AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Give me five minutes,” he whispered, somewhat annoyed, somewhat pleading.
“Fine, five minutes,” I sighed, disappointed at myself. But I knew I didn’t have any other choice anyway. My father was dead set on arranging that marriage for me, and I bet the announcement went viral while we spoke. And there was nothing I could do to prevent it from happening. I was just a pawn in my father’s games. A puppet that gets eliminated if it makes the wrong move or becomes redundant.
“Good. Come on.” He turned to open the car door for me. “Get in.”
THEO CHOSE A SAFE PLACE, ensuring I wouldn’t make a scene because he took me to my favorite outdoor restaurant and ordered a coffee that I always chose—playing a loving boyfriend, huh?
“Melanie, it was a fatal misunderstanding.” He reached for my hand that I nervously played with on the wooden table, and I instantly removed it.
“A fatal misunderstanding?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “I always knew she’d set her eyes on you, but I didn’t think you were fucking her behind my back.”
“Lower your voice, please,” he hissed, and I burst into derisive laughter.
“Or what?”
“I guess you don’t want to make a scene here, do you?” I knew he brought me here to avoid a real confrontation.
“How long, Theo?” I looked him in the eyes, and even though I tried to hide the pain he caused me, I knew he could see it. “How long have you been cheating on me?”
“I’m not cheating on you, Melanie,” he replied firmly, adjusting himself on the chair. “It was a mistake. I was drunk and frustrated. Guys kept mocking me that they get laid more than I do even though they’re single.”
“Oh, poor you.” I pouted my lips, making a sad face. “Of course, it’s a good reason to cheat on your girlfriend. Why am I even mad?” I was dripping with sarcasm, and he rolled his eyes.Why did he even talk about our sex life with his friends?Pathetic.
“Baby, I’m sorry, okay?” He tried to sound repentant, but I couldn’t spot even a trace of regret on his face. “But nothing happened. I swear.”
“Nothing happened because I interrupted you.” I sneered.
“Okay, I won’t lie.” He rested back on the chair, sighing. “I don’t know what would’ve happened if it weren’t for you, but I’m so glad you found us, Melanie. I don’t want anyone else but you, and I couldn’t forgive myself if I lost you.”
“Too late, Theo,” I said dryly. “You already lost me. No matter what happens next, I’ll never be yours again.” Even if it meant leading an unhappy life beside the man I didn’t love. Just like my mother.
“But we’re getting married—”
“So you knew about it.” I scoffed, looking away. The more time I spent with the man I used to see my future with, the more sheer disappointment rushed through me. How could I be so blind before?
“My father mentioned that to me some time ago,” he admitted reluctantly.
“So you’re just like them. You take part in their games. Let them manipulate me.”
“It’s not like that, Melanie.” He furrowed his brows, trying to grab my hand again, but I didn’t let him. I didn’t want him to touch me. I was disgusted that I trusted him while he played me this whole time. “I thought you’d be happy. And I didn’t tell you because I wanted to surprise you. Baby, I’ve always wanted to marry you. I love you.”
“Save it, Theo.” I threw a napkin that I kept squeezing in my hand and stepped away from the table. “If you loved me as you claim you do, you wouldn’t have put your hands down my friend’s pants.”
