The city had a way of reminding me that the past never truly stays buried.
Even when you think everything is calm, shadows can rise, uninvited.
I learned this the moment I saw him.
The Encounter
Riya and I were at our usual café, laughing about a silly movie we had seen last week. The city hummed outside—the perfect backdrop for ordinary happiness.
Then he walked in.
Tall. Confident. With the kind of presence that made the room feel smaller.
Riya froze. Her hand tightened around her cup. I noticed immediately.
"Tom…" she whispered, eyes wide.
I didn't move. I stayed calm. But inside, my heart pounded.
The man approached. "Riya. Long time no see."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Yes. Long time."
Tom Steps Forward
I stood, walking toward them slowly. My voice calm but firm. "Can I help you?"
He looked at me, a smirk forming. "Just catching up. Nothing serious."
Riya shook her head slightly. "It's fine. He's gone. Really."
I looked at her, sensing her hesitation. I knew she was hiding something. "Riya… if this is about your past, I need to understand. I'm not here to judge."
Her eyes met mine, filled with worry. "Tom… it's complicated. I don't want to drag you into it."
I stepped closer. "You already have me. Whatever comes, we face it together."
The Past Revealed
After the man left, she finally exhaled. "That was… someone I used to work with. Someone who… doesn't take 'no' lightly. He wanted control over decisions I made back then, and I didn't know how to stop it. He's been in the city again. And seeing him today… it reminded me of everything I tried to forget."
I nodded slowly. "I get it. It's scary when the past shows up unexpectedly. But it doesn't define you anymore, Riya. You're not that person."
Her eyes glistened with tears. "I just… I didn't want to lie to you, Tom. And I was afraid you'd see me differently if you knew how messy it was."
Tom's Choice
I took her hand gently. "Riya… life is messy. Everyone has chapters they're not proud of. But the person you are now, the one I'm with… that's what matters. I'm not going anywhere."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly. "You really mean that?"
"I do," I said firmly. "No past, no city chaos, no misunderstanding will push me away. You don't have to face anything alone anymore."
For the first time that day, she smiled fully—relieved and grateful.
A Moment of Strength
We walked through the city streets, side by side, hands brushing. The hum of traffic, the glow of streetlights—it all felt safer with each other.
I realized something important: love isn't about avoiding difficulties. It's about facing them together.
And in this chaotic city, that meant standing by her, even when ghosts of her past appeared unexpectedly.
That Night
Lying in bed, I thought about the day.
The city throws shadows, but it also offers choices.
We chose each other today, despite fear. Despite uncertainty.
And sometimes, that's all that matters.
Episode 17 Hook
Will Riya's past continue to haunt them?
Can Tom remain patient and supportive as the city tests their love further?