The Date

Anna pov

Vincent suddenly changed. He no longer smiled when he saw me and his once-friendly conversations had turned into cold silence. I don’t understand what had gone wrong, but his sudden distance left me feeling lost.

Meanwhile, Lorna and Clarice wasted no time making my life miserable. They followed me around, whispered behind my back, and stuffed cruel notes in my locker. Their jealousy over Vincent’s interest in me fueled their determination to push me out of the picture.

“Hey, I see you are still chasing after Vincent. Stay away from him, he doesn't love you.” Lorna snarled one day, blocking me in the hallway. Clarice stood beside her, arms crossed and smirking.

“I’m not even doing anything,” I protested, my voice shaky but firm.

“Exactly,” Clarice sneered. “And you’d better keep it that way.”

But despite their bullying, I couldn’t stop thinking about Vincent. No matter how much I tried, my feelings only grew stronger. I must say I missed his warmth, his laughter, and the way he made me feel seen.

I feel bored, he isn't in the cafeteria, he doesn't follow me around… It's hurts!

I know I pushed him away, but I missed him. Maybe I was too hard on him.

I sighed.

“Hey, what the hell are you thinking about?”Kara jerked me from my thoughts.

“Nothing.” I said in a low, sad tone.

“Are you okay? Is everything alright at home?’ Kara asked.

“I'm a good bestie, just thinking about studies” I lied. 

I felt so ashamed to tell her I was thinking about a boy.

Like a fucking boy!!!

Not just any, the boy I dislike and rejected!

~~In the VIP classroom~~

“Don't you think I'm being harsh?” Vincent asked for the fourth time, pacing around the classroom.

Max ignored him completely.

“Hey there are lots of chicks out there, let's hang out at Pacific club, I'm sure you will have fun and forget Anna.” Their third friend, Amos said.

“No I can't think straight.” Vincent buried his head in his hands.

“I saw her today, she looked dull and gloomy. I think I should end this.” He said as he sat on the chair.

“Don't try it Vincent.” Amos warned. “I'm a player and trust me when I say she will be missing you right now. To win a girl's heart, you have to take a step backward. No showering of love or attention, ignored her and…” 

“But I can't do this anymore?” Vincent interrupted him.

“It's been days since I talked to her, I ignored her like you said but I need to stop now, this isn't working.” 

Max paused his video game and turned to Vincent. “Then go meet her but be careful Vincent, Remember you are betrothed to someone.” He said.

Vincent rolled his eyes, “I know.”

“Will you choose Anna over her?” Amos asked.

“Of Course not, My betrothed is for business purposes to strengthen both families. I can't resist it. I have to marry the other lady.”

“What about Anna? Her feelings?” Max asked with concern written on his face.

“Well it's just for a while, she doesn't even like me.” Vincent said.

“I just like the way she rejected me. No girl has ever done that. It makes her attractive.” He continued.

“What if she is a lesbian?” Amos shrugged.

“Get lost!” Max threw a pillow at Amos.

~~Anna POV~~

The next day Vincent approached me. He looked nervous, but his voice was soft. “Anna, I’m sorry. I’ve been… distant. Can we start over?”

I stared at him, surprised. “Start over?”

“Yeah.” He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “Maybe over coffee? There’s a place I think you’d like. What do you say?”

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. My heart raced, and my cheeks felt hot. Then I smiled, nodding. “I’d like that.”

I took my time to look at him, damn I missed him.

“Date!!” Kara placed her hands over her mouth feeling super excited.

Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she nudged me with her elbow.

I groaned, rolling my eyes. “It’s nothing big.”

“Nothing big? Girl, you’re going on a date with Vincent! That’s huge!” Kara teased, grinning ear to ear.

I sighed, kicking a small stone on the pavement as we walked home. “I don’t even have anything to wear.”

“Ugh c’mon, You think Vincent cares about that?”

“He’s not just any guy, Kara. I need to look perfect.”

Kara huffed, waving off my worries. “Then let’s go to my place. You can borrow something from me.”

My eyes lit up. “You’d really do that?”

“Of course! What are best friends for?”

But what started as a simple wardrobe selection turned into a fashion disaster. Dress after dress, some were too tight, too loose, too short, too long, nothing seemed right. Frustration set in until Kara finally threw her hands up.

“That’s it. We’re going shopping.”

And so, after a short trip to the boutique, I finally had the perfect dress: a cream-colored gown. I smiled at my reflection, excitement bubbling in my chest. Tonight was going to be unforgettable.

His driver picked me up at exactly 8pm, ten minutes later, we were at the venue.

By the look of the restaurant, I knew it wasn't a regular one. Its entrance was breathtaking, they were balloons with my name on them floating in the air.

I hesitated at the entrance, my heart thumping. Then, I spotted him. A masculine figure in a black suit, holding a bouquet of roses.

Vincent.

I took a deep breath and walked toward him. He turned, his gaze locking onto mine. A slow smile spread across his lips.

“Hi, dear.”

I swallowed. “This place… it’s stunning, but why is it so quiet? Where is everyone?”

Vincent chuckled. “I rented it out for me and you.”

I blinked. “You did what?”

He smirked. “Had to make sure I had you all to myself, my queen. Now, sit.”

As I settled into my chair, Vincent’s amused gaze swept over me, and then he laughed.

I frowned. “What’s so funny?”

He leaned back, shaking his head. “Your dress. It’s… so big. So loose, I was expecting something fitted…”

I stiffened. “I like it.”

“You bought this when there were… other options?” He raised a brow.

I folded my arms. “Yes. Is there a problem?”

Vincent sighed, then smirked. “If you like it, then it’s fine. I'm only pulling your legs.”

For a moment, the conversation lulled, but then Vincent’s expression shifted. 

“Do you remember me?” he asked suddenly as we dug in a tender steak served with a cabernet reduction and truffled mashed potatoes with fresh and flaky fish dish served with a lemon-caper butter sauce and microgreens.

I frowned. “What?”

Instead of answering, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pendant, it was familiar... My breath hitched as realization slammed into me.

No… it couldn’t be.

My hands trembled as I reached for it. A flood of memories crashed over me, memories I had long buried. My vision blurred as I stared at him, my heart pounding in disbelief.

“You… you were alive?” My voice was barely a whisper.

Vincent’s lips curled into a sad smile. “Yeah. I looked for you after the accident.”

Tears burned my eyes. “I…I thought you were gone.”

He reached for my hand and held them tight. “I recognized you the moment I saw you at school. But I wasn’t sure. That's why I went to your house to confirm it, when I saw your parents.”

My throat tightened. I had spent years believing he was lost forever, only to have him standing here, right in front of me.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “For being harsh. For being rude. I didn’t know…”

Vincent squeezed my hand. “It’s okay, Anna.”

“But what happened? Vincent or should I say Jace?” 

 “Mhm what's this?” I closed my eyes savouring the delicacy.

“It's Pan-Seared Maine Lobster.” He answered.

“What?” I laughed.

He smiled “A succulent, 2-pound Maine lobster tail, seared and served with a cognac-infused lobster bisque.

“This is delicious! I love it!” 

“You should, it's one of the most expensive restaurants here.” 

Author pov

Unbeknownst to them, a shadow lurked in the distance, hidden in the dark corners of the restaurant. A camera clicked, taking pictures of them.