Chapter 20Jonathan couldn't take it anymore. The music, the dancing, the sight of Laura in Nathaniel's arms—it was all too much. His heart clenched painfully, but his mind refused to admit what he had long buried. Instead, anger flared up, raw and unfiltered. He cursed under his breath, furiously wiping away the tears that betrayed him."What the hell? They think I'm jealous? Fuck them," he muttered, trying to convince himself that this wasn't about jealousy. It couldn't be.He stormed out of the hall, yanking off his coat and tossing it aside as he pulled out his car keys. Without a second thought, he slid into the driver's seat, slamming the door shut behind him. The engine roared to life, matching the turmoil swirling inside him.Jonathan sped through the city streets as the hum of the engine did little to drown out the chaos in his mind. Before he knew it, he was parked outside the club he frequented. The neon lights flickered above the entrance like a beacon calling him to esca
Chapter 21Nathaniel's smile was soft as he slipped the tub of food into the fridge. "Have you had breakfast, honey?" he asked with his voice full of affection using one of the many endearments he used with her now.Laura who was sitting by the counter, leaned forward and rested her arms casually on the surface. "I have. What about you? Where's Auntie?" she asked, her tone light and her expression innocent as she glanced around looking for Mrs. Reed."Mom," Nathaniel corrected playfully, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Laura chuckled, shaking her head lightly."Apologies, I'm still trying to get used to it.""It's fine. Take your time," Nathaniel replied in his warm and reassuring smile. As he stood there, his gaze locked onto her soft, pinkish, plump lips—the craving to kiss her was overwhelming. He leaned in closer, unable to resist the magnetic pull between them as his eyes lingered on her mouth as if the whole world had narrowed to just that moment.Meanwhile, Jonathan sat in t
Chapter 22Jonathan carried the dustpan outside, filled with the shards of the broken mug. He shoved the glass fragments into the trash with an angry sigh. But as he straightened up, ready to stomp back inside, he froze. There, standing by the gate, was Laura. Her arms are crossed over her chest while her face is set in an expression of clear disdain.Her presence startled him for a second, but then he quickly reverted to his usual defensiveness. Before he could say anything, Laura spoke in her sharp voice. "I do not understand why you're being so rude to your brother and me. What's gotten into you?"Jonathan let out a frustrated groan, turning his back on her to return to his task. He wasn't in the mood for this. Not now. Not after everything. He didn't look at her as he answered, his tone colder than he intended. "Why are you talking to me? We aren't friends anymore."Laura visibly flinched at his words as her arms dropped to her sides, and for a moment, she looked completely lost.
Chapter 23"Very well," she said with her tone devoid of emotion and her eyes dead-set on the floor.Jonathan's breath caught in his throat. No... No, she can't... Just as he was about to step forward, Laura spoke again. "I will do as you wish. If that is all, please excuse me. Have a good night." Her voice was cold, mechanical, like a robot devoid of any real feelings. She turned sharply, striding away with purpose, but Nathaniel quickly chased after her, concern etched on his face.Jonathan instinctively hid from view, peering around the corner as Nathaniel reached out and grabbed Laura's arm before she could reach the gates. "Why did you tell them? Didn't I say I would take responsibility? Please, Laura. You don't have to do this," he pleaded, pulling her into a tight embrace.As Laura lifted her gaze, her eyes met Jonathan's for a brief moment, and he felt a chill run down his spine. There was something haunting in her expression, a mix of fear and resignation that struck him to
Chapter 1The living room sparkled with a warm, inviting glow from twenty-eight candles on Jonathan's cake. Laura who was trying to hide her nerves, fussed over the final details with Jonathan's family. She'd poured her heart into this surprise—every detail, from the chocolate cake he loved to the decorations that matched his laid-back style. Tonight was supposed to be special, a chance to show Jonathan how much he meant to her."Everything looks amazing," Jonathan's sister said, giving Laura a reassuring smile. "He's going to love it."Laura forced a smile with her racing heart. She had been looking forward to this night for weeks, hoping it would set the stage for what she planned to say after the party."Relax," his sister nudged her gently. "He's gonna love it. You know he will."Laura nodded, swallowing the knot in her throat. It wasn't about whether Jonathan would love the party. He always appreciated her efforts, he always appreciated her. But the thought of finally confessing
Chapter 2Jonathan stood in the hallway, his back leaning against the wall as he wrapped up the conversation with his latest fling, a girl he'd only met a few weeks ago. She had a way of keeping his attention for now, but it wasn't anything serious. He chuckled at something she said while his voice dropped into a flirtatious tone."Yeah, I'll see you soon. No, not tonight. It's my birthday party, after all," Jonathan said, glancing at the door that led back into the party. He heard the music pulsing through the walls and gave a lazy smile. "But, we'll hang out soon, alright?"After a few more words exchanged, he ended the call and slid his phone into his pocket. He lingered there for a moment and ran a hand through his hair, not really thinking much of the conversation. It was just another call, just another girl.But then his thoughts shifted back to Laura. She had seemed a bit off earlier, quieter than usual, like she had something on her mind. He remembered the way she tried to say
Chapter 3"Just be gentle with her," Mrs. Levine added, a hint of concern in her voice. "She's been a bit overwhelmed lately.""Yeah, okay," Jonathan replied with a touch of impatience creeping into his tone. He climbed the stairs as irritation bubbled beneath the surface.He reached her door and knocked softly, but his annoyance was creeping in. "Laura? It's me, Jonathan."But there was only silence."Can I come in?" he called, trying to keep his voice steady."Yeah, sure... come in," came her muffled response, but it felt more like a reluctant invitation than an enthusiastic one.Jonathan sighed, opening the door and stepping inside."What's up with you? It's my birthday, we should be celebrating," he asked, his irritation clear.Laura let out a tired sigh, turning her back to him. "Yeah..." she mumbled weakly. "Your gift is on my study table." She didn't look at him as she spoke, but Jonathan couldn't care less about the gift. What bothered him was his pouting childhood friend, the
Chapter 4The next morning, Laura woke up to the quiet chill of an empty bed. Jonathan was gone, the space beside her cold as if he had slipped out hours before. She blinked groggily, trying to process the stillness around her. Slowly, she sat up as her body protested with a dull ache between her legs. A wince escaped her as the memory of the night flooded back—intense, raw, and filled with emotions she couldn't quite unravel.Her eyes drifted to the bed, the sight of bloodstained sheets staring back at her, a clear reminder of the reality she now faced. It was no wonder—it had been her first time, after all. Laura smiled softly as the warmth of last night wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. It was a moment she would cherish forever, filled with tenderness, and a love she believed had finally blossomed.With a renewed sense of hope, she headed to the bathroom to clean herself up, her heart still fluttering with the memory of Jonathan's touch and the intimacy they had shared