The rain had stopped, leaving the air heavy and humid. In the shadow of the hospital parking garage, Maya Khan cornered Dr. Julian Sterling.
“I saw you,” she said, her voice trembling. “I saw you with Dominic Valerius. You weren’t arguing like strangers, Julian. You move the same way. You have the same eyes.”
Julian leaned against his car, looking defeated. The fight seemed to have drained out of him. “Maya, go home.”
“Tell me the truth,” she demanded, stepping closer. “Who are you?”
Julian looked up at the concrete ceiling, then finally met her gaze. “My name is Julian Valerius. Dominic is my half-brother.”
Maya gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Valerius? The people trying to destroy the hospital? Trying to destroy William?”
“I came here to find dirt,” Julian confessed, the words spilling out fast. “Dominic wanted leverage against the Crofts. I was supposed to be the mole. I was supposed to get the medical records, the secrets… everything.”
“You used me,” Maya whispered, tears filling her eyes. “All those times we talked… when I showed you the archives… you were spying.”
“It started that way,” Julian said, reaching for her. “But then… Maya, I fell in love with you. I stopped reporting to Dominic weeks ago. That’s why we were fighting. I told him I wouldn’t help him hurt you or your friends anymore.”
“Don’t touch me,” Maya recoiled, slapping his hand away. “You let me believe you were just a damaged surgeon. But you’re the enemy.”
“I am not the enemy!” Julian pleaded. “I love you!”
“You don’t know what love is,” Maya spat, backing away. “You’re a liar, Julian. Just like your brother. Stay away from me.”
She turned and ran to her car. Julian stood alone in the dark garage, watching the only good thing in his life drive away, knowing he had sacrificed her on the altar of a revenge he no longer wanted.