Fates Entwined: The Cost of Second Chances

Chapter 14

Confessions and Crossroads

The office had been unusually quiet, with everyone deeply immersed in their tasks. Sol and Ashan had been working together closely on a new project, and from the outside, their teamwork seemed flawless. Their communication was smooth, their ideas complementary, and it was clear to anyone who looked closely that they shared an easy rapport.

However, what no one knew was that neither Sol nor Ashan had discussed their feelings for Risha with each other. Both of them were hiding their emotions, each feeling the weight of their unspoken attraction. Neither wanted to complicate things further, especially with Risha caught in the middle.

Sol, ever the professional, kept her personal feelings at bay. She enjoyed her time with Ashan, but she couldn't shake the pull toward Risha, who had been constantly on her mind since that night they shared together. Sol even recalled one thing that she was about to kiss Risha but she didn't. How was Risha feeling? Risha even hugged her so warmly in the morning. What was that about? The bond they had felt so right, yet so confusing, and Sol wasn't sure how to handle it.

Ashan, on the other hand, had been walking around with a quiet determination ever since their date. He liked Risha, there was no denying that, but he also couldn't ignore how much she seemed to care for Sol. Ashan respected Risha's space but was always hoping to see her again, to get closer.

Risha, however, had noticed the subtle shifts in their behavior—how they seemed more in sync with each other lately. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on, but she had no idea what. She kept her distance at work, as she had been so focused on her own confusion that she couldn't keep track of Sol and Ashan's dynamics.

But Miri, ever the observant one, noticed it all. She saw the way Risha was acting—distracted, distant, and withdrawn. And when she saw Sol and Ashan working so closely together, her instincts kicked in. She could tell something was up.

That afternoon, Miri pulled Risha aside during a break. "You've been acting weird," Miri said bluntly, her bright eyes scrutinizing Risha's every move. "What's going on with you?"

Risha sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't know, Miri," she confessed. "I'm just... confused. Sol and Ashan are acting so... different, and I don't know how to handle it. I don't know what I feel anymore. I like them both, and I don't know what to do about it."

Miri stared at her for a moment, then tilted her head with a knowing look. "So, it's them, isn't it?" She gestured between Risha and the office, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You like both of them."

Risha's cheeks flushed. "It's not that simple, Miri. I'm not sure where to even start."

Miri leaned in, her expression suddenly serious. "Well, why don't you find out? Kiss them both. See which one makes you feel more... yourself."

Risha's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? No, I'm not going to kiss them both, Miri! That's crazy. Well, Ashan kissed me and Sol wanted to but stopped."

Miri's grin was mischievous. "Whaaaaaaaaat? okay gal, this time, you kiss them both. If you're going to be torn between them, you might as well find out who's the better kisser, right?"

Risha crossed her arms, exasperated but amused at the same time. "Miri, that's not how love works, it's not all about kissing and hugging!"

"You hugged them? awwwww!" Miri's eyes softened, though, and she placed a gentle hand on Risha's arm. "Only Sol, not Ashan", Risha made it clear.

"Rish, you're my sister. You've been through so much already. I just want to see you happy, and if you don't figure this out, you'll only keep making things harder for yourself. If you like them both, maybe it's time to face it." Miri gently said.