Fate's Final Act

-CH 18- Shadows I

ADONIS (Aiden): OUTSIDE

I sat on a bench near the agency's building, watching the snowflakes drift lazily to the ground. I didn't have any photo shoots today, but I couldn't stand the suffocating silence of my mansion.

The nightmare from last night still clung to me, a dark cloud that refused to dissipate.

I pulled my cap lower over my forehead and adjusted my sunglasses. I told myself I wore them to hide my identity-I was a model, after all-but the truth was, I didn't want anyone to see my puffy, red eyes from crying all night.

The cold air bit at my skin, but it was a welcome contrast to the internal turmoil I felt.

As I lost myself in my thoughts, a sudden wet nose nudged my leg. I jolted in surprise, my heart racing.

A low whine brought my attention to a small dog sniffing at my foot. Startled, I immediately stood up. "Whoa! No, no, no." I stammered then recoiled instinctively, nearly losing my balance on the snow blanket below me.

But before I could fall, a hand grabbed mine, steadying me. "Hey there! It's just Bella, see, it's not fun when you're the one getting sneaked on huh?," a familiar voice said, warm with amusement.

I looked up to see Mila standing in front of me, a playful grin on her face. "Mila," I said, trying to steady my breathing. "You scared me."

She laughed softly, still holding my hand. "Sorry. I couldn't resist. I know how jumpy you get around dogs." She gently tugged Bella back, giving me some space. "You okay?"

I nodded, though my heart was still pounding. "Yeah, just... startled, I guess." I looked away and pulled the cap lower on my face.

Mila's smile faded a little as she studied me more closely. "Aiden, are you sure you're okay? You don't look like your usual self."

I adjusted the sunglasses, grateful for the shield they provided. "I'm fine. I'm just tired. Didn't sleep well last night."

She plopped onto the bench and tapped the spot beside her, inviting Bella to sit. The dog immediately complied, jumping up to nestle next to her.

I hesitated, my eyes flicking nervously to Bella. The dog's presence still made me uneasy, but I forced myself to ignore it and sat down next to Mila, keeping a good distance between us.

Mila glanced at me while petting Bella's furry head. "So, no work today?" she asked, clearly trying to break the awkward silence.

I avoided her gaze, doing my best not to reveal how wrecked I felt. "No. I have a... holiday, I guess," I muttered.

She raised an eyebrow and tapped my shoulder with her fist. "Hey, seriously, you're acting weird today. And what's with the sunglasses? It's not even sunny."

She reached out to take them off, but I panicked, slapping her hand away. "Don't. Touch me," I said, my tone harsher and colder than I intended.

Mila recoiled slightly, her eyes widening in surprise. "Whoa, okay. I didn't mean to... I was just worried about you."

Realizing how I must have sounded, I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm sorry, Mila. I just... I'm not feeling myself today."

She studied me for a moment, her concern deepening. "Aiden, you know you can talk to me, right? What's going on?"

I shook my head, struggling to find the words. The nightmare's lingering effects weighed heavily on my mind. "It's nothing, really. Just had a rough night, that's all."

Mila didn't look convinced, but she didn't press further. Instead, she patted Bella's head again, giving me space to collect my thoughts.

"Well, I was actually going to walk Bella for a bit, and I'll train a bit near the ice lack. Remember it? So... since you have nothing to do. Wanna come with us there?" She said softly, and Bella barked in excitement, which made me flinch a bit.