leila?" He asked, his voice gentle but probing. Leila took a deep breath, her mind racing with the consequences of revealing her secrets. She had kept it hidden for so long, afraid of loosing people she cared about. "I...I have a daughter,"Leila said, the words trembling out out in a rush. "She's six years old and her name is Sophia. I gave her up for adoption when she was born. but I've been her from afar, making sure she's safe and happy. Ryan's expression softened, Suprise etched on his face. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked, his voice full of concern. Leila shook her head, tears pringing to her eyes."I don't ashamed, Ryan. I was young and scared, and I thought it was the best decision at that time. But it's been eating away at me , wondering what could have been if I had kept her." Ryan took her hand, his eyes filled with empathy."Leila, I'm here for you. We'll face this together. okay?" Leila nodded. feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. But as she looked at Ryan, She knew she wasn't out of the woods yet. Alex still had the upper hand, and she had to meet him at the old warehouse. To be continued...