Chapter 8

As Maiari's sobs echoed around them, Taylor's lips curled into a faint, self-satisfied smile. He had wanted her to experience the sting of disappointment that he himself had felt. He had wanted her to know the truth about D'Andre, about the complexities of his character that went beyond the charming facade. And as he watched her vulnerability on full display, he couldn't help but feel a sense of twisted vindication.

In the midst of her tears, Maiari remained unaware of Taylor's presence. Her heartache had consumed her, leaving her momentarily blinded to the world around her. Her emotions were raw and unrestrained, a testament to the depth of her feelings and the pain that love, in all its forms, could bring.

With a final, shuddering breath, Maiari wiped away her tears and gathered herself. She took a moment to compose her emotions, her resolve hardening in the face of heartbreak. While the sting of betrayal was undeniable, it also fueled her determination to move forward, to find her