The True Love

THE IMPORTANT TALK

David was panicking. He called Ella 6 times but she didn’t pick up. The last message he saw was "Can we talk?" sent to Yury.

At the park bench, Ella sat in silence. "I think I made a mistake," she repeated. "With David. I love him. But when I’m with you, it feels like home, Yury. It always did."

Yury’s heart stopped. 12 years of hiding. Gone in one sentence.

"Ella, don’t say things you’ll regret," he said, voice low. "David’s a good guy."

Before Ella could answer, David ran into the park, drenched in sweat. "I got your messages," he said, looking between them. "What’s going on?"

The air went heavy.

David pulled out a small box. Inside was a ring. Not expensive. Just a silver band they used to wear as kids during play weddings.

"I was going to propose tonight," David said. "Because I don’t want to waste another day. Ella, will you be mine? Officially?"

Ella stared at the ring. Then at Yury.

Yury forced a smile. "Say yes, Ella. He deserves it."

Ella opened her mouth but no words came out.

Her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number: "If you choose David, you’ll lose the person who knows your real story. Meet me tomorrow. - A friend of your mom."

Ella looked up, confused. Who was this?

David was still waiting for an answer. Yury was pretending he was fine.

And Ella had no idea her mother’s secret was about to change everything.