Chapter 1 — The Doorbell Nobody Expected

Shayla’s evening had been quiet until someone suddenly appeared at her front door.

When she opened it, she couldn’t stop herself from laughing.

Standing outside was Chadwick, dressed in an oversized beer-themed costume that looked completely ridiculous.

Shayla shook her head while laughing.

For a moment, neither of them said anything.

The jokes slowly faded, replaced by a quiet feeling neither wanted to explain.

Chapter 2 — Something More Than Friendship

Shayla finally stepped aside and allowed Chadwick inside.

They sat together in the living room, talking about everything from old memories to their plans for the future.

But eventually, the conversation became more personal.

Shayla looked at him carefully.

They laughed again.

But this time, neither looked away when their eyes met.

Chadwick finally admitted that his feelings for Shayla had grown stronger over time.

Shayla didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, she reached for his hand.

Chapter 3 — A Private Moment

Later that evening, the two moved into the bedroom to continue their conversation away from the noise of the television.

Chadwick finally took off the ridiculous costume, making Shayla laugh again.

They laughed.

But beneath the laughter was something serious.

Neither of them realized that someone else was already on the way to Shayla’s house.

Chapter 4 — Anthony Has No Idea What’s Waiting Inside

At the same time, Anthony was driving toward Shayla’s home.

He had something important to tell her about an upcoming trip and wanted to speak with her face-to-face.

When he reached the house, he knocked.

No answer.

He knocked again.

Still nothing.

Anthony noticed the door wasn’t completely locked.

Assuming Shayla had simply forgotten, he stepped inside.

The living room was empty.

He called her name again.

Then he heard something from down the hallway.

Anthony stopped.

His expression changed.

He slowly walked toward the bedroom.

Chapter 5 — The Door Opens

Anthony placed his hand on the bedroom door.

For a second, he hesitated.

Then he pushed it open.

He froze.

Shayla was inside with Chadwick.

Anthony stared at them as if he couldn’t process what he was seeing.

Shayla immediately stood up.

Chadwick stepped forward.

Chadwick looked at Shayla.

Shayla looked back at him.

Neither spoke.

Chapter 6 — “Who Is He To You?”

Anthony’s voice became quieter, but his questions became sharper.

Shayla struggled to answer.

Anthony stared at her.

Anthony looked from Chadwick to Shayla.

Shayla lowered her eyes.

Anthony suddenly noticed something on the nearby table.

It was a document.

He picked it up.

His expression immediately changed.

Shayla’s face went pale.

Chadwick suddenly stopped talking.

Chapter 7 — The Secret Behind the Document

Anthony looked down at the document again.

There was a name printed on it that he recognized immediately.

His eyes moved slowly from the paper to Shayla.

Shayla didn’t answer.

Chadwick stepped closer.

Anthony slowly folded the document.

Shayla finally looked up.

There were tears in her eyes.

Anthony waited.

Shayla took a deep breath.

But before she could finish, Chadwick’s phone suddenly rang.

He looked at the screen.

The color disappeared from his face.

Anthony noticed.

Chadwick didn’t answer.

Instead, he slowly turned the phone toward Shayla.

Shayla saw the caller’s name…

And immediately covered her mouth in shock.