The room is silent—
Except for the slow ticking of the wall clock.
And Pete's heartbeat, pounding like a war drum.
He's still on his knees.
Mek sits beside him, knees hugged to his chest, eyes on the floor.
Pete whispers again, raw and broken:
> "Why, Mek… why did you pretend to forget me?"
Mek closes his eyes.
> "Because I had to protect you."
Pete flinches.
> "Protect me? From what?"
Mek's voice trembles—soft, but sharp like glass.
> "From the truth."
Pete lifts his head, blinking back the confusion.
Mek exhales shakily.
> "I remember everything, Pete. Every kiss. Every fight. Every damn moment I was yours."
Pete's eyes glisten.
> "Then why lie to me?! Why—"
> "Because your father came to the hospital."
Pete freezes.
> "He… what?"
> "He told me to leave you. That you were better off without a guy like me. And he said…"
"He said you were already promised to someone else."
Pete's voice drops to a whisper.
> "What are you talking about…"
Mek swallows hard.
> "Rose. Your childhood friend. Billionaire's daughter. Perfect image of a mafia bride."
Pete stares at him, stunned.
> "He said she was in love with you. That your families had a deal. That she would protect you… better than I ever could."
Mek laughs bitterly, tears forming.
> "I wanted to hate you. To walk away and disappear. But I couldn't. So I lied… and stayed close… just to see if you were still mine."
Pete's fists clench.
> "He tried to control my life… again…"
He gets up slowly—every muscle in his body tense.
> "And you… you took the hit for me. Again."
Mek looks up, tears slipping down his cheek.
> "Because I love you, Pete."
> "I never stopped."
The silence is thunderous.
Then Pete storms forward, grabs Mek by the wrist, and yanks him into a crushing hug.
> "You idiot. You beautiful, selfless idiot."
> "I don't want Rose. I don't want anyone else. I want you. Only you."
Mek's hands finally wrap around Pete's back, clinging to him like a lifeline.
And in that moment—
Two broken hearts
Stitched back together
With the thread of truth.