Chapter 5: Crumbs

Natalie's POV

I held my breath, my heart practically doing somersaults in my chest. 

Why was he here? 

Alyssa had clearly said he had a date with her tonight. So, what? Did he ditch her for me? Does this mean that he cared me, still? 

Or was I reading way too much into this?

I felt his fingers brush against the zipper of my dress, and my whole body went rigid. The air got so hot, that I nearly choked.

Terrence was touching me. Wow. Okay. I definitely wasn’t prepared for this.

“I uhm... I thought you were the maid,” I blurted out, because, of course, that’s the perfect thing to say when someone’s unzipping your dress. 

He paused, his hands still at my back. Then he leaned in—way too close—and his breath brushed against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I know you feel awkward about this too, don’t you?” he said, dragging the zipper back up slowly, “Best friends to a couple. How could it work?”

That hurt way more than I thought it would. 

I forced a laugh, but it came out all wrong—more like a dying animal noise than anything else. Which I regretted instantly because he definitely wasn't trying to be funny. So why was I laughing?

I turned around too quickly to answer him, and suddenly realized we were really close. 

His face was right there, and if I even blinked too hard, I might accidentally kiss him. Which, no. That would be disastrous.

I stepped back. Fast. Too fast.

Of course, my heel caught the edge of the mirror behind me. My arms flailed and for a split second, I was sure I was about to crash.

But then his hands caught me quickly and he pulled me upright. 

“Careful,” he muttered. But there was no warmth in his tone. 

But I felt the warmth from his touch on my body ignite me all over. I melted in his arms. 

“Uh, thanks,” I mumbled, blinking up at him. 

My heart was racing, but not for any of the right reasons. Mostly, I just wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

We were too close. His sculpted, handsome face was close at hand. I could see his fine eyelashes, and me reflected in his eyes.

I couldn’t decipher the emotions in his eyes, but I knew that at least it wasn't hate.

His lips were too close—just a slight tilt of my head, and I could kiss him. And, in truth, I did.

But he let go of me the next second, his hands slipping away as if the contact repulsed him. I stumbled a little, catching my balance just in time, and quickly straightened up. 

What the hell?

Wait, what did I just do? Did I... kiss him?

Wow, I didn’t even know I had that kind of courage.

But honestly, I’m not even sure if I touched his lips—he pushed me away so fast.

I looked up at him and he stared back at me. His gaze was cold. 

I cleared my throat, “Uh, what... what are you doing here?” I broke the silence, my voice sounding way too high-pitched.

I just really wanted to hear him say he cared, even if just a little. Just a tiny bit. I’d take crumbs at this point.

He gave me a look. “Am I not allowed to come into my future wife’s room?” Those words sounded rehearsed. 

“Alyssa said you had plans tonight,” I tried again. “With her.”

He shrugged, “Yeah, I do.” He paused, “In fact, I should get going now.”

My brows furrowed, “W-what?” I blinked, “But you just came in and I thought you were—”

He didn't even let me finish before he turned around to leave. And before I knew what I was doing, I reached out and grabbed his hand. “Wait—can’t you just—”

He cut me off, “I came because my mother asked me to, okay? There's no way I'd come here on my own will.” 

I flinched. 

I knew there was something odd playing out, although, for a moment I wished he actually showed concern of some sort. 

“Why would she?”

“For some reason, she thought it would look bad if I didn’t show my face. You know, for the sake of appearances.”

“So, that’s it?” I managed, “You’re just... here to do a favor for your mom and then head out?”

Terrence let out a short, humorless laugh. “What did you expect, Natalie? A heartfelt confession?” He scoffed, his eyes narrowing. “You think because we’re fated mates, I’d drop everything and come running? Newsflash—things aren’t that simple.”

I felt a twist in my gut, a raw ache that spread through my chest. 

“I’m not asking for a confession,” I shot back, even though, honestly, maybe I was. “But I thought... I thought maybe you’d care. Just a bit.”

“Well, you thought wrong,” he replied flatly, “And I don't know how many times I have to explain that to you.”

“You didn’t have to come, you know. I would’ve been fine with the fact that my husband-to-be abandoned me at our engagement party. I would’ve—”

He cut me off again, “Don’t make this into something it’s not.” He stepped closer, “I owe you nothing. We’re not friends anymore. We’re barely even acquaintances. So don’t cling to some fantasy where I might actually care about you.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but then he turned on his heel, heading for the door like he couldn’t get out of my presence fast enough. Panic rose in me and before I could stop myself, I reached out and grabbed his hand. Again.

He turned that icy stare back on me, and my heart clenched. 

I couldn't even say another word. Instead. I just watched him walk out of my room, the door closing behind him with a soft click. 

Of course.

And I stood there, heart heavy, wondering why I ever thought tonight would be different.