Mia's POV
The sun peeked through the small window of my new apartment, warm but not enough to fill the emptiness. The space was mine now—small, simple, cozy... and quiet. Too quiet. No sound of Eric's giggles, no arguments with Ryan about "unnecessary" decorations, and no lingering scent of his cologne after he left for work.
It had been two days since I left the penthouse for good.
I was supposed to feel better.
I told myself this was a fresh start. That I deserved peace. But no matter how many times I unpacked or rearranged the couch cushions, that hollow ache sat right at the center of my chest.
My phone buzzed on the kitchen counter.
> Paula 👯♀️:
Girl, you've been MIA. I mean literally.
Come outside. I brought coffee and donuts.
I blinked. Coffee and... donuts?
I peeked through the blinds—and sure enough, Paula stood on the curb in her oversized hoodie and sunglasses, waving a paper bag like a flag of surrender.
I smiled for the first time in hours.
---
Ten minutes later, we were parked at our favorite overlook just outside the city, hot drinks in hand, warm sugar scent between us.
Paula nudged me. "So, are you going to tell me what happened, or do I need to kidnap you and interrogate you with K-drama clips and sad playlists?"
I groaned, leaning my head on the car seat. "It's complicated."
She sipped her latte. "Girl. Everything is complicated with you. Just spill it."
So I did.
I told her everything. How I met Ryan. The contract marriage. The way Eric changed everything. The late nights. The stolen glances. The confusing almosts. The kiss. The silence. The decision to leave.
Paula listened without interrupting—except for the occasional gasp or dramatic "No, he did not!"
When I finished, she stared at me for a beat before letting out a low whistle. "Damn. You're in love with him."
I shot her a glare. "I am not—"
"—Mia Walls," she cut in, "you left a penthouse, a luxury penthouse, with a walk-in closet I still haven't forgiven you for keeping from me—because you were afraid you were falling for a man who doesn't do love. That's love, babe. Messy, painful, real love."
I didn't respond.
Because... she was right.
I was falling. And it terrified me.
I stared out over the horizon, heart heavy and a little lighter at the same time.
"I just wish it didn't hurt this much," I whispered.
Paula looped her arm through mine. "Yeah. But if it didn't hurt, it wouldn't mean anything."