Chapter 3
Frankin was stunned, standing there as his ears turned a little red. His voice was barely a
whisper.
“Sophie, I know you’re feeling down after the breakup, but I’m not that kind of guy. You doing this… it scares me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you in or not? Otherwise, I’ll find someone else.”
He reached out a hand to help me up, his face flushed but his tone steady.
“Alright, let’s go. If needed, I can be as reckless as the next guy.”
Franklin’s place was spotless. Barely anything in it, leaving the space feeling almost too clean, like no one lived there.
“Is this your secret hideaway for stashing someone special?” I teased.
He handed me a pair of slippers, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“I’m not as lucky as Jacob, with someone always cleaning up after me. I just buy less stuff to manage on my own.”
The moment he said it, we both froze., He looked at me, regret flashing across his face.
“Sorry, that’s not what I meant…”
I’d been with Jacob for five years. He once said he wanted to see me all the time, so I moved across the city to live with him, even though it meant a 30–kilometer commute. I didn’t mind, thinking I was wanted. Jacob was messy, so I’d follow him around, picking up after him. His stomach wasn’t great, so I went from someone who couldn’t tell daffodils from garlic to someone who could cook meals to help his digestion. For five years, I was like a maid, caring for every little detail. Even his underwear was hand–washed by me. He once held me, saying he’d be spoiled by me, that he’d never let me go and wanted me by his side
forever.
And now, he says I’m just a “bro.”
37.8
Chapter 3
To hell with being his “bro“!
7
I sprawled out on Franklin’s bed, claiming the space. Franklin stood by the door, looking at me wistfully.
“Come on, couldn’t you at least give me a chance?”
He continued, with a serious expression.
m actually pretty good in bed. Try it, and you’ll see.”
I threw a pillow at him. “I’m going to sleep.”
He caught the pillow and, with a quiet gesture, lit a jasmine–scented candle from his cabinet. The room filled with the familiar scent–a scent I loved but hadn’t smelled in years because Jacob hated it. This one little indulgence felt so comforting that I slept deeply, not waking until midday.
When Franklin walked me downstairs, he double–checked.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to go up with you? What if that jerk Jacob gets rough again?”
I held up my phone. Melody had posted on Instagram at some ungodly hour last night–a picture of her and Jacob fast asleep, fingers intertwined, the engagement ring on her finger
sparkling.
“Don’t worry. He’s not home.”
Sure enough, the apartment was empty. I quickly packed my things, and just as I was about to leave, I collided right into Jacob’s chest at the door.
He looked at me with a mocking expression.
“Sophie, what’s this drama now? Running away from home?”
Without a word, I pushed him aside. He pulled me into his arms, laughing, his tone flippant.
“Come on, don’t be difficult. Why don’t you give me a little release? I’m dying here.”
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08:42
Shattered Promises
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Chapter 3
I pulled away, my voice cold and controlled,
“What’s wrong? Didn’t Melody satisfy you last night?”
He looked smug.
“Sophie, I knew you were jealous.”
“Melody isn’t like you. She’s not that kind of girl. I promised her I’d wait until we’re
arried. Last night, I just held her and barely survived. So, for now, I’ll use you. But remember, after the wedding, I’ll stay pure.”
