Lana's POV
Leo left early again.
No kiss.
No teasing smile.
Just a quiet "I'll be back soon."
I watched from the doorway as his car disappeared down the street, my chest tightening for reasons I refused to admit.
Trust him, I told myself.
But trust doesn't silence fear.
I grabbed my jacket.
I don't know why I followed him.
Maybe it was instinct.
Maybe it was insecurity.
Or maybe… my heart was tired of guessing.
I kept a safe distance, telling myself I'd turn back any second.
But I didn't.
Leo's car stopped near a place I didn't expect.
A hospital.
My steps slowed.
Hospital?
My mind raced. A thousand thoughts, none of them good.
I watched from across the street as he stepped out of the car, holding a small bag. His posture changed instantly — the sharp CEO edges softening into something gentler.
Something… caring.
Then I saw her.
My breath caught.
My mother.
She looked weak. Tired. Leaning heavily on a nurse's arm.
And Leo…
Leo rushed toward her.
He took her hand carefully, worry written all over his face.
"Take it slow," he said softly.
"I'm here."
I felt like the ground vanished beneath my feet.
Why is he here?
Why is he with her?
Why didn't he tell me?
They walked inside together.
I stood frozen, my heart pounding painfully against my ribs.
My mind didn't search for answers.
It jumped straight to conclusions.
So this is why he disappears.
This is why he's distant.
This is what he's hiding.
Tears burned my eyes, but I didn't let them fall.
I turned around and walked away before I could hear anything else.
Before the truth could reach me.
Because sometimes…
what we don't know hurts less than what we think we know.