Chapter 1

I carefully applied a touch of makeup, painting my lips a bold shade of red to match the crimson spaghetti-strap dress that clung to my curves and stopped just above my knees. 

I slipped on a pair of sleek black heels, wincing slightly as they pinched my toes. High heels weren’t my favorite, but Jaden loved them, so I was going to wear them for him. I gave myself one last look in the mirror, a small smile spreading across my face as I winked at my reflection. 

"Tonight was going to be perfect." I thought with a smile.

My phone buzzed on the dresser, and I snatched it up, my heart skipping a beat when I saw Jaden’s name.  

“i am bored and alone here. I really miss you, and I wish I could come and spend the vacation with you in London,” his text read.  

A grin spread across my lips as I reread the message. Excitement bubbled in my chest, and I couldn’t help but laugh softly to myself. He thought I was in London for the summer. I had lied about my holiday plans, wanting this moment to be a complete surprise to him.

We had been dating for five months now—five months of late-night calls, stolen kisses between classes, and whispered promises about the future. He was the man I saw myself with forever, the one I imagined standing beside me at the altar someday. 

But one thing was missing. Our first sex. It would happen tonight though.

I wasn’t nervous; it felt right. Jaden had proven himself over and over again—his patience, his kindness, the way he looked at me like I was his entire world. I’d never felt this safe, this certain with anyone else.  

Grabbing my black handbag, I checked to make sure I had everything: my phone, credit card, and some cash even though I knew I won't need any money. He will sort it all.

I slipped the strap over my shoulder and hurried out the door, barely able to contain my excitement as I got out, locked the door and waved down a taxi.

I had asked the driver to make a quick stop at a flower shop, picking out a bouquet of fresh roses for Jaden. The scent of the beauty rose filled the car as I sat back, 

An hour later, the taxi pulled up in front of his apartment. My pulse tensed as I paid the driver, clutching the bouquet tightly. His place looked the same as I remembered, but tonight, it felt different and I couldn't point out what exactly. 

The light spilling from his bedroom window told me he was home, and my stomach fluttered with anticipation.

With a deep breath, I adjusted my dress, checked my makeup one last time in the reflection of the taxi window, and made my way to his door. 

I could already picture it—Jaden's face lighting up with surprise and joy the moment he see me. He wouldn't be able to contain himself and would pull me into his arms, littering kiss me all over me as usual.

Tonight would be the best night of my life.

I clutched the bouquet of roses tightly to my chest, my heart pounding with excitement as I rushed toward the elevator.

Jaden came from a wealthy family. My parents weren’t poor, but compared to his lifestyle, we were worlds apart. Sometimes, I still couldn’t believe he had asked me out to be his girlfriend out of all the girls in school. It felt like a dream, one I never wanted to wake up from.

I reached his apartment and punched in the door code which I already knew off by heart, the familiar beep signaling the door unlocked.

Everywhere was silent at first, but as I stepped inside, faint laughter drifted down from upstairs—a woman’s laughter. My breath hitched, and for a split second, I stood frozen staring up and wondering if my ears were deceiving me.

He told me he was bored, alone at home and hoping I was here with him. So who has that female voice?

My legs felt heavy as I climbed the stairs, each step slow and careful.

"Maybe I misheard. Maybe it was just the TV." I tried to clear by doubt but just then, my gaze landed on a trail of clothes leading down the hallway—a blouse, a bra, panties... and Jaden’s shirt as if they had started off outside before entering his room.

"No... Jaden can't be cheating on me," I whispered to myself, my voice shaking. My chest ached, and my breath came in a rush as I drew closer to the door.

As I reached the bedroom door, I placed my trembling hand on the doorknob, unable to turn it. From inside, his voice rang out again, playful and full of desire.

“I really missed you... Aghh! Baby, you don’t know what I’d do to have you with me every second of my life.”

And then, I heard her ask.

"What about Diane?"

I froze. A sharp gasp escaped my lips as I recognized the female. That voice was that of selene my best friend. My closest since my second year in college.

I had also told her I was out of town just so she won't in anyway ruin this surprise visit I planned for my boyfriend since she has his contact. THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING.

Jaden's voice cut through my thoughts. “Don’t tell me you really think I love Diane. She’s not my type. Believe me, it was a dare. My friends bet I wouldn't be able to take her virginity, but she’s so stubborn about waiting until after college.” He scoffed in irritation.

Selene giggled. “It just felt so real. I was becoming so jealous.”

The sound of their kisses followed, making my stomach churn.

I couldn’t breathe as I felt like my entire world was crashing down around me. My knees wobbled, and the bouquet slipped from my hands, the roses hitting the floor softly. I wanted to run, but my feet wouldn't move. 

I stood there, paralyzed and drowning in heartbreak, as their conversation continued without any of them aware I was listening to everything. They had no idea I was right outside the door 

"So when are you breaking up with her? I'm tired of pretending," Selene murmured.

My hands covered my mouth, stifling a sob. This couldn’t be real. It had to be a nightmare.

“As soon as school starts. I can’t wait to dump her.” Jaden’s voice dripped with cruelty, and I felt the last shred of hope inside me shatter.

That was it.

Without thinking, I pushed the door open.

Their heads snapped toward me, eyes wide with shock. Jaden looked as if he’d seen a ghost, while Selene frantically pulled the duvet over herself, avoiding my gaze.

“What are you doing here?” Jaden asked, irritation lacing his voice.

“I thought you were away…” Selene stammered, her face flushed with shame.

“She lied.” Jaden rolled his eyes, running a hand through his hair.

I swallowed hard, my voice trembling. “Selene... why? I thought we were friends.”

Memories of our friendship flashed in my head and I wondered why she would do this to me. I could remember our late-night calls, how she encouraged me to trust Jaden, how she always said I was lucky to be his woman. And now, she was here, on his bed.

Selene tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear, her green eyes finally meeting mine with with I could only assume was guilt. “Diane... I’m sorry.”

I shook my head, tears spilling over. “For how long?” My voice cracked, and Jaden groaned in frustration.

“Enough with the drama,” he snapped, turning to Selene. “You have nothing to apologize for. I should have ended things with her sooner.”

My stomach twisted in disgust.

“I was planning to break up with you,” Jaden continued, his voice cold. “It’s not entirely my fault, Diane. You were so focused on your books, and you wouldn’t even let me touch you. How can you say you love me and not want to sleep with me?”

I stared at him in disbelief. He was blaming me?

My hands clenched into fists. “All you wanted was to win your stupid dare, Jaden. I heard everything.”

His eyes widened in shock, and I saw the flicker of guilt before it disappeared behind his usual arrogance.

“And you, Selene?” My voice was barely a whisper. “You knew… and you didn’t tell me?”

Selene fidgeted nervously. “Diane, it started on my birthday when he—”

“Shut up!” I snapped, my whole body shaking with rage.

I couldn't stay there another second. I turned and walked out, my vision blurred by tears. Behind me, I heard the door shut and lock, as if they couldn't wait for me to leave so they would continue.

Stumbling out of the building, I waved down a taxi with shaky hands and climbed inside.

“Where to?” The driver asked.

“To the nearest bar,” I muttered, wiping my tears away.

I have never been a fan of alcohol, nor had I gone to a club before but today I will ease my pain with all that. Also fuck virginity because I would have fun and give that up to any handsome man I get attracted to in there tonight. I don't care.