Tangled with the billionaire

Chapter Six: Shifting Currents*

The encounter with Lena lingered in Alex’s mind like a song stuck on repeat. Though Max had tried to brush it off as part of his past, something about Lena’s tone and expression had unsettled her.

That night, Alex lay in bed staring at the ceiling, her thoughts spinning. She trusted Max—or at least she wanted to—but she couldn’t help wondering why he hadn’t mentioned an ex before. Especially one who seemed so… unfinished.

The next day, Max texted early.

*Max:* _“Morning sunshine ☀️ Can I steal you for coffee later?”_

*Alex:* _“Sure. Usual spot?”_

*Max:* _“You read my mind.”_

Their meeting at the café was easy, filled with familiar laughs and quiet moments. Max seemed like himself, his hand brushing hers across the table, his eyes warm as ever. But for Alex, the shift was subtle, internal—a layer of guardedness where there used to be none.

As they walked back across campus, Max said, “So… about yesterday. I should’ve told you about Lena sooner. We dated during my second year. It got messy, and when we broke up, we cut ties. I didn’t expect to see her again.”

Alex nodded slowly. “It’s okay. I get it. I just… wish I hadn’t found out like that.”

“I know,” Max said sincerely. “And I promise there’s nothing there anymore. You’re the one I want to be with.”

His words were reassuring, but they didn’t erase the feeling that someone had cracked open a door to his past—and now, shadows were seeping in.

That weekend, Stacy noticed Alex was quieter than usual.

“You’ve been off,” she said during one of their movie nights. “Is it Max?”

Alex sighed. “It’s just… complicated. His ex showed up out of nowhere. He says it’s nothing, but it threw me.”

Stacy nodded, setting down her popcorn. “Listen, if you’re going to be in this, you have to trust him. But also, don’t ignore your gut. Just make sure you’re being true to what you feel.”

Alex smiled. Stacy always knew what to say.

That night, as Alex scrolled through her phone, she paused on a picture of her and Max from their coffee date. They looked happy—genuinely happy. She wanted to believe in that moment. She wanted to hold on to the version of them before doubts crept in.

But deep down, she knew things were beginning to shift. Whether it was the past, or something else entirely, Alex felt a storm quietly building on the horizon.