Chapter 58: Mirrors Coffee
Naomi switched off her phone and leaned back against the car’s plush seat, letting out a deep sigh. The soft hum of the engine filled the silence around her, but it did nothing to soothe the storm raging within her. She needed a break, even if just for a little while. Closing her eyes briefly, she pressed her head against the cool leather of the seat, as if hoping it would still the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind.
Her heart was heavy. Ares.
That name had the power to unsettle her even now.
It was hard not to think about him. She had harbored feelings for Ares since high school—feelings that had never really gone away, no matter how hard she tried to bury them. He had been two years ahead of her, confident, charming, and effortlessly magnetic. Somewhere along the way, amidst stolen glances and fleeting moments, Naomi had realized she had feelings for her best friend’s brother.
Of course, she’d never dared to tell him.
Rose had known. Rose always knew. Her best friend had teased her about it endlessly, though never unkindly. Naomi had clung to the hope that maybe one day, she’d find the courage to confess. But that day never came. By the time she had gathered even a shred of bravery, Rose had casually mentioned that Ares was planning to travel abroad.
She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t burden him with her feelings, knowing he was already looking toward the horizon. What would he even say? Would he pity her? Would he feel awkward, obligated to respond out of politeness? The thought alone had been unbearable. So, she’d done what she thought was best—she’d stayed silent, locking her emotions away in a corner of her heart.
Naomi had hoped time would dull the ache, that her feelings would fade with distance. But instead, they had only grown stronger when she entered college. Every time she saw him, her heart betrayed her resolve. She remembered how she’d blush like a schoolgirl, unable to meet his gaze for more than a fleeting moment. Rose had teased her again, though she’d promised never to tell Ares.
And now...
Naomi opened her eyes and stared at the passing scenery outside the window, trying to ground herself in the present. Why was she letting these memories resurface now? Why was she thinking about him when she was married, when she had Zylan sitting just a few feet away?
Her lips pressed into a thin line. It didn’t matter anymore. It shouldn’t matter.