The Unspoken Attraction

Chapter 6: Silent Turmoil

Isabella's steps were heavy as she left the mall, her surroundings blurred by a fog of disbelief. The scene at the café replayed over and over in her mind—Ian, the man she loved, laughing with Sofea, a woman who seemed more than just a friend. The ease and familiarity between them were undeniable, even from where Isabella had stood, hidden in the shadows. The way Ian leaned in toward Sofea, listening intently, laughing with her—it was a closeness that struck at something deep within her.

Before she knew it, Isabella had lifted her phone and snapped a photo, capturing the moment Ian's hand had reached across the table toward Sofea's. She didn't know why she took it, but in that split-second, her heart had taken over, desperate for some evidence of what she was seeing.

With the image fresh in her mind and stored in her phone, Isabella continued walking, holding the coffee she'd bought for Ian, now cold in her hand. A lump formed in her throat, but she swallowed it down, forcing herself to keep moving, to breathe. Her phone buzzed in her bag—a message from Ian, no doubt, asking about her day or sharing some small part of his. She didn't have the strength to read it. Not now.

When she finally reached her apartment, the weight of the day caught up to her. She placed the coffee cup on the counter with slow, deliberate movements, afraid that if she moved too quickly, she might shatter. Isabella sank onto the couch, pulling her knees to her chest, trying to make sense of the whirlwind in her heart.

"Who is she?" she whispered to herself, looking down at the photo on her phone. Her fingers hovered over the screen, and a new idea crossed her mind. Niel. Ian's best friend since they were in diapers—if anyone knew who this woman was, it would be him.

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The next day, Isabella sent a message to Niel, asking if they could meet for coffee. He quickly agreed, surprised but happy to hear from her, and they met at a small, quiet café tucked into a side street.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Isabella wasted no time. "Niel," she said, pulling out her phone and showing him the photo, "do you know who this is?" She watched him closely, trying to gauge his reaction.

Niel's brows drew together as he looked at the picture, a flicker of recognition sparking in his eyes. He paused as if choosing his words carefully. "That's Sofea," he finally said, sighing. "She's... well, she's someone from Ian's past."

Isabella clenched her hands together, bracing herself. "What kind of past?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Niel's gaze softened as he looked at her, clearly hesitant. "Isabella, Sofea was... Ian's first love. They were together a long time ago, but it was serious. He was heartbroken when they parted ways."

The words felt like a punch to Isabella's chest. She struggled to keep her expression calm, though she felt her heart sinking. "Why... why didn't he tell me about her?" she managed to ask.

Niel took a deep breath. "Ian probably didn't think it mattered anymore. As far as I know, Sofea was just part of his past. They haven't been in touch for years, at least until recently."

Isabella swallowed, feeling a bitter sting of betrayal. She couldn't help but ask, "And why now? Why would she come back into his life now?"

Niel shrugged, looking down at his coffee. "Honestly, I don't know. Sometimes old connections resurface unexpectedly. But, Isabella, I know Ian—he loves you. Whatever's going on with Sofea, he's probably just caught off guard himself." His eyes were sincere and reassuring, but they did little to calm the storm building inside her.

She thanked Niel for being honest, though the truth left her with even more questions. The image of Ian and Sofea being friendly together replayed in her mind. How could he not have mentioned her?