For two days after my confrontation with Kieran, I avoided him completely.
I couldn't look at him without feeling the complex mix of hurt and confusion that came from learning someone you're falling for had initially seen you as a useful tool.
But I also couldn't stop thinking about the genuine love I had sensed from him when he said he cared about me.
On the third day, Kieran found me in Mrs. Chen's garden, where I was helping her tend to the roses while trying to sort through my feelings.
"Laila," he said softly, approaching carefully like I might run away.
"Could we talk?"
"I told you I needed time to think," I said without looking up from the flowers.
"I know, and I've tried to give you space. But there are things I need to tell you - things about your safety that can't wait."
