Before anything I wish to ask , why do you ghost this novel ? You read it and obviously you're enjoying it so why not drop a comment , it's not encouraging at all as we're not engaging this book to my liking. I need you to drop a comment please,it won't take much out of you will it now ? Thanks . Lots of love😘
~praizy_7
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Gilbert led Kamsi into the lively café, where the air buzzed with the easy chatter of teenagers, laughter mixing with the clink of spoons against ice cream bowls. Neon lights flickered above, casting a soft glow over the colorful decor—posters and murals brightening the walls. The warm scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries lingered, but the real temptation was the vibrant display of ice cream flavors behind the counter.
Kamsi's fingers hovered over the glass display, her gaze scanning the options. She hesitated for a moment, then pointed to the rich chocolate brownie. "This one," she said, her voice steady, but there was a hint of satisfaction as she made her choice.
Gilbert, standing beside her, raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Bold choice," he teased. "You must really be a chocolate fan."
Kamsi smirked, offering a quick glance at him. "You don't know me that well," she replied, the corner of her mouth twitching with amusement.
Gilbert chuckled, choosing his own scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream. The creamy pink hue seemed to match the playful glint in his eyes. With their treats in hand, they made their way to a corner booth by the window. The soft hum of conversations around them created a strange intimacy in the bustling café.
Kamsi dug into her ice cream, savoring the smooth, rich chocolate. The comforting sweetness spread through her, temporarily pushing away the chaos of earlier. She could almost forget the confrontation, the way her chest had tightened when Patricia's words hit too close to home. For a moment, she could just enjoy the simplicity of ice cream and conversation.
Across from her, Gilbert's gaze lingered a little too long, studying her with an intensity that felt almost too strong for such a casual moment. He seemed to be looking for something, though he didn't speak it.
"So, chocolate fan, huh?" Gilbert's voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her eyes up to meet his. "Or is it just the brownie part you like?"
Kamsi shrugged, a small smile dancing on her lips. "Chocolate," she repeated, then raised an eyebrow. "What about you? Strawberry?"
"Yep," Gilbert confirmed with a light chuckle. "Strawberry cheesecake. Can't beat the classics."
There was a moment of easy silence as they both dug into their ice creams. But as Gilbert chewed thoughtfully, his gaze softened. His playful tone faded, replaced with something quieter. "Look, about earlier," he began, his words slow, deliberate. "Don't let it get to you. Girls can be like that sometimes. If anything happens again, just let me know, alright? I'll handle it."
Kamsi's hand paused mid-air, her spoon resting against the side of her bowl. Her thoughts stilled, a flicker of discomfort creeping in. She wasn't used to someone stepping in for her. "I'd rather handle it myself," she said, her voice steady, but there was a quiet defiance beneath the words.
Gilbert raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Fair enough," he replied, but the warmth in his tone suggested he wasn't offended. "Just know I'm here if you change your mind."
Kamsi nodded, her focus shifting back to the ice cream in front of her. The moment passed, the lighthearted mood returning. They shared a quiet laugh about a silly comment Gilbert made, but there was a subtle tension in the air—something unspoken that lingered between them.
After finishing their ice creams, Gilbert offered to drive her home.
"Alright, time to drop you off," he said, but Kamsi hesitated.
"Ugh, it's no worries. I can find my way."
"Oh, come on," he insisted, his grin widening. "I was planning to meet up with Xavier anyway. It's no bother."
Kamsi's reluctance lingered in her expression, but Gilbert added a playful pout. "Come on, take it as a thank you for the treat," he said with a mock pleading face.
Kamsi rolled her eyes but couldn't resist. "Fine, whatever," she muttered.
They both stood and moved toward the door. The drive was quiet, with Kamsi staring out the window, lost in the shifting scenery. Gilbert, on the other hand, couldn't seem to keep his eyes off her. Every time he glanced at her, a small smile crept onto his face, but he quickly returned his gaze to the road, as if trying to keep his cool.
Gilbert and Kamsi arrived at her apartment building, the dimming sky casting long shadows across the sidewalk. The city buzzed around them, its noise a constant hum that faded into the background as Gilbert pulled up to the curb. Kamsi stepped out of the car, her thoughts still lingering on the light moments they'd shared in the café. It was a brief escape from the weight of everything else, but even the fleeting comfort felt good.
As she approached the entrance, her gaze shifted instinctively to the figure standing near the building's entrance. Xavier. He was already waiting, arms crossed, his posture tense. The moment he saw her, his eyes narrowed, and Kamsi could feel the weight of his gaze even before she reached him. It made her chest tighten, an unfamiliar heat rising in her cheeks. She fought the instinct to look back at him, instead keeping her gaze forward as she walked toward the door.
Gilbert leaned out of the car window, his voice casual. "Catch you later, Kam." He flashed a grin, his tone almost dismissive, but Kamsi knew better. He was aware of Xavier's presence, and his teasing was deliberate.
She nodded, barely sparing a glance at Xavier as she hurried up the steps. She felt his stare pressing into her back, a force she couldn't shake, but she pushed the feeling aside, hoping to escape the tension. Xavier didn't speak, but his irritation was almost tangible.
Gilbert, watching her go, couldn't help but smile, a small, satisfied smirk on his face. He knew exactly what was happening, and the subtle game between him and Xavier had just taken a turn. Without looking back, he turned the key in the ignition, ready to leave. But before he could pull away, he caught sight of Xavier, still standing by the entrance, his jaw tight, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.
Xavier didn't move for a moment, eyes fixed on where Kamsi had disappeared inside. Then, with a sharp exhale, he turned his glare on Gilbert.
"What the fuck was your problem, man?" Xavier's voice was low, but the irritation cut through the air like a knife. His words were venomous, sharp. "What the hell were you doing with her?"
Gilbert, unfazed, leaned back in his seat, his smirk widening. "Chill, bro," he said, though there was a flicker of something in his eyes, a brief acknowledgment of the raw anger in Xavier's tone. "I just dropped her off. It's no big deal."
Xavier's fists clenched at his sides, the tension rising. "No big deal?" he repeated, his voice dropping dangerously. "You think it's no big deal for you to be hanging around her like that?"
Gilbert's grin only widened, though there was a sharpness to it now. He leaned forward, meeting Xavier's glare head-on. "Relax, man. You know I'm not doing anything to upset you," he teased, though there was a challenge in his eyes that wasn't there before. "But maybe you should ask yourself why you care so much."
Xavier's jaw tightened, and for a split second, Gilbert thought he might do something more. But instead, Xavier just scoffed, spinning on his heel and shoving his hands in his pockets. "Fuck off," he muttered, the words thick with frustration.
Before he could storm off, he threw one last, venomous look over his shoulder. "Don't make me see you with her again," he spat, his warning hanging in the air.
Gilbert watched him leave, the smile slipping into something more knowing, almost mischievous. He wasn't about to let Xavier's possessiveness slide so easily. But for now, he had other things to think about. He put the car into drive and rolled away, clearly satisfied with the reaction he got from Xavier and he couldn't help but think,'I guess I'll just have to wait till he finds out what is actually feeling, '