**Chapter 16: The Unexpected Visitor**

The door creaked open, and Maya's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the figure standing on the porch. It was Emily, her best friend from college, a bright smile plastered on her face. Maya's eyes darted to Bella and Nick, and she could see the curiosity etched on their faces. "Emily!" Maya exclaimed, opening the door wider to let her in. "What are you doing here?" Emily's eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of the three of them standing together, their bodies still entwined. A look of surprise crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced by a warm smile. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by to say hello," Emily said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I didn't realize I was interrupting anything." Maya laughed, feeling a sense of embarrassment wash over her. "Not at all," she said, stepping aside to let Emily in. "We were just... um... having a little breakfast." As Emily walked into the kitchen, her eyes landed on the state of the stove, and she raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you guys had a bit of a party," she said, her voice laced with amusement. Bella chuckled, releasing Maya from her grasp. "We might have gotten a little distracted," she said, her eyes meeting Maya's. Nick, still standing behind Maya, wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "We're just getting started," he said, his voice low and husky. Emily's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly recovered, her expression neutral. "Well, I'm not going to intrude," she said, holding up her hands. "I just wanted to drop off some stuff I picked up on my way here." As Emily handed Maya a bag of pastries and a carton of eggs, Maya couldn't help but notice the curious glint in her friend's eye. Emily had always been perceptive, and Maya knew that she had a way of sensing when something was off. As they sat down to eat, Emily's questions began to flow, and Maya found herself struggling to navigate the conversation. She didn't want to lie to her friend, but she wasn't sure how much she was ready to reveal. As they ate, Bella and Nick sat on either side of Maya, their bodies touching hers. Maya felt a sense of comfort and security with them by her side, and she knew that she could face whatever came next. But as Emily's eyes met hers, Maya knew that she couldn't avoid the truth forever. Her friend had a way of seeing right through her, and Maya knew that she would have to confront her eventually. As they finished their breakfast, Emily leaned back in her chair, a look of determination on her face. "Maya, can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked, her voice low and serious. Maya's heart skipped a beat as she nodded, her eyes meeting Bella's and Nick's. She knew that this conversation was going to be a turning point, one way or another. "Of course, Emily," Maya said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's up?" Emily's eyes met Maya's, and she took a deep breath. "I think I know what's going on here," she said, her voice low and serious. "And I have to say, I'm a little surprised." Maya's eyes darted to Bella and Nick, and she could see the tension building in their bodies. They were waiting for her to respond, waiting for her to take the leap. As Emily's eyes met hers, Maya knew that she had a choice to make. She could hide the truth, or she could let her friend in. And as she took a deep breath, she knew exactly what she was going to do.