Chapter 1
I gave myself to my best friend, Antonio Kaufman, only to realize I was nothing more than a stand–in for his first love, Norah Wilkerson.
I had secretly loved Antonio for years. After high school, he finally took me as his own.
At first, the pain was unbearable, but over time, my body learned to respond.
I thought my patience had finally paid off.
But one night, after another passionate encounter, I overheard his conversation with his friends.
“I never expected Grace to be this good in bed, looking all innocent like that,” one of them sneered.
Antonio lit a cigarette and replied lazily, “I wanted Norah, but she’s too scared of the pain. So I figured I’d try things out with Grace first.”
I didn’t cry or scream.
The next day, I changed my university preference from Paxburg to Sheakpool.
As Antonio’s words sank in, I froze.
Even in the sweltering summer, a chill ran through me, leaving me trembling.
Their conversation carried on.
One guy laughed. “Try things out? Man, you’ve been ‘trying‘ for a while now.”
Another chimed in, “Grace, the pretty straight–A genius, just Antonio’s practice run.”
Antonio crushed his cigarette, narrowing his eyes.
“She’s been in love with me for years. If anything, she’s the one enjoying it the most,” he said with a smirk.
Laughter erupted around him.
“Yeah, that sweet little face with those innocent eyes… damn, just thinking about her gets me hard,” someone agreed.
Hearing that, they burst into laughter.
But Antonio frowned and demanded, “Enough with the dirty jokes.”
They exchanged knowing looks before shifting topics.
“So, Antonio, does Norah know about you and Grace?”
At Norah’s name, Antonio’s expression darkened.
“No. And none of you better open your damn mouths,” Antonio said, his tone firm.
“Plus, the first time was an accident. Didn’t plan on it, but she was so desperate for it, I just had to help her out.”
More laughter erupted.
“I knew Grace was just pretending to be shy and innocent. Good job, Antonio!”
“Yeah, she’s been throwing herself at you for years. She should be grateful you even looked her way.”
A sharp, searing pain spread through my chest. My legs felt like they’d give out beneath me.
Distant voices snapped me back to reality.
Panicked, I stumbled into the shadows.
I saw my pale face in the glass.
Antonio’s words echoed in my head, each one slicing deeper than the last.
If I hadn’t heard it myself, I would never have believed it.
The man who had held me whispered sweet nothings against my skin, kissed me like I was the only girl in the world…
Was the same man who now laughed at my foolishness.
We had grown up together, yet I never knew what he really was.
Tears streamed down my face.
I trembled, trying to hold back my sobs.
My phone vibrated. A message from Antonio.
Antonio: Where are you? Won’t be coming over tonight, class party,
Antonio: Oh, and don’t forget the pill. I’ll have it ready next time. Just grab it yourself this time, babe.
I stared at the kissing emoji, my heart sinking.
Just yesterday, he’d pulled to the bed, and we’d been doing it from afternoon until midnight.
Before I passed out, he kissed me and said, “I like you so much, Grace. Next time, I’ll make sure to have the pill ready.”
He sounded so caring, warning me about the risks.
And like a fool, I had believed he cared.
I thought he was being responsible, and my efforts meant something.
Now, I saw everything clearly.
I looked up and wanted to leave.
My eyes were swollen, and my body ached, but I forced myself to stand.
I hailed a cab to the nearest pharmacy.
After taking the pill, I crouched by the roadside.
I stared blankly, feeling broken and completely lost.
I had always been afraid of losing Antonio.
We grew up together. He had always been my safe place.
But now, the illusion had shattered.
I stayed by the roadside until night fell. When I stood up, my legs were stiff and aching.
My phone lit up.
It was a video call from Lelia.
“Grace, why didn’t you come to the party with Antonio?” she asked, dropping her voice as the camera shifted to the other side.
“Look at this. Norah’s at it again, all over Antonio during truth or dare. She’s so fake. It makes me sick.”
