Eclipsed Souls: A Tale of Twin Flames

The café was winding down after the evening rush, the usual buzz settling into a comfortable hum.

Lila, as always, lingered at the counter, her eyes following Arnaz with an intensity that had become impossible for Saliza to ignore.

Even as Arnaz moved about, preparing drinks and cleaning up, Lila’s gaze remained fixed on him, her flirtatious smiles thinly veiled behind polite conversation.

Saliza busied herself with wiping down tables, trying to focus on her tasks, but the tension in the air was palpable.

Lila’s presence had become a constant source of unease, her subtle advances toward Arnaz growing more frequent, more direct. And tonight, it seemed, Lila had something else in mind.

As Saliza returned to the counter, Lila leaned in closer to Arnaz, her voice low but carrying enough weight to catch Saliza’s attention.

“Arnaz, you know, you work too hard. You should take a break,” Lila said, her tone laced with suggestion, her eyes lingering on him a little too long.

Arnaz, ever polite, offered a smile, though it was guarded. “Thanks, Lila, but we’ve got a business to run. There’s always something that needs doing.”

Lila’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Well, I was thinking… I’m planning a trip to Langkawi with my boyfriend. We’re staying at this amazing Bed and Breakfast on Pregnant Maiden Island. You and Saliza should come with us. It’d be fun. A little break from all this,” she gestured around the café, her tone almost too casual as if her real intention lay beneath the surface.

Saliza froze, her grip tightening on the cloth in her hand. She can feel it.

This invitation... it’s not as innocent as it seems, is it? Lila’s sweet tone, her overly casual smile it was all just a cover. She’s not inviting us out of friendship, she’s doing this to get closer to Arnaz. It felt like yet another move in her relentless game, veiled beneath the pretense of a friendly gesture. Does she really think I don’t see through it?

The thought stirred something dark and protective inside Saliza.

Arnaz's ability to hear Lila's thoughts kept Saliza feeling collected, but it also sparked a deep sense of annoyance within her. She saw that Arnaz chose to ignore them, and maintained a composed facade.

Arnaz glanced at Saliza, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. “That’s a kind offer, Lila,” he said, his tone measured. “But we’ve got a lot on our plate right now. The café, you know?”

Saliza cleared her throat, forcing a polite smile as she stepped closer. “We appreciate it, Lila. But as Arnaz said, we’re really busy right now.”

Lila, undeterred, leaned against the counter, her gaze flicking between Arnaz and Saliza. “I get it, you guys are dedicated. But sometimes you need to step away. You’ve both been looking a little…tense lately,” she said, her eyes locking with Arnaz’s for a moment too long.

“Langkawi could be the perfect escape. Sun, sand, and no distractions. You and I could finally get to know each other better.”

Saliza’s smile faltered, her patience wearing thin. She wasn’t blind to the way Lila looked at Arnaz, nor the not-so-subtle undertones of her invitation. “It’s kind of you to offer, Lila, but I think we’re good,” Saliza said, her voice steady but with a firm edge.

Arnaz shifted, sensing the unspoken friction between the two women. “We’ll think about it,” he said, trying to diffuse the situation. “But like I said, it’s a busy time.”

Lila’s expression softened, though her gaze remained locked on Arnaz. “Of course. No pressure. Just think about it, okay? It’d be great to unwind, and you deserve it.”

With that, Lila offered a final, lingering glance at Arnaz before making her way out of the café, leaving the air thick with the weight of her unspoken intentions.

Saliza let out a slow breath as the door closed behind Lila, her jaw tightening. “Did she just say we’ve been tense?” she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

Arnaz chuckled lightly, though the humor in his voice was strained. “She’s not wrong… but it’s not because we need a vacation.”

Saliza turned to face him, crossing her arms. “She’s getting bolder, Arnaz. It’s like she doesn’t care that I’m standing right here.”

Arnaz nodded, his expression serious now. “I know. I’ve been trying to be clear with her, but she’s… persistent.”

Saliza’s eyes narrowed, her voice soft but firm. “Persistent is an understatement. She’s obsessed with you.”

Arnaz reached out, taking her hand gently. “I only have eyes for you, Saliza. You know that, right?”

Saliza sighed, her frustration easing slightly as she looked into his eyes. “I know. But this thing with Lila… it’s starting to cross boundaries.”

Arnaz squeezed her hand. “I’ll talk to her again. Make it clear, once and for all. We don’t need this kind of distraction.”

Saliza nodded, though a part of her remained uneasy. “What about her offer? Langkawi? Pregnant Maiden Island?”

Arnaz’s brow furrowed. “Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about going anywhere with Lila. It could just make things more complicated.”

Saliza gave a wry smile. “Or… it could be a chance to confront whatever this is, head-on. Maybe by spending time together, she’ll finally understand where the boundaries are.”

Arnaz considered her words, his gaze thoughtful. “You might be right. But we’ll do this on our terms, not hers.”

Saliza smiled, her hand still in his. “Together.”

“Always,” Arnaz said, his voice soft but filled with conviction.

As they stood there, the café now quiet around them, both Arnaz and Saliza knew that their bond was being tested in ways they hadn’t anticipated. And though the road ahead was uncertain, they were prepared to face whatever came their way, side by side.

------------END OF CHAPTER 14------------

Dearest Esteemed Readers,

Arnaz and Saliza have lovingly crafted a small Wishing Well just for you.

For every tip you donate into this Wishing Well, you are invited to make one wish.

May your wish be absorbed by the essence of the Twin Flames, and may it bring you the very best in return.

Your generous support will also aid Arnaz and Saliza on their magical journey ahead.

Thank you, kind readers, for being a part of this enchanting tale.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Arnaz and Saliza