Ariel——

As I wiped away my tears, I took deep breath and looked into Chloe's eyes. It was time to reveal the truth, to unburden myself from the weight of the secret that had been consuming me.

"Chloe," I began, my voice steady but filled with trepidation. "There's something I need to tell you. Something that I should have told you a long time ago."

Chloe's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Ariel? You know you can tell me anything."

I took another deep breath, gathering my thoughts before I continued. "You remember when Xavier and I told everyone that we were mates, right?"

Chloe nodded slowly, confusion...