If you only knew...

23.Cards on the table

Xavier's POV

As we order our breakfast, I can feel Nate's gaze lancing through me, his curiosity sharp and intense, like waiting for me to share my thoughts.

"What's happening between you two?" His tone takes a sudden turn, serious and probing, as he pierces through my facade, reading my emotions like an open book.

"Nothing outside a partnership," I reply, forcing a calmness into my voice, desperate to keep his suspicions at bay.

"Don't lie to me. We've never kept secrets from each other. Why did you put yourself in danger for her?" Nate's words slice through my defenses, his serious tone making me feel trapped in a corner.

"I would have stepped in for anyone in her position. She was facing an impending death sentence, while I still had a glimmer of hope for survival—a hope that ultimately became my reality."

"Cut the bullshit! I'm not asking you to focus on survival rates here," he snaps, frustration bubbling over. "I want to know why you've become so naive. Can't you see she hasn't even bothered to check on your health?"

I took a breath, keeping my voice steady. "She's engaged, Nate. I never expected her to reach out to me. She did enough by helping me escape that place." I utter slightly, puzzled by his intensity. "I really don't understand where you're going with this."

His tone softens, yet the concern lingers. "I'm trying to tell you that you will end up hurt, not just physically" He gives me a gentle pat on the back, his worry palpable. "You've got to stop letting people use you like that."

"She's not—" My voice trails off as I feel a jolt of electricity in the air, drawing my gaze to the restaurant's entrance. Ana and her fiancé step inside and suddenly, Marco's intense stare locks onto mine with a force that feels almost physical. His piercing glare envelops me, making it seem as if I'm the sole person in this entire place.

His eyes burn with a mix of anger and frustration, and an uncomfortable chill sweeps over me. It feels as if he's lancing through me, exuding a palpable hatred that sends shivers down my spine. In this eerie moment, I can't shake the sense that he doesn't want me here, that he wants nothing more than for me to vanish from this world altogether.

On the other hand, as I catch Ana's glance, it flickers with an unexpected warmth, a spark of happiness that contrasts sharply with the sight next to her. I quickly divert my gaze to Nate, my mind racing as I try to find the right words to continue my answer. But before I can gather my thoughts, he senses my unease.

"Are you okay?" he asks, concern lacing his voice.

"Uhm... yes," I reply hesitantly, my voice betraying me.

Nate's expression shifts suddenly; a faux smile creeps onto his face. "She's here, isn't she?" he states, the disappointment in his voice palpable. "Maybe you can clue me in on what's really going on before you plunge deeper into trouble than I suspect you already are." There's a glimmer of empathy in his eyes, as he seems to understand my uneasiness.

"Would you be upset if I leave now?" I ask Nate, my voice barely above a whisper, uncertainty lacing my words.

"You haven't finished your food but... Go on, take a moment to breathe, Xavi," he replies, his tone calm and reassuring. A wave of relief washes over me; he seems to understand the urgency behind my need to escape this awkward moment.

As I step out the door, I catch sight of Nate trailing behind me.

"Hey, can I ask you for a favor?" he says, his voice almost imploring. "If you're driving home, would you mind giving me a ride to the town center later this evening?"