Aiden’s composure cracked. “Maya, please,” he said quickly, stepping forward. “It’s not—it’s complicated. You don’t understand—” “No,” Maya said, firmer now. “You don’t get to do that. I gave up my career for you. My health. You vanished the moment you didn’t need me anymore.”
The woman turned sharply toward him. “Is this true?” Her voice was barely audible. Aiden looked at her—but there were no lies left in him that could hold. His mouth opened and closed, his face collapsing into guilt. He said nothing.
Tears welled in the woman’s eyes. Her hands shook as she gripped the edge of the door. “I can’t—” she muttered, stepping away from them. “I can’t even look at you.” She walked past Maya, past the detective, past the porch—down the steps, down the driveway, and out through the gate without a single glance back.
The silence she left behind was heavy. The detective turned to Aiden. “You’ve been reported to the medical board. Your employer has been notified. Criminal charges will follow.” Aiden didn’t argue. He just stood there—alone now—watching the mess he’d made finally catch up to him.