The rain poured down, cold and unyielding, making the bridge slick and gray. Aria Bennett's white coat clung to her like a second skin, soaked and heavy, but she hardly noticed. Her fingers shook around the leather-bound journal in her hands-her mother's journal. She had found it in the attic last week, hidden behind an old box of Christmas decorations. The pages were yellow, the ink faded, but the last entry stood out, written in her mother's flowing handwriting: "They'll come for you. Trust no one, especially him."
Him.
Ethan Cole.
Her throat tightened. Ten years ago, they had stood on this same bridge, the sun warm on their faces as he slipped a ring onto her finger. "Forever, Aria," he had said, his voice gentle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Now, his name felt like a curse.
Three months ago, he had testified against her in court. "Dr. Bennett falsified data. Her patient, Mr. Carter, died because of her arrogance. She ignored protocol and insisted on a risky surgery... and he paid the price." The jury believed him. Her medical license was revoked. Her family turned against her-her father, a prominent judge, had sat in the courtroom with disappointment written all over his face. He declared, "You're no daughter of mine." Even Lila, her sister, had looked away with tears in her eyes, whispering, "I'm sorry, Aria. I can't... I can't stand by you."
Aria shut her eyes, feeling the rain sting her cheeks. The journal's last entry echoed in her mind: "Find the truth at St. Mary's Convent. He's not who you think."
A car horn blared, sharp and unexpected, bringing her back to reality. She opened her eyes, startled, and saw a familiar shadowy figure step onto the bridge. Ethan.
"Aria," he said, his voice rough and barely heard over the rain. "Don't do this."
She turned, her breath catching. He was closer than she had thought-ten feet away, maybe less. His coat was dark with rain, and his hair clung to his forehead. He looked... worn. Older.
"Why do you care?" she asked, her voice steady even as her heart raced. "You destroyed me. You stood there in front of everyone and lied."
He stepped closer, hands raised as if to show he meant no harm. "I didn't... I didn't mean-"
A sharp crack split the air-a branch breaking or maybe thunder. Aria stumbled, her foot slipping on the wet railing. For a heartbeat, she felt weightless, the world tilting, and the journal slipping from her grip.
"Aria!"
Darkness.