Chapter 10
On the day Marlaux Kennedy gifted his new girlfriend an entire rose garden, it also happened to be my birthday. Everyone around me seemed certain that I’d cause a scene, waiting for me to make a fool of myself.”
Late that night, I ignored the messages Marlaux sent me and instead focused on the warmth of the arms wrapped around me from behind.&
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
Kelvis Gabriel, Marloux’s famously aloof and hard–to–get roommate, propped himself up from the bed, his voice hoarse as he nuzzled my neck. “You haven’t given me my goodnight kiss yet.“”
—
Earlier in the day, Marlaux had made a grand public confession, spending a fortune on a rose estate for Tiara because roses were her favourite. “Tiara, I want the whole world to know how much I love you,” he declared as cheers erupted from the crowd.&
But as everyone celebrated, their eyes slowly turned to me, standing alone in the corner. Their expressions varied–some filled with pity, others brimming with curiosity as if they were anticipating my next move.”
After all, everyone knew I had loved Marlaux for nine years, from middle school through college. Someone even brought up my name in front of him, hoping to stir the pot.N
But Marlaux just smirked and said, “Lashana Parker? She’s so boring and stiff. I don’t know why she acts like she’s better than everyone else.“N
Smiling widely, he pulled Tiara closer, “You, on the other hand, are so much fun. If she has any self–respect, she won’t bother me again.“N
His words sent ripples through the crowd, leaving people gasping.
“I bet two cents Lashana’s gonna explode.“M
“Of course! She’s been in love with him forever. She might even burn the rose garden down. There’s going to be a show tonight!”
But instead of giving them the reaction they expected, I downed my drink, glanced at the jade bracelet Marlaux had once given me, and walked away silently.”
Marlaux was right about one thing–I had my pride. He watched as I left, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his face before he turned back to Tiara, kissing her with reckless abandon.
Screams and fireworks echoed in the background as I hurried away, my tears betraying me. Just when I thought I couldn’t hold it together anymore, a slender hand appeared in front of me, offering a tissue.}
“Here, wipe your tears. You’re crying like a little kitten,” a soothing voice said.
I looked up, startled, to see Kelvis–Marlaux’s roommate.”
Though they lived together, the two were nothing alike. Marlaux was bold and extravagant, while Kelvis was distant and untouchable. They clashed often, and Marlaux never missed an opportunity to complain about him to me. So, seeing him now felt more than a little awkward.N
I hurriedly wiped my tears as Kelvis gazed up at the moon. After a moment, he turned to me and casually asked, “Want to grab a drink?”
The bar was filled with the smooth rhythm of jazz. It wasn’t the type of place I normally visit, but tonight was different. Normally, I stayed out of trouble, like Marlaux always said, but tonight, I ordered drink after drink, determined to drown my
sorrows.
Kelvis tried to stop me at first, but eventually, I dragged him along with me. After some time, a waiter approached our table, carrying a small cake.
“…I didn’t order this,” I said, confused.
“I did, Kelvis replied, his tone calm.!!
I stared at him, surprised.”
“Happy birthday, Lashana,” he said with a faint smile.
At that moment, I was speechless. The person I’d barely known remembered my birthday, while the man I had loved for nearly a decade chose this day to humiliate me in front of everyone.”
Until tonight, I had only ever seen Kelvis as distant and unreachable. But now, I realized he had a gentler side. Maybe it was because of the alcohol, but I leaned in and kissed him clumsily.!!
Kelvis trembled for a moment and frowned as if he wanted to say something.
“Don’t push me away,” I whispered.
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He hesitated before placing his hand behind my head, deepening the kiss.”
As I closed my eyes, memories of my time with Marlaux flashed through my mind. We have known each other since childhood. He was the golden boy, admired by everyone, while I was always the quiet, unremarkable one.”
Even my love for him felt like an impossible dream.
When we were kids, he used to tease me relentlessly, but if anyone else tried to pick on me, he’d step in, standing protectively in front of me.”
“Hey, don’t even think about messing with her,” he’d say, looking down at them with a smirk.”
Maybe that’s when a tiny seed was planted in my heart. Sometimes, I wonder if Marlaux ever felt anything for me, too.”
But whether he did or didn’t, it didn’t matter anymore after tonight.”
