"You... you slept here?" Tyler's voice was a tight whisper, his eyes wide with surprise as he stared at Laxus. Laxus, caught off guard, stammered, "Yeah, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to..."
My gaze darted between them, confusion swirling within me. "Why are you apologizing?" I whispered to Laxus, my voice barely audible. He turned to me, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "I should apologize to your brother," he mumbled, his gaze dropping.
I couldn't help but smirk. "You don't need to apologize. It's fine. You're still married to my sister," Tyler said, his gaze shifting to me. He gave a quick nod, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I should go now. Have fun!" And with that, he disappeared out the door.
I rubbed my temples, the tension building in my head. "You can leave now," I told Laxus, trying to keep my voice steady. "Sorry for what happened last night." His presence felt heavy, and I desperately wanted him gone.
But he didn't move. "Why are you apologizing?" He asked, a slow smirk spreading across his face. "I liked what happened last night."
My breath hitched. "It was a mistake, Laxus," I said, my voice tight. The smirk vanished from his face, replaced by a look of regret. "Yeah, you're right. It was a mistake," he mumbled, gathering his belongings from the floor.
As he reached for the door, I instinctively stopped him. My heart pounded in my chest, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.
"Where are you going?" I questioned, my voice laced with urgency. He blinked, looking at me with a confused expression.
"Ahm, leaving?" he responded, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"No, not that way!" I exclaimed, pulling him back from the door. "Where do you think I should..." My words trailed off as I instinctively opened the window.
Our eyes met, a silent understanding passing between us. He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he peered out into the night.
"Why should I do that?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.
"My parents! They'll see you coming out of my room," I whispered, picturing their shocked faces. The thought of the chaos that would ensue sent a shiver down my spine.
"And?" he countered, his gaze intense, his eyes searching mine.
"Gosh! Are you out of your mind? We did something we shouldn't have!" I exclaimed, my voice laced with frustration and a hint of panic. He fell silent, his smirk fading as he absorbed the weight of my words.
We stood there, locked in a silent exchange, for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he nodded, his eyes acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"Dang," he muttered, his voice a low murmur. With a swift motion, he disappeared out the window. It wasn't that high, a familiar escape route from our college days.
He landed gracefully on the ground, meeting my gaze once more with a reassuring nod. I watched him leave, a nagging sense of unease settling in my stomach. He didn't take his car. "Dang! How am I going to get his car back?" I thought, a new wave of frustration washing over me.
The rhythmic knock on the door startled me, and I quickly shut the window. I rushed to the bathroom, the door swinging open as I fumbled with my toothbrush.
"Is he still here?" Tyler's voice echoed from the room, his footsteps audible on the wooden floor.
"Not anymore," I mumbled, my mouth full of toothpaste.
"How about his car?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity. I took a deep breath, trying to mask my growing anxiety.
"He'll get it later," I said, rinsing my mouth with mouthwash.
"Mom asked me about his car," he stated, his words sending a jolt of panic through me. I choked on my own saliva, my throat suddenly dry.
I put down my toothbrush, turning to face him. "Then what did you answer?" I asked, my voice strained. He just smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Guess it," he said, before disappearing out of my room.
I stepped out into the hallway, searching for Tyler. He was nowhere to be seen. Where did he go? Just then, I heard the unmistakable roar of a sports car. Don't tell me…
Laxus' car pulled up, but it was Tyler behind the wheel. The window rolled down, revealing a smug grin on his face.
"Dang! This car is awesome," he said, stopping in front of me.
"Get out of the car and give me the key," I demanded, my voice tight with frustration. He remained seated, his grin widening.
"Laxus let me use it today," he replied, his voice dripping with nonchalance. He rolled up the window, leaving me fuming.
I watched as he drove away, a wave of helplessness washing over me. Shaking my head in disbelief, I went back inside and started packing.
My phone buzzed, interrupting my packing. It was Joana.
"Hey!" I answered, my voice strained. But instead of Joana's voice, I heard Tyler's playful tone.
"Quiet!" Joana's voice cut through the air, clearly directed at Tyler.
"Are you alright?" I asked, my concern genuine. Tyler made another noise, a playful taunt.
"Stop it! You're so childish!" Joana snapped, ending the call abruptly.
I shook my head, a wave of disbelief washing over me. I continued packing, the weight of the situation settling in my stomach. With my suitcase finally closed, I pulled out my plane ticket. My flight was scheduled for tomorrow.
I grabbed my phone from the side table and dialed Trisha's number. After a few rings, she answered.
"Where are you?" I asked, my voice a little strained.
"In my safe haven, why?" she replied, her voice laced with curiosity.
"Let's have a drink tonight," I suggested, heading towards my closet.
"Oh! That sounds great. Did you tell Joana about this?" she asked, her voice excited.
"Not yet. She's busy right now," I answered, tucking my plane ticket into my handbag.
"Yeah, she's busy with your brother," Trisha said, a hint of amusement in her voice. I smirked, knowing she was right.
"I'll send you the address later. See you!" I said, ending the call.
As darkness enveloped the room, I prepared myself for the night. I had already called Joana about going out, and she had readily agreed.
I was in the middle of applying my makeup when Tyler barged into my room. He looked furious, his face flushed, but I pretended not to notice. He sat on my bed, his silence a palpable presence, and waited for me to finish.
"Why are you here again?" I asked, finally putting my brushes away.
