Between Silence and storm

“After parting ways with Nolan, Ariana is haunted by doubt-should she tell Dwayne the truth about her father, Lennox, and risk reigniting the Rickshaws' long-standing hatred for her family? Torn between honesty and fear of rejection, she hesitates. When she realizes Dwayne has been away for days, likely deployed for flood relief, guilt and concern gnaw at her. On impulse, she calls him late at night. Though exhausted, Dwayne answers with surprising warmth, and later, during a video call, Ariana sees him in his mud-stained military uniform, still effortlessly captivating. Their brief but emotional exchange reveals Dwayne's quiet care and Ariana's unresolved feelings. Despite wanting to open up about Lennox, Ariana can't bring herself to break the fragile peace between them. Two days later, after completing their exams, Ariana and her friend Kira head to a local pub to celebrate. As they begin to relax, a smooth male voice cuts through the music, offering Ariana a drink-introducing an unexpected new presence just as she's beginning to lower her guard.”