The rain stopped before dawn.
Hudson remained wrapped in gray skies, but the city had grown quieter somehow, as if exhausted after carrying too many secrets for too long.
Inside Jayda’s apartment, silence rested heavily between her and Faris.
No more shouting.
No more accusations.
Only truth sitting painfully between them now.
Faris remained near the window while Jayda sat motionless at the edge of the bed, arms wrapped around herself tightly.
Neither had moved for several minutes.
The aftermath of honesty felt colder than lies.
Jayda stared blankly at the floor.
“You hid evidence.”
Faris shut his eyes briefly.
“Yes.”
Her chest tightened again hearing it aloud.
Because no matter how she tried understanding his reasons—
The betrayal still existed.
The silence stretched painf
