One tiny mistake

episode 3: Shadow's of doubt

Alexandra's mind was racing as she tried to process what Ryan had just told her. Joe, her Joe, had been in an accident? How was that possible? And why was Ryan reacting so strangely?

"What happened?" Alexandra asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Ryan's eyes narrowed. "I don't know all the details," he said. "But I know it's serious. He's in the hospital."

Alexandra felt a wave of panic wash over her. She had to see Joe, had to make sure he was okay. But as she turned to leave, Ryan caught her arm.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

Alexandra tried to shake off his grip. "I'm going to the hospital," she said.

Ryan's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "I need to talk to you about something," he said, his voice low and even.

Alexandra's heart skipped a beat. What did Ryan want to talk about? Did he suspect something?

"What is it?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Ryan hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "It's just...I've been feeling like something's off lately," he said. "You've been distant, preoccupied. Is everything okay?"

Alexandra felt a wave of relief wash over her. Ryan didn't suspect anything...yet. But she knew she had to tread carefully.

"Yeah, everything's fine," she said, forcing a smile. "I've just been stressed with work and stuff."

Ryan nodded, seeming to accept her explanation. But Alexandra knew she couldn't keep her secrets hidden forever. The tension between them was palpable, and she wondered how long it would take for Ryan to discover the truth

As they both rush to the hospital to see Joe, Ryan couldn't help but notice her distress. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, .

Alexandra hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I just...I care about Joe, that's all," she said, trying to brush off Ryan's concern.

But Ryan's eyes narrowed. "You're more worried about Joe than I am," he said. "And I'm his best friend."

Alexandra felt a pang of guilt. She knew she had to be careful not to arouse Ryan's suspicions.

At the hospital, Alexandra rushed to Joe's bedside. He was lying in bed, his face pale and bruised.

"Joe," she whispered, taking his hand. "I'm so sorry. What happened?"

Joe's eyes fluttered open. "I...I don't know," he said, his voice weak. "I was driving home from work, and then...and then something hit me."

But before she could ask any more questions, Ryan appeared at the doorway, his eyes fixed intently on Alexandra.

"Hey," he said, his voice low. "How's Joe doing?"

"Hey, Ryan," Joe said, his voice weak. "Thanks for coming, man."

Ryan nodded, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Rhea. "Hey, Rhea," he said, his voice neutral.

Rhea smiled, her eyes flashing with a hint of hostility. "Ryan," she said, her voice cool.

Alexandra felt a pang of unease. She knew Rhea had always been a bit possessive of Joe, and she wondered if Rhea suspected anything about her relationship with Joe.

"So, what happened?" Ryan asked, turning back to Joe.

Joe hesitated, glancing at Alexandra before responding. "I'm not really sure," he said. "I was driving home from work, and then...I don't know, something hit me."

Rhea's eyes narrowed. "The police said it was a hit-and-run," she said, her voice tight.

Alexandra felt a surge of fear. A hit-and-run? That sounded deliberate.

As the conversation continued, Alexandra couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She glanced at Rhea, who was watching her with an intensity that made her skin crawl.

What did Rhea know? And what was she hiding?

As Ryan stepped out to take a call

Alexandra found herself growing more and more uncomfortable. Rhea's presence seemed to be suffocating her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that Rhea suspected something.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rhea excused herself to go get a cup of coffee. As soon as she was out of earshot, Joe turned to Alexandra.

"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his voice low.

Alexandra nodded, her heart racing with anticipation.

"What's going on?" Joe asked, his eyes locked onto hers. "You seem really upset."

Alexandra hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to lie to Joe, but she couldn't tell him the truth either.

"I'm just really worried about you," she said finally. "I don't know what happened, but I'm scared."

Joe's expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand.

"I'm going to be okay," he said. "But I need you to promise me something."

"What is it?" Alexandra asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Joe's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense.

"I need you to promise me that you'll be careful," he said. "Whoever did this...they're not just after me. They're after you too."

Alexandra's heart skipped a beat. What did Joe mean? And who was after them?