The invite

Michael left his luxurious hotel, his mind consumed by the idea of finding Dahlia. With every step he took, his determination grew stronger. His bodyguard, a towering figure named Greg, followed closely behind. The city's bustling streets didn't deter him; instead, he was determined to locate the woman who had inexplicably slipped through his fingers.

As he drove through the city, his thoughts raced. What could have driven Dahlia to leave him for someone like Abel? Michael Atlas was not accustomed to losing, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Dahlia had awakened something in him, a desire he'd never felt before. He couldn't let her go so easily.

The search for Dahlia continued, with Michael's frustration mounting as they visited several places where she might be. He was beginning to feel a sense of unease. Where could she be hiding? What was she doing with that man, Abel?

Finally, after a few hours of searching, they received a lead. Someone had seen Dahlia heading towards a quaint café. Michael's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope, and he ordered the driver to speed up.

The café had a cozy atmosphere, with the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Dahlia sat at a table near the window, sipping a cappuccino. She looked so carefree, her laughter ringing out as she chatted with a friend. Abel sat across from her, his face adorned with a warm smile.

Michael couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. He had to confront Dahlia, to let her know that she belonged to him. But he had to be careful. Approaching her in a public place like this could create a scene, and he couldn't afford that.

He turned to Greg and spoke in a hushed tone. "Wait here. I'll go inside and have a word with her."

Greg nodded and kept a watchful eye on the surroundings. Michael left the car and entered the café, his mind filled with questions and a determination to get answers from Dahlia.

As he approached her table, he tried to mask his anger with a pleasant smile. "Dahlia, it's been a while," he said, his voice calm, though a hint of steel lingered beneath.

Dahlia looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Michael, what are you doing here?" Her tone was a mix of shock and nervousness.

Abel, noticing the tension, tensed up as well. He looked at Michael, his expression guarded. "Can we help you?"

Michael pulled out a chair and sat down without an invitation. He leaned closer to Dahlia, his voice low. "We need to talk, Dahlia, about us."

Dahlia glanced at Abel, her unease evident. "Michael, this isn't the time or place."

But Michael was persistent. "I don't care about time or place, Dahlia. I won't let you slip away without an explanation."

The conversation that followed was a tense one, filled with emotions and unspoken feelings. Michael was determined to get answers from Dahlia, while she tried to maintain her composure, not revealing the complexity of her emotions.

Outside the café, Greg watched like a hawk, ensuring that Michael was safe during this confrontation. The situation was fraught with tension, and no one knew how it would unfold.

Once Michael's persistence had Dahlia flustered, Abel decided to speak up. He leaned forward, directing his question at Dahlia. "Who is he, Dahlia? Why is he so insistent on talking to you?"

Dahlia hesitated, her eyes darting between Abel and Michael. She couldn't ignore the fact that the two men in her life were now colliding in a way she hadn't anticipated. Abel had been patient, but Michael's arrival had brought an unwelcome intrusion into her world.

Michael seized the opportunity to clarify the situation. "I'm Michael Atlas, Dahlia's... well, let's just say, we have a history together."

Abel's brows furrowed as he tried to make sense of the situation. "A history? What kind of history?"

Dahlia interjected, her voice slightly shaky. "Abel, please, this isn't the right time. We'll talk about it later."

But Abel's curiosity was piqued, and he wasn't one to back down. "Dahlia, I deserve to know who he is and what he means to you. You've been keeping something from me."

A heavy silence hung in the air as Abel's words reverberated. Dahlia glanced from Abel to Michael, her heart heavy with the weight of her secrets. This unexpected confrontation had forced her hand, and now she was torn between the man who had always been there for her and the one she couldn't seem to escape.