WAITING FOR YOU

Chapter 6: Unwelcome Return

The moment Josh and Mia approached, the air thickened with a charged tension that crackled like electricity. Layla and Aaron stood together, united yet vulnerable, bracing for whatever confrontation awaited them.

Mia's smile was too bright, and her demeanor radiated confidence. "Look who I found!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a mocking sweetness. "It's our favorite couple."

Josh joined her, crossing his arms as he regarded Aaron with a scrutinizing gaze. "Didn't expect to find you here," he said, his tone casual, but there was an edge to it. "What's the deal? I thought you were still figuring things out with Mia."

Layla felt her pulse quicken at Josh's words, anger rising like a tide. "That's not how it is," she replied, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.

"Oh really?" Mia chimed in, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Because it sure seemed like you were still in the picture." She leaned closer to Aaron, her gaze challenging. "I guess some people just don't know when to let go."

Aaron stepped forward, his body tense. "Mia, this is between Layla and me. You don't need to make this more complicated."

"Complicated?" Josh interjected, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Come on, Aaron. It's good to see you again. I just didn't know you were the kind of guy to jump from one relationship to another without taking a breath."

Layla's stomach twisted again, and she shot Aaron a worried glance. His jaw clenched, and she could see the battle raging behind his eyes. "That's not what this is," he said, his voice firm. "Layla and I are figuring things out together. It has nothing to do with you or Mia."

"Is that what you think?" Mia challenged, her tone sharp. "Because it seems like you're the one who hasn't moved on." She turned her gaze back to Layla, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Are you really okay with him? Knowing his heart might still be with me?"

Layla felt a wave of frustration wash over her, but she stood her ground. "Aaron is with me now. That's what matters. You can't keep trying to drag him back into your drama."

Josh chuckled, the sound mocking. "Drama? This is life, sweetheart. You have no idea what you're stepping into."

"Enough!" Aaron's voice boomed, silencing the conversation. "This isn't a game. Layla and I are together, and I want to keep it that way."

Mia's expression shifted, and for a moment, Layla saw a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "Is that what you really want, Aaron?" she asked, her voice softer. "Or is it just a way to avoid dealing with the past?"

Layla felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Did Mia really think she could undermine their relationship with just a few words? "You don't get to dictate what Aaron wants," she said, her voice unwavering. "He's not your puppet."

"A puppet?" Mia echoed, her voice rising. "I thought we were friends, Aaron! And now you're just going to throw that away?"

"It's not about friendship anymore," Aaron shot back, his frustration palpable. "This is about moving forward, not getting caught up in what was."

Josh stepped in closer, a protective stance forming. "You know, sometimes it's better to keep things complicated if it means keeping your options open," he said, smirking. "Just a little advice from someone who's been around the block."

Layla felt a surge of anger, but Aaron's presence beside her steadied her. "This isn't about options, Josh," he said, his voice resolute. "It's about making choices. I chose Layla."

Mia scoffed, crossing her arms. "You say that now, but when things get tough, will you still feel the same way? Or will you run back to what's comfortable?"