Truth and Lies

---

"You can't hide forever," Kelly said softly, reading the note aloud. "Mia, what is this about?"

Mia shook her head, her voice a whisper. "I don't know..."

Kelly frowned. "We need to involve police. It doesn't seem like a coincidence anymore."

"No. I can't do that. They will dig deeper in my past and ...." Mia's mind whirled around the bitter memories of her dark past.

---

"Do you think I don't recognize the fear in your eyes?" Ryan's voice was sharp, cutting through her defenses. "You've been running, haven't you?"

She tried to sound firm. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Ryan's tone dropped, dangerously low. "You're a terrible liar, Mia."

---

"You're going to stand there and tell me you're marrying her?" Claire's voice was shrill with disbelief.

Ryan's tone was calm, unbothered. "Yes."

"This is ridiculous!" Amber's voice joined in, sharp with anger. "Do you know what you're doing to this family's reputation?"

"I'm securing it," Ryan said firmly.

---

"You're the only person I've ever felt I belonged with," Mia whispered, her voice filled with anguish. "And you broke me."

"You don't know anything," Ryan protested weakly.

"Don't you dare lie to me again," Mia snapped, tears streaming down her face.

---

"You will marry me," Ryan said with finality.

Mia's voice was sharp with disbelief. "What makes you think I'll say yes?"

Ryan's gaze didn't waver. "Because you have no other choice."

---

"Isabelle," Ryan said, his voice softer now, almost haunted. "I've been looking for you for years."

Ryan's dark eyes gazed at the photo of a grown woman in front of him. "A name doesn't erase the truth."

---

"Who are you really, Ryan?" Mia asked, her voice filled with suspicion.

Ryan leaned closer, his voice a dangerous whisper. "The man who can protect you. Or the man who will destroy everything you've built. It's your choice."

---

The words echoed in her mind like a warning: You can't hide forever.