Surprise

The video was still playing.

Lilian’s face filled the screen of my laptop, pale and trembling, her voice quivering perfectly on cue. The lighting was soft, almost angelic. The angle was chosen with care. Every bow, every slap, every stagger was measured.

I barely glanced at it.

I pushed the laptop aside with two fingers, the chair creaking softly as I leaned back and reached for my phone instead.

I didn’t care.

Not about her apology.

Not about the media circus.

Not about the lies wrapped in fake remorse.

My eyes were fixed on one thing.

Alice.

I refreshed the screen.

Nothing.

I frowned slightly.

I noticed it.

She had seen the message.

Read.

But no reply.

I stared at the chat for a few seconds longer than necessary, my jaw tightening just a bit.

“So that’s how you’re playing it,” I muttered.

I knew her.

If I framed it as a date, she wouldn’t come.

She was cautious now. Guarded. Too much history, too many wounds, too many eyes watching her every move.

I exhaled slowly and typed again.