Chapter 40

A week after their emotional phone call, Sofia was studying in the library when her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number. Furrowing her brow, she opened it curiously.

"Hey, it's Diego. I got a new number. Can we meet up sometime soon? I think I'm ready to talk more."

Sofia felt her heart leap into her throat as she quickly typed back. "Of course, just tell me when and where."

They arranged to meet at a quiet coffee shop off-campus the following afternoon. As Sofia arrived and spotted Diego already at a corner table, she took a steadying breath before approaching.

"Hey," she greeted tentatively, giving him a small smile.

Diego returned it, though it didn't quite meet his eyes. "Hey yourself. Thanks for coming."

"Of course," Sofia replied, settling into the chair across from him. "I'm glad you reached out."

An awkward silence stretched between them for a