P E D R OAs much as I wanted to spend my Friday night at home, I couldn't say no to a movie night with Roy. It had been too long since we'd had time together outside of work, and I was starting to miss our friendship. Plus, I needed a distraction from the thoughts swirling in my head, particularly the ones involving Christopher and his interactions with Selena over the phone in the morning. I needed to get my mind off of that, and a movie night seemed like the perfect way to do it.I leaned back against the headrest of my car, letting out a deep breath as I observed the scene in front of me. People were coming and going from the movie theatre, some with their partners, some with their children. It was a busy night, and I could feel the energy of the place, even from the parking lot.As I watched, I began to feel a sense of loneliness wash over me.I couldn't help but shake my head and mutter, “Lucky bastards,” as I watched the couples and families walking into the theatre. It wasn't
S E L E N A My heart pounded in my chest as I watched Pedro approach me, his eyes shining in the soft glow of the amber lights. He looked so much like our son, and for a moment I was overcome with the urge to reach out and hug him. But I knew I couldn't do that, not after everything that had happened between us. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my emotions under control.“It really is you, Ms. Selena,” he said, his smile wide and bright. The joy in his expression was contagious, and I couldn't help but let out a faint smile. But the moment I did, my heart started to race, and I could feel my pulse quicken. His smile was like a dose of medicine, but I was afraid I was taking too much. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest, and I couldn't calm myself down.I tightened my grip around the cap in my hands, silently cursing at myself under my breath. I should have known better than taking the cap off. What was I expecting that I wouldn't bump into Pedro in a place lik
P E D R OI couldn't contain my happiness as we entered the cinema and took our seats. After dragging me off like a bag of potatoes, Selena stopped by a corner and told me to fuck off. It was as if she was running away from someone and wanted to abandon me when she was done using me.I had to remind her that she used me first and it was my turn to return the favour. After making a fuss and fuming, she finally agreed to watch the movie with me and I couldn't help but let out a satisfactory smile, knowing she was right by my side even though it would only last for a couple of minutes.“Stop staring at me,” she snapped, reaching into the bowl of popcorn and taking a generous handful. She shoved it into her mouth, chewing with an exaggerated crunch. She kept her eyes focused on the screen, determined to ignore me.I felt like I'd been slapped, even though she hadn't touched me. I had to admit, I'd been staring. It was hard not to - she was so beautiful, and her every movement was mesmeriz
S E L E N A I wiped the water off my face with the handkerchief Pedro had given me when I came to the bathroom. I looked up at the mirror and saw a face that looked half-dead, pale and drawn. I looked exhausted as if I hadn't slept in days. Crying was not something I usually did, and I was mortified to have broken down in front of Pedro over a movie. But the character in the movie had reminded me so much of my own past experience with Pedro and his ex-lover that I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The memories of that time came flooding back, and I couldn't hold back my emotions.It felt like running away wasn't the best option, I felt like I should have stayed behind. But what would have happened? Would my life has been like that character who died for love?“Um,” I took a deep breath, trying to push the what-ifs out of my mind. Whatever decision I could have made, I knew that leaving the city had been the right choice. If I hadn't left, I never would have met Christopher. Meetin
P E D R OI walked into my study, balancing a steaming cup of coffee and a brown envelope in my hands. Carefully, I placed the coffee on the table and pulled out a chair, settling down to review the contents of the envelope. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm my nerves. I knew this was going to be a long night.As I opened the envelope, I could feel my heart racing. I wasn't sure if I was ready to see what was inside, but I had to face it head-on. The contents of the envelope were the information about Selena that the spy had promised to send me. Even though I had spent a lovely evening with her at the movie theatre, I wasn't sure if I was ready to learn the truth about who she really was. But I knew that it was something I had to do, for my good.What if she turned out to be someone else entirely? What if she was my Selena and still denied everything, even when faced with the proof? I couldn't bear the thought of it, but I knew I had to be prepared for anything.
S E L E N A“Chrissy…” I started to say, but before I could finish, Christopher brushed past me and headed for the stairs. I watched him go, feeling my heart sink. It had been days since our night at the cinema, and he had barely spoken to me since. Even Liam had started to notice the change in his behaviour towards me.I didn't know what to do. I felt like I was losing my best friend like my brother, and I didn't know how to fix it. I felt helpless like there was nothing I could do to make things right again.I followed him down the stairs, my footsteps heavy on the wood. When we reached the living room, I saw Liam sitting on the floor with a sketchbook in front of him, his pencil moving quickly across the page while his babysitter sat down to guide him.Christopher paused for a moment, watching Liam draw on his sketchbook.I watched them from the doorway, not wanting to interrupt, but not sure what to do. I felt like an outsider like I was intruding on a private moment. But I couldn
P E D R O My heart was racing with joy at the thought of seeing Selena again. It had felt like a lifetime since I last saw her at the cinema last weekend.I adjusted my tie, anxiously waiting for the coffee to finish brewing. As soon as it was ready, I grabbed two cups and made my way out of the break room, eager to see Selena again.I rounded the corner and stopped by my office to check myself out if I still looked presentable.I wanted to look my best for her, both polished and professional. I wanted to make a good impression, to show her that I was worthy of her attention. Maybe, if I was lucky, I could even outshine that smug guy, stupid Christopher fucking Andre.I knew it was vain and ridiculous, but I couldn't help myself. I wanted Selena to see me at my best, to know that I was more than what she had seen so far. I wanted to impress her, to make her see me in a new light. I knew it was silly, but I couldn't shake the feeling.I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety washing ove
S E L E N AI've always been a bit hard on myself, but I never imagined I would make such a huge mistake. It's embarrassing and frustrating, and I'm having a hard time forgiving myself. Running away from there when he clearly didn't care for me felt like I was trying to force myself on him, hoping that he would eventually change his mind and want to be with me. It was a desperate and misguided attempt to win him over, and I'm embarrassed by how I acted. I should have respected his boundaries and accepted that he wasn't interested in me.In hindsight, I could see that I was being a bit delusional and ignoring the obvious signs that he wasn't interested in me. I placed my hand on my chest, trying to steady my racing heart. I opened the door and walked into the room, not knowing what was on the other side. I didn't care where I was going, as long as it was away from everyone else. All I wanted was to be alone and collect my thoughts. I hoped that Christopher would forgive me for my mis