The Unbroken But Impure

CHAPTER 58 THE CONFESSION

The night after graduation had left Mae restless.

"Michelle..." Mae's voice was quiet, but it carried weight. "I need to tell you something. About Troy."

Michelle paused, glancing at her. "What about him?"

Mae hesitated, her hands twisting. "He told me... he likes me. That he's liked me all along. He said he only stepped aside because of Arex."

For a moment Michelle said nothing. Then she turned to face Mae fully. There was no shock in her eyes, only calm certainty.

"I knew it," Michelle said. "From the very first day Arex introduced Troy to us, I saw it in the way he looked at you. And I also saw it in you. You liked him too, didn't you?"

Mae's breath caught. She wanted to deny it, but the truth weighed too heavily. "I don't know... maybe. But I ended up with Arex. I thought Troy never saw me that way."

Michelle sighed and moved beside her, their shoulders touching. "Mae, listen to me. Don't let your heart play tricks on you now. Troy may be a good person, and I don't doubt he loves you. But I heard from someone he's leaving soon, going abroad for work."

Mae's chest tightened. "Abroad? When?"

"Very soon," Michelle said firmly. "And if you let yourself fall, it will only hurt. Long-distance relationships... they sound sweet, but they're heavy, Mae. You'll always be waiting, always wondering if he's coming back. Do you want that?"

Mae lowered her head. She hated how her heart leapt and broke in the same beat.

"My advice," Michelle continued softly, "is to focus on your career. This is a new beginning for both of us. Don't chain yourself to someone who might not even stay."

Mae forced a nod, though her heart screamed otherwise. "You're right. I'll try."

But that night, as the darkness pressed around her, Mae couldn't shake the thought of Troy's eyes—the sincerity, the quiet ache.

The next morning.....

Her phone buzzed. She reached for it, half-asleep, only for her breath to catch when she saw the name on the screen.

Troy.

She hesitated, then answered. "Hello?"

"Mae." His voice was deep, roughened by lack of sleep. "I'm sorry to call you this early. I couldn't... I couldn't sleep last night. Not after telling you what's in my heart."

Mae's pulse raced. "Troy, you shouldn't—"

"I didn't mean to ruin your day," he cut in gently. "I just... needed to talk to you again. I'm leaving next week. Abroad. For a job. Before I go, please, can I see you one more time?"

Mae closed her eyes. Every instinct screamed at her to say no, to protect herself. But the desperation in his voice cracked her defenses.

"I... I don't know, Troy."

"Please," he whispered. "Just dinner. Nothing more."

Silence stretched between them. Then, softly, Mae said, "Alright. Tonight."

They met in a small restaurant by the bay, its lights casting warm glows against the sea breeze.

Troy was already there when Mae arrived, his white shirt rolled at the sleeves, his hair slightly tousled as if he'd run his hand through it too many times. He stood the moment he saw her.

"Mae."

She gave him a small smile. "Sorry I'm late."

"You're right on time."