Tell Me Lies

Alternate Ending

2 years later

The soft hum of morning filtered through the curtains as sunlight poured into the room. I stirred awake, feeling the warmth of a familiar hand resting on my waist. For a moment, I didn't open my eyes, letting the stillness settle over me.

Two years. It had been two years since I left DC, two years of rediscovering myself and figuring out what it was I truly wanted. In the end, all roads seemed to lead back to him.

"Morning," Omari's voice, deep and groggy, pulled me from my thoughts. His lips brushed against my shoulder, sending a warmth that spread through my chest.

I turned to face him, smiling softly. "Morning."

His gaze lingered on me, the kind of look that made me feel like I was the only person who mattered. We had found each other again, despite everything. And now, waking up beside him felt as natural as breathing.

The past two years hadn't been easy. There were moments I thought we'd never make it back to each other-too much hurt, too many missed chances. But somehow, we did.

"You've been staring out the window a lot lately," Omari said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "What's on your mind?"

I laughed lightly, shaking my head. "Just thinking. About how much has changed."

"And how much hasn't." His hand slid down to lace his fingers with mine. "I still can't believe you're here with me."

"Me too."

Two years ago, I never thought I'd feel this kind of peace again. But here I was, in a quiet apartment with the man who had once been the source of my biggest heartbreak-and my greatest love.

Omari leaned up on his elbow, his dark eyes studying me like he could read every thought I was trying to bury.

"What?" I asked, smiling under his intense gaze.

"You. Us. Everything," he said simply, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "It still feels unreal sometimes."

I knew what he meant. There were days when I'd wake up and wonder if this was all a dream. How could we have gone from the tangled mess of secrets, heartbreak, and guilt to this-something steady, something real?

"You think Aiyana would believe it if she saw us now?" I teased, trying to lighten the moment.

Omari's smile faltered slightly, and he glanced toward the ceiling. "She'd probably kill me first and ask questions later."

I laughed, though the mention of Aiyana always carried a sting. Things hadn't been the same with her since the truth came out. I hadn't seen her in over a year, and though I missed her, I understood why she needed space.

"I think she'd want us to be happy," I said softly, more for myself than for him.

Omari's fingers tightened around mine. "She does. She told me that when we last talked."

I looked up at him, surprised. "You talked to her?"

"Yeah, a few months ago. It wasn't easy, but we worked through it. She's doing okay-better than okay, actually."

Relief flooded through me, mixed with a pang of longing. Aiyana had always been my anchor, and not having her in my life had left a void I couldn't fill. But knowing she was thriving made it easier to carry the weight of our estrangement.

Omari's voice broke through my thoughts. "I told her I'm not going to mess this up with you. Not again."

I swallowed hard, feeling the sincerity in his words. "Omari..."