Scarlet Ink

had led her to revelations she hadn't anticipated, peeling back layers of Kael's life that both intrigued and unsettled her. Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. A message from h

you hear..." In the library, seeking solace among the stacks, she found Kael waiting. He leaned against a bookshelf, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're causing quite the stir," he remarked. Aria rolled her eyes. "Thanks to you." He stepped closer, the smirk fading. "I didn't mean for this to happen." "Then what did you mean, Kael? What's your endgame?" He hesitated, searching her eyes. "I don't have one. I just... I wanted to know you." She scoffed, turning away. "Well, congratulations. Now everyone knows." He reached out, gently touching her arm. "Aria, I never wanted to drag you into my world." She pulled away, her voice cold. "Too late." That evening, as Aria walked home, a black car trailed her at a distance. She quickened her pace, heart pounding. The car accelerated, pulling up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing a stern-faced man in a suit. "Miss Mensah, Mr. Romanov requests y