The city felt colder that evening.
Not because the temperature had dropped—it hadn't.
It was the atmosphere. The quiet tension that settled in my chest when something felt… off.
Riya hadn't replied to my morning texts. Just one brief "I'm busy" the day before. Normally, she would have called. Normally, she would have shared.
Something was wrong.
The Unexpected Call
My phone buzzed suddenly.
Unknown number.
I hesitated, then answered.
"Is this Tom?" a voice asked. Calm. Controlled. But with an edge.
"Yes. Who is this?"
"Let's just say… someone who knows Riya."
My chest tightened. Something in the tone didn't sit right.
"She's fine," the voice continued. "But she's in a situation she can't handle alone. You should meet her… if you care."
Before I could ask more, the line went dead.
Racing Through the City
I didn't think twice.
Keys, coat, bag. I ran into the street, weaving through traffic, dodging the city's endless rush.
The riverwalk? Not enough. The café? Too far.
I followed instincts, adrenaline fueling every step.
Somewhere in the city tonight, Riya needed me. And I wouldn't let distance—or the unknown—stop me.
Finding Her
Finally, I found her near a small alley behind a bookstore she liked.
She was leaning against a wall, looking shaken. Her hair was slightly messy, eyes wide, hands gripping her bag tightly.
"Riya!" I called, running to her.
She flinched at first, then recognition washed over her face. Relief.
"Tom…" she whispered.
I stepped closer. "What happened? Are you okay?"
She shook her head. "I… I got cornered. By someone from my past. They… they just wanted to scare me."
Protecting Her
Anger and fear collided inside me.
"You didn't tell me?" I asked, voice firm but controlled.
"I didn't want you to worry," she admitted, her voice trembling.
I took her hand firmly. "Riya. I care about you. If something happens to you, I want to be there. Always. No exceptions."
Her eyes filled with tears. "I know. And I… I should have called you."
"Doesn't matter," I said. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."
A Moment of Closeness
We walked slowly out of the alley, shoulders brushing. The city lights glimmered off wet pavement, reflecting the tension that had just passed.
"I was scared," she whispered. "Not because of them… but because I realized how much I need you."
"I know," I said softly. "And I need you too. You don't have to face anything alone anymore."
She rested her head on my shoulder for a moment. Not hiding, not running. Just trusting.
The City Watches
The city around us buzzed endlessly. Horns, footsteps, lights. But for the first time in weeks, I felt calm.
Not because the city was quiet.
Not because life had stopped.
Because sometimes, love isn't about escaping danger.
It's about standing together when the city tries to pull you apart.
That Night
Back in my apartment, I couldn't stop thinking.
The city is full of challenges. Unexpected events. Shadows from the past.
But I realized something important: trust isn't built in calm moments—it's forged in storms.
And tonight, Riya and I had taken the first step toward something stronger than fear.
Episode 16 Hook
Will the past continue to haunt Riya and test their bond?
Can Tom protect her without losing himself in the city's chaos?