Edge Of Betrayal

Deep Breaths

Ariel winced slightly, then let out a small, wry laugh as she handed the letter back to Valentina. "Oh wow... well, that explains his eye."

Valentina nodded, her expression a mix of exasperation and something else but Ariel knew Val well enough to see she was pleased with Enzo's reaction. "Yeah, Enzo's 'hospitality' explains it alright."

Ariel shrugged. "He did deserve it. Theo had no right to go to Enzo anyway, especially making demands." She thought to herself, despite everything, she did still love the man. Even though she didn't want to, she felt bad he was hurt. "But how are you feeling about finally reading a letter? Are you thinking of talking to Enzo at all?"

Valentina sighed, her fingers tracing the edge of her mug. "It's a lot to process. Part of me is relieved that I'll now know what he's been saying, and another part is just... overwhelmed. I guess I thought by now I'd... I don't know, just that.. he'd be like any other stranger. So I don't know yet if talking to him is the right move."

Ariel nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. It's not easy. But hey, you've got time to figure it out. No rush. Just take it one step at a time. And with this new job, a change of scenery might help you decide. Maybe it will help being a little further away from here while you think about it."

Valentina smiled, appreciating the advice. "Yeah, you're right. I'll take it one step at a time. Thanks, Ari. You always know how to put things in perspective."

Ariel rolled her eyes playfully. "If only I could give myself good advice."

Valentina chuckled. "Hey, it is always easier to see things clearly from the outside. But speaking of advice, let's talk about you for a minute. What's the plan with Theo? How are you feeling about everything now?"

Ariel sighed, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "Honestly, I'm still all over the place. Part of me wants to confront him, but another part just wants to move on without any more drama. I'm just so emotionally exhausted with all of this."

Would it help to have a plan? Valetina replied.

Ariel sighed, leaning back in her chair as she considered the question. "I know I need to address it. Ignoring it isn't going to make it go away. But I'm not sure how to approach him or what I even want to say."

Valentina nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Okay, let's break it down.

Their food and drinks arrived. As they ate, Valentina and Ariel continued to discuss how Ariel felt, what she needed to know from Theo, and how she would best approach the conversation and ultimate outcome.

Once they had discussed everything Ariel needed to clear from her head, they finished their food, exchanged a few more encouraging words, and promised to catch up in a few days unless something urgent came up.

Ariel found herself back outside her home, her heart pounding slightly as she approached the front door. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions and decisions, and now it was time to face this head-on—time to face him. Readying herself, she took a couple of deep breaths, steeling herself for what she needed to do. Then, with a determined exhale, she unlocked the door and began to turn the knob.