LISA’S POV"The weather's nice today," Ronan commented. It was his third attempt to start a conversation, which I ignored. The last thing I wanted was to chat with him. Riding in the same car as him was bad enough.Part of me wanted to indulge, have a good conversation, and reminisce about the past like nothing happened. But I'm scared that a single conversation might make me forgive him, and I can't do that. Not now, not ever, maybe ever is a strong word I might forgive him but not yet.I might be able to forgive and forget everything else, but the betrayal of someone you thought was your friend—that's unforgettable. Even if you forgive them, those memories will always find a way to haunt you."You remember when we used to go for picnics on afternoons like this?" he persisted."I'll take a little nap, wake me when we get to town" I announced, pushing the button on the seat so it reclined. I turned to my side and closed my eyes. He knew I wasn't really sleeping, even if I were sleepy.
LISA’S POV I took a deep breath and softened my gaze at him. “Can you please unlock the door?” I say, this time calmer than before. “Wherever you're going must have been very important, and if you don't want me to go with you, then it's awful of me to try forcing my way,” he spoke, the disappointment in his voice evident. The car made a click sound, signifying he had unlocked the door. “Thank you,” I whispered before unlocking the door. I took a bus around the city while looking out the window, seizing every chance to see if Ronan was chasing after me or if he had actually left. Pulling out my phone from my pocket, I dialed Jessica’s number. After a few beeps, “You finally decided to call back,” Jessica says. “I’m sorry, I was a little busy and I couldn't pick--” “Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm getting a new dress; there's one in pink and another in black. I don’t know which one to get.” “And how am I supposed to know which one you should get?” I chuckled. “Just forget it, I’m b
LISA’S POV“Lis,” Jessica called out from the bedroom.“Yeah?” I answered, walking out of the bathroom.“I forgot to tell you, Dad’s invited us to dinner.” What! The last thing I wanted was to go out, much less for a dinner where I have to smile and act nice all night. With all the events of today, I want to stay back and get some sleep. Plus, Adam is definitely going to be there, and he is the last person I’d want to see tonight.“I’m sorry, Lis. I should’ve told you about it earlier; it totally slipped my mind.”“I think I’m gonna pass,” I said, falling into the bed.“What do you mean, you’ll pass? You know everyone is going to be there, and I can’t face those oldies alone.”“I’ve had a long day, Jessie, and all I want to do is get some sleep.”I still haven’t fully recovered from whatever it was Kyle drugged me with, plus tomorrow is going to be very busy for me. All thanks to Ronan and his stupid goons who kidnapped me, ruining my whole schedule.“Can’t you please come with me? I
LISA’S POV“Hello love,” he whispers into my ear, his warm cinnamon breath invading my nose. Every nerve in my body screams to slap his hands away from my waist and move thirty feet away from him.But with the crowd’s eyes on me and the history we had, even though it was for a few weeks, I force a smile and gently unwrap his fingers.“Hi, Adam,” I grit out, barely concealing my irritation.“¿Cómo estás?” he whispers in Spanish, his voice sending unwanted shivers down my spine, to my core.“I’ve been good,” I respond stiffly. Once, I adored when he spoke Spanish to me. I thought he’d forgotten about that and me after our not-so-civilized breakup last year, which resulted in him moving to Kansas.One of Adam’s friends once mistakenly sent me a dress for some party they were having. It was during the third week of us dating, and the quads had been getting sick.And I was one of the three surgeons available surgeons in the hospital back then, plus we had to move out of our old apartment d
**LISA’S POV**Holding onto the railing tighter, I take deep breaths to calm my nerves. Opening my eyes, I scan the view, and my gaze lands on the backyard.I don’t think I should be acting like this. I’m supposed to be in the crowd, laughing and having fun with everyone in the backyard. Even the kids are mingling, and getting along better with people.“This is where you’ve been hiding, eh?” My lips twitch to the side as a smile spreads across my face when I hear the familiar thick Spanish accent.“Who said I’m hiding?” I turn to face the old man standing a few feet away from me. As usual, his brown hair with a few streaks of grey is slicked to perfection, and his black tux is tailored and fitted. If you didn't know better, you might think he’s a businessman or a mafia boss.Sergio never misses a chance to dress up. "What is a gentleman without his tux?" he’d say every time Jessica and I commented on him wearing a tux to occasions that didn’t require it, just like tonight, which is su
LISA'S POV"It's mine!" Sebastian yelled, shoving his brother.Before I could get down to the scene, everyone’s attention was on the kids—exactly what I didn't want to happen. I ran as fast as I could from the rooftop to the backyard, my heart pounding with each step."No, it's mine!" Sergio shouted back, pushing him harder. Sebastian tumbled into a pile of broken plates, the sound of shattering ceramic piercing the air.Great! Just the icing on the cake. Not only do I have to settle this fight, but now I have to deal with an injured child."Someone get a broom!" Jessica yelled, scooping up a crying Sebastian. His small hands were scratched and bleeding. Lola quickly led Sergio away, who was now visibly upset. I could feel the rage building up in my chest, making it hard to breathe.I let out an awkward chuckle, trying to diffuse the tension. "I’m so sorry about that," I said, kneeling down to pick up the glass pieces. The sharp edges were evident, and I stacked them carefully in one
LISA'S POV"Your driver is here!" Jessica yelled, pulling me from where I was leaning against the car. Of course, the so-called driver is Adam. He strolled over with a sleeping Sara in his arms while Salvador walked beside him.The smug look on her face said everything. I should’ve known the driver would be Adam. I really don't understand her obsession with playing Cupid between me and her cousin.I don’t think matchmaking is something a twenty-six-year-old should be doing. For crying out loud.And it’s not like she doesn’t have work or other things to keep her busy—she does. But somehow, she always makes time for this side gig of hers. Now that I think about it, Jessica was the reason we dated in the first place.She kept suggesting crazy things and then backed them up by saying stuff like, "You guys have great chemistry.""Salvy love, get in the car. Mommy needs to have a word with Aunt Jessica," I said, pulling Jessica further away from Adam and Salvador."Before you say anything,
LISA’S POVWhen I couldn’t make out what the text was supposed to mean, I swiped it away and dropped my phone on the nightstand in my room. The last thing I want is to overthink the text or start playing detective this late. I need to get some rest.I wanted to take this dress off even before I left the house earlier. Stripping out of the dress, I changed into a baggy t-shirt. With no energy to do my night routine, I fell into bed. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, hoping for sleep to take its course.After a few seconds of peace, my phone chimed. With no intention of checking my phone, I hugged my pillow tighter. But then I heard another notification sound, and a few more followed. I let out a groan before reaching for the phone.There was another text from the unknown number and two messages from Jessica. I clicked on the messages from Jessica.Jessica: Li, Adam is back. (three angry face emojis) Jessica: Why is Adam back?!I didn’t have to see her face to know she was fumin