"You're going clubbing with my girlfriend," he said, his voice tight with irritation. I turned to face him, my eyebrows raised in disbelief.
"She's my best friend first, before she became your girlfriend," I reminded him. He stared at me, his gaze intense, his frustration evident.
I couldn't believe how childish my brother was being.
I headed to the garage, my car waiting patiently. As I reached for the door handle, Tyler slammed it shut.
"What the hell are you doing?" I asked, my voice sharp with annoyance. He looked at me, his expression was serious.
"Call me if something happens there," he said, his voice firm. I nodded, my frustration growing.
I opened the door again and slid into the driver's seat. I sent Trisha the location of the club and then drove to pick up Joana. I pulled up in front of her house, and she came out immediately, her face lit up with excitement.
"Hey, gorgeous!" I greeted Joana as she hopped into my car.
"Let's enjoy the party!" she exclaimed, her voice full of energy. I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips.
I drove to the club, the anticipation building with each passing moment. I parked in the lot and we stepped out, the pulsating beat of the music already reaching our ears.
We waited for Trisha, and soon her car pulled up beside mine. She hopped out, her face lit up with a mischievous grin. We walked into the club, the loud music engulfing us. This would be my last night out here, I thought, savoring the moment.
We snagged a table and Joana immediately ordered drinks. The vodka arrived, and we clinked glasses, the ice clinking in the chilled liquid.
"I called earlier, right?" Joana asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I nodded, my brow furrowed with confusion.
"Why are you calling me though?" I asked, taking a sip of my drink. She finished hers before answering, her gaze serious.
She set her glass down and leaned forward, her expression intense.
"We're planning to go with you," Joana announced, her voice firm. I stopped drinking, my eyes widening in surprise. Trisha looked shocked too.
"What are you saying?" I asked, needing clarification.
"Tyler and I decided to go with you," Joana repeated, her voice unwavering. I fell silent, my mind racing with possibilities.
"Are you sure about that? You're going to leave your life here," I asked Joana, needing clarification. She nodded, her gaze unwavering.
"I told you, we already decided that," she replied, her voice firm. I nodded, a mix of surprise and excitement swirling within me.
"Yeah, you can come with me," I said, a smile spreading across my face.
"You know I can't make that bold decision, Tyra," Trisha said, her voice laced with uncertainty. I smiled at her reassuringly.
"I know that, Trisha! Don't worry!" I replied, and we resumed our drinks.
We were mid-conversation when a commotion erupted at a nearby table.
"We need to leave," I said, my voice urgent. They agreed instantly, their faces mirroring my concern.
We left the club, the loud music fading behind us, and headed to another one to continue our night. As we searched for a table, my eyes caught sight of familiar faces.
I stopped in my tracks, my heart skipping a beat. Laxus was sitting at a table across from us, deep in conversation with his friends. He didn't notice me staring.
"Where are you looking, Tyra?" Trisha asked, her voice curious. She followed my gaze, her eyes landing on Laxus. Joana, too, noticed him, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement.
"Should we choose another club?" Joana suggested, but I shook my head.
"We have a different life now," I said, my voice firm. They followed me to a vacant table, my mind swirling with thoughts.
I ordered beers, the familiar taste a welcome comfort. We drank, the laughter and conversation flowing freely, until I felt a pleasant buzz.
"I'm just going to the bathroom," I announced, my head feeling slightly light. They nodded, continuing their conversation.
I stood up and walked towards the bathroom, my head spinning just a little. As I was in the cubicle, I heard someone throwing up, and I quickly left after washing my hands. I was in a hurry when I bumped into someone. The familiar scent hit me, and he grabbed my arm.
"You're clubbing again!" I heard Laxus' voice, a melody to my ears.
"Love!" I murmured, my heart skipping a beat. He looked surprised, his eyes widening.
"Did you just call me with our endearment?" he asked, a smile spreading across his face.
I snapped back to reality, gently pushing Laxus away. I left the club, my head spinning, and messaged Trisha to drop Joana off at her house. Trisha didn't ask any questions, letting me rest at home. I collapsed onto my bed and immediately fell asleep.
I woke up with a pounding headache, my head throbbing. On my side table, I found some medicine and a letter.
"Eat first before drinking this," I read, a smile tugging at my lips. It was from my Mom.
I placed the letter back on the table, my heart warmed by her thoughtfulness. I stood up, my eyes catching my reflection in the mirror. I was still wearing the dress from the night before.
I took a bath and ate breakfast, the food settling my stomach. Afterward, I took the medicine my Mom had given me, hoping it would ease my hangover.
"Are you ready?" Tyler asked, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"Yeah!" I replied, grabbing my luggage and heading out of my room.
As we reached the front door, our parents entered, their eyes filled with emotion. They saw my luggage and Mom immediately hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"Mom, stop crying!" I said, trying to comfort her. She continued to sob into my shoulder, her grip tightening.
We stepped outside, where Joana was waiting. We loaded our luggage into the car and piled in, the engine humming with anticipation.
We arrived at the airport, and Dad helped me with my luggage. As we waited for our flight, I decided to buy a bottle of water to calm my nerves.
I sipped the water, my eyes scanning the crowd. Why was I searching for him? Why was I looking for Laxus?
Our flight was called, and I rejoined my family. They hugged me tightly, their love and support a comforting embrace. I glanced at my phone, my eyes falling on the picture of my divorce papers. My marriage with Laxus was finally over.