"What?" Sydney's eyes widened in disbelief, her fingers nervously intertwining as her gaze flitted around the room, searching for solace in the familiarity of her surroundings.
With a hurried motion, she removed her glasses and stowed them away in the drawer, handling them with a care that belied her inner turmoil.
"Sydney, you're awfully quiet," Pene remarked, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the storm brewing within Sydney.
Pene's eyes tracked Sydney as she strode toward the closet, sensing an undercurrent of unease in her movements.
Sydney swiftly unlocked the wardrobe and retrieved her nightgown, her every action tinged with an unmistakable tension.
"Nothing happened between us; I'm just—" Her voice trailed off, leaving her words hanging in the air like unspoken confessions.
Pene's curiosity was piqued.
"Pene, did Mother mention anything when she called?" Sydney asked, her voice laced with an edge of worry.
"Not much, just that she was concerned for you. She also mentioned something about Father being worried about your reply to something and that he might be displeased if you let him down," Pene replied, her brow creasing in confusion as she carefully chose her words.
She looked up at Sydney, hoping for clarity.
"Sydney, what is Mother hinting at? What does it all mean?"
Sydney's eyes churned with emotion, her secrets swirling like a maelstrom.
She recalled the conversation she had with her mother six months earlier, after Jordan agreed to be her boyfriend.
Her mother's words lingered, an ever-present reminder of the weight of her decisions.
"Sydney, there's something unsaid. What's on your mind?" Pene's voice was gentle yet probing.
Sydney's gaze drifted, her thoughts miles away.
"I need to change," she murmured, her voice a mere whisper as Pene's concern deepened, watching Sydney disappear behind the bathroom door.
Pene's curiosity nagged at her, suspecting there was more to uncover. She moved toward the door, hoping to gain entry, but it was firmly shut.
"Sydney," she called, trying the handle, but there was no answer.
She knocked softly, then settled in to listen intently to the faint sounds emanating from within.
She could hear the unsettling sound of Sydney retching in the restroom.
"Are you alright, Sydney?" she shouted, her voice laced with worry, as she desperately tried to open the locked door.
"It's nothing, just my allergies acting up," Sydney replied weakly, the toilet flushing in the background.
Pene was both puzzled and concerned by the situation; what on earth could be happening?
She had hoped that Sydney's allergy would diminish after she started dating Jordan, but it seemed to have only intensified.
A year later...
As Jordan meticulously donned his attire for the evening, the anticipation of a special Valentine's Day filled the air.
He had gone above and beyond, booking an entire restaurant for a private dinner several days in advance; this wasn't just any ordinary date.
Tonight, he planned to ask Sydney the question that would change everything, with every detail carefully orchestrated.
His friend Michael lounged on the bed, his attention half-absorbed in his phone, while Jordan emerged from the dressing room looking dashing in a sleek red and black tuxedo.
"What do you think of this one?" Jordan asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice. Michael rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, knowing that his opinion wouldn't sway him.
For what felt like the hundredth time, he was forced to acknowledge the perfection of the outfit, yet again—
"Man, I've got nothing left to say. I'm all out," Michael remarked, tossing his hands up in defeat.
"But, Michael—"
"What's the issue, Jordan? Relax; you've got everything under control. You've splurged on a million-dollar ring for her and secured an entire restaurant for the big proposal. Let's not even discuss the seven outfits you bought for this night. Just make a decision, man. You're the one making this proposal," Michael responded, surrendering with a gesture, his eyes a mix of amusement and disbelief.
Jordan exhaled deeply, adjusting a button on his shirt as his head bowed slightly.
"I'm both anxious and thrilled about the plans I've crafted for Sydney's Valentine's Day. I genuinely want it to be unforgettable. This time, I want her to truly feel cherished and adored."
"If her love for you is truly sincere, she will embrace your requests and follow through with all your plans. I'm certain it will leave her astonished, and before you even propose, she might ask you to be her partner," Michael expressed with a knowing smile.
Jordan chuckled softly as he sauntered towards the expansive wall-to-floor mirror in his grand room, his chin tilting slightly as he turned his head to admire the upper half of his ensemble.
He brushed delicately on each side, ensuring every detail was perfect.
He indeed looked striking; at that moment, he basked in his reflection, his eyes gleaming with self-assurance.
Maybe this wasn't such a daunting task after all.
"By the way, did your father lend you the money?" Michael asked casually, his gaze still glued to his phone's screen, while Jordan's expression darkened, his eyes locking onto Michael's reflection with a guarded demeanor.
Realizing Jordan's silence, Michael lifted his head from his phone, meeting Jordan's intense gaze.
He swallowed hard, slightly unnerved by the intensity, as the atmosphere grew thick with tension.
The look made Jordan seem more formidable, with a shadowy aura enveloping the room.
"Hey, don't give me that glare," Michael remarked, feeling a chill trickle down his spine, his voice barely a whisper.
"You know I'm not going to ask him. Besides, Dad is too selfish to lend money to his own son unless he gets exactly what he wants, and we both know that's a disaster waiting to happen," Jordan's tone lightened slightly, caution lacing his words.
"That's quite a statement about your father," Michael replied, adjusting the ring on his middle finger, his eyes never leaving Jordan's.
"Just wait, when it's your turn, I'll tease you endlessly when you're about to propose to her. Then I'll remind you of how you acted when it was my time," Jordan said with a playful laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he walked over to his drawer, opening the safe that held luxurious watches, each nestled in its box and gleaming with allure like precious treasures.
"Jordan, are you finally going to reveal your true identity to Sydney this time?"
Jordan picked up a large, dazzling diamond watch and fastened it around his wrist, his eyes glinting with a hint of intrigue.
"Yes, I've been considering it. I think it's time Sydney knows who she's really dating. No more secrets between us."
"I'm sure she'll be shocked to find out that you're—" Michael was interrupted by the sudden ringing of Jordan's phone, slicing through the air like a startling revelation.
Jordan glanced at the screen, a flicker of urgency crossing his features.
"Oh sh*t, I have to go now, bye," Jordan exclaimed, rushing out of the room, leaving Michael with more questions than answers.
"Good luck with your proposal," Michael called after him as Jordan disappeared through the door.