Chapter 3

SOPHIE’s POV

‘’That’s so pathetic!’’ 

Daisy’s laughter hit my ear like a cruel joke. ‘’Why don’t we make a bet…’’

I didn’t know when tears slipped down my cheeks.

I stepped back slowly, biting the inside of my cheeks till the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. 

I couldn’t believe it.

For years, Noah had been my best friend.

He cared for me, loved me.

Even when I was at my lowest and could barely pay my tuition f*e or get access to my student loan, he chipped in.

He helped me out in my darkest, cheered me up on my lowest and called me a nerd with a smile on his face while other did so to mock me. 

That was the reason why I loved him.

The reason why I couldn’t stop loving him.

The reason why I helped out with all his projects, his report, his thesis and listened to him whine about every girl he’d shoved his dick in.

It was because I loved him!

And it was okay if he didn’t share the same feelings.

But hearing him speak of me like I was some worthless rag worth discarding, my heart couldn’t help but shatter. 

He didn’t think of me as a friend. He thought of me as a pathetic dork who worshipped the ground he walked on.

The tears finally flowed down freely and I stepped back, my body trembling.

I dropped the bowl of soup and the cold medications on the dining table before bolting out of his house, my breath shaky with sobs. 

Whoever had placed a bet on me bringing him medications could have a field day for all I cared!

The sky suddenly rubbled and just as quickly, rain started to fall, drenching me.

I sobbed louder, my legs drumming against the damp floor as I ran, not caring about the rain.

I suddenly bumped into someone, the impact almost knocking the air out of my lungs.

I yelped, feeling my body crumbling down to the floor. 

But I never fell.

Strong arms wrapped around my waist, tugging me upwards.

‘’Careful.’’ a deep voice muttered.

I slowly opened my eyes, my chest heaving as I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding. 

I could see the silhouette of a person’s shadow looming over me.

But with the water blurring my glasses, I could barely make out the face.

Slowly but deliberately, I peeled his fingers off my waist. 

Without a word, I brushed past him and ran in the rain, letting the cold water soak me as a symbol of shame and embarrassment for giving my all, only for it to be interpreted as desperation.

By the time I threw open the door to my apartment, I was shivering violently. 

Hannah jumped up from the couch, her eyes widening in shock as she stared at me.

"Oh my god, what happened to you? Did you get caught in the—"

Before she could finish her sentence, I rushed to her and collapsed into her arms. 

I bawled my eyes out, the heavy, ugly sobs tearing from my throat as I choked out the words Noah had said about me.

Hannah held me tightly, her hand brushing through my back as she comforted me. 

Then slowly, she pulled me away and stared at me with anger and sympathy.

‘’Look. I know it hurts.’’ She started, wiping a tear from my cheek. ‘’But honestly? It’s good that you finally heard it. Maybe listening in on him and his little tramp is the universe giving you a wake up call. This is your chance to back off, stop obsessing over him and move the fuck on!’’

My face took a ugly turn. ‘’You don’t understand!’’ I cried, my voice cracking. ‘’I can’t just go ‘screw him’ and things would magically be okay!’’

Hannah’s expression hardened into one of pure determination. Then a sly smirk broke out on her lips. ‘’I know it’s not easy, Sophie. But the first step is saying ‘screw him’ and then…well, getting screwed.’’

Oh hell no!

Before I could protest, she grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me to her room, my footstep leaving trails of water droplets.

Hannah hauled me into the bathroom and in a matter of minutes, my glasses disappeared, replaced by a pair of contact lenses. 

My face that was once pale with mascara smeered over my cheeks was magically dolled up with a smoky eye makeup look.

Hannah worked her magic on me, throwing me into a sleek off shoulder dress, one I would never dare wear on a normal day.

By the time she was done, I was looking at a different person in the mirror.

And I couldn’t help but think… if I actually looked like this, would Noah have fallen in-love with me?

Would I still be considered pathetic in his eyes?

‘’Don’t you fucking think about Noah!’’ Hannah’s voice cut through my thoughts as she glared daggers at me. 

I straightened and corked a forced smile her way. ‘’Let’s go!’’

—

An hour later, we stood inside of an adult club, loud music blaring and neon lights flashing.

Hannah dragged me to the bar section of the club and I plopped one of the barstool, waiting for her to place an order.

My eyes darted around as I waited, noticing all the lustful gazes that fell on me.   

It was disgusting. 

I shifted in my seat, covering my shoulders properly while feeling completely out of place.

This was hopeless, I couldn’t do it!

I got off the stool and walked to Hannah, accepting defeat. ‘’Hannah I don’t think I can—‘’

‘’Look.’’ She nudged me, yelling over the music and pointing towards a dark corner booth. ‘’In the back. Broad shoulders. Looks like he could snap a tree in half. Go for it.’’

I shook my head, shrinking back. ‘’I don’t think this is a good idea. I can’t stop thinking about—‘’

‘’Hey!’’ Hannah grabbed me by the shoulders, jolting me out of my reverie. ‘’Right now, at this exact second, that jerk is probably shoving his dick in Daisy’s mouth. And guess what she’s moaning?’’

My body trembled, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. ‘’What?’’ My voice was barely a whisper.

‘’That you’re fucking pathetic! And you should stay the fuck away from her BOYFRIEND! Are you seriously gonna stand here and mourn him?’’ Her voice rose, like she wanted to get every word sunk into my head.

And it did because she was right. 

Noah didn’t give two fucks about me.

He hadn’t even called since I told him I couldn’t come over.

Hannah’s words echoed like a slap to the face. 

He was probably celebrating that he’d won the bet.

‘’Fine!’’ I muttered, gathering courage.

I walked towards the dark corner booth, my heart beating incessantly in my chest.

With every close step I took, his face came to light.

He looked oddly familiar. Like I’d seen him somewhere, maybe on TV.

I shook the thoughts away, not giving my brain room to chicken out.

I stepped into his space, my lungs freezing. 

Before he could even register my presence, I crouched down, wrapped my hands around the collar of his jacket and pulled him into a hard, sudden kiss.

His lips were soft, tasting of expensive liquor. 

For a brief moment, he froze.

Then his hand instinctively came up and gripped my wrist. Then he pulled me away slowly, breaking the kiss.

Shame clamored down on me as the realization of what I had just done twirled in the pit of my stomach. 

He stared down at me, his eyes narrowing in amusement and mockery. A smirk touched his lips. ‘’Well, Aren’t you a little desperate?’’