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Chapter 6
The Tames I walk an apartment, I smelt–chocolate
The scent is r and sewn inging with something floral. My eyes as I dong my bag on the counter, already on elige
There, on the stand the rests at expense–oking box of chocolates and a bouquet of roses.
“What the bel… “Iedere breath
Cautious each the table, on beat pounding
A small card is tucked between the flowers ? besitate better packing it up, knowing exactly who it’s from but stil hoping i’m wong
*7 sory Please let me explain – Brandon.”
I gran, crumpling the card in my hand “Unbelievable.”
As if once, there’s a knock at the door. My stomach drops, and for a split second, I consider pretending I’m not home.
But knowing Brandon, he ‘I probably just wait me out
Ipank the door open, and there he is, standing in the hallway with that same pitiful look he always has when he wants something
“Aria,” he starts soft, that apologetic expression on his face that’s always annoying me.
“Can we talk
“No,” I snap, crossing my arms. “You need to stop this. The chocolates, the flowers, showing up at my place–it’s too much, Brandon.”
“Please,” he says, stepping closer. “Just hear me out.”
“Why?” ask him harshly, hardening my expression.
“So you can be to me again? So you can tell me how much you love me while you’re sleeping with same ne else?”
He flinches, his shoulders sagging. I’m not with her anymore. I ended it I swear.”
I laugh bitterly, shaking my head “Congratiations. That doesn’t change anything”
*Aria, I made a mistake,” be continues, not ready to stop his nonsense.
“I know I messed up, but I’m trying to fix it Doesn’t that count for something?”
“Not with me,” I say firmly, my hands trembling
*I deserve better than what you gave me, Brandon. I deserve trust and loyalty and honesty–all the things you couldn’t give me.”
He looks at me, his eyes shining with unshed tears. For a moment, I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.
“I’m done,” I tell him, my mind already made up, and there’s no way I’m changing my decision. “Please, just leave me alone.”
He opens his mouth like he wants to argue, but then he stops, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
*Alright,” he says quiedy. “I’ll go.”
I close the door before he can say anything else, leaning against it as I try to steady my breathing
The next morning, I’m still thinking about the encounter when my phone buzzes. It’s Harry.
“Hey,” he says when I answer. “What are you doing this weekend?”
“Uh, nothing, I guess. Why?”
“Well,” he replies, dragging the word out, “1 was wondering if you’d like to come to an awards show with me.”
I blink, caught off guard. An awards show?”
“Yeah,” he says, his tone casual “You know, red carpet, fancy dresses, lots of celebrities. That kind of thing
“Harry,” I say, laughing nervously, “why would you want me to come to something like that?”
“Why not?” he asks me in a simple tone. “I think it’ll be fun. Plus, I kind of need a date.”
“You need a date?” I repeat, still trying to process what he’s saying
“Well, yeah, something like that,” he answers, chuckling, “I can’t show up alone. People will talk”
I hesitate, chewing on my lip.
The idea of being in the spotlight, surrounded by cameras and strangers, makes my stomach churn.
“I don’t know, Harry. That’s not really my scene.”
“Come on,” he says, his voice softening “You’ll be with me the whole time. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I sigh, my resolve weakening “I don’t even have anything to wear to something like that.”
*I’ll take care of it,” he tells me quickly. “I’ll have a stylist bring you something All you have to do is say yes.”
There’s a long pause as I debate with myself. Part of me wants to say no, to avoid the stress and anxiety that would come with it.
But another part of me–the part that’s started to trust Harry–wants to take the risk
“Alright,” I finally bring out the words. “I’ll go.”
“Really?” he says, his excitement very clear even through the phone.
“Yes,” I reply, laughing. “But if this turns into a disaster, I’m blarning you.”
Chapter 6
“Fair enough,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “I’ll pick you up at six on Saturday.”
“Okay, I guess that will be great.”
Our conversation continues, a great one that brings joy to my heart. Keeps bringing it, andI swear to God, I can feel my heart bouncing with so much passion.
