Chapter 3

"So what do you mean by that? That we’re ending this relationship?" he asked, his voice low and trembling, but I didn’t answer. I didn’t want this to turn into another big fight. Yes, we argue sometimes, but never about serious things. And I didn’t want this to be one of them.

The drive was quiet for the rest of the trip until we finally reached my house. He stopped the car in front of our gate. I unbuckled my seatbelt, stepped out, and began to walk toward the entrance when I suddenly heard him call out my name.

"Babe."

I turned around to face him. I gave a small, faint smile. "Are you upset?" he asked softly.

I shook my head, walked closer, and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. But as soon as I pulled away, the memory of that night rushed back... vivid and haunting.

No. It was just a dream. It didn’t happen.

"Bye. Take good care," I said before heading inside our house.

Later that evening, I sat in my room, busy with my laptop, but something had been bothering me all day. I wanted to forget that night. I wanted to erase what I saw and pretend it never existed.

It reminded me of the third time I had dinner at Draken’s mansion with his family. His cousin Richard was there, along with his parents and that woman.

Draken’s father sat at the head of the table, his mother beside him. Across from them sat Richard, and next to him, the woman. Draken was seated across from her, while I sat beside my boyfriend, trying to smile despite the tension.

I could clearly see how that woman behaved her eyes on Draken, her gestures subtle but deliberate. She was undeniably beautiful, and I’ll admit it. But that didn’t mean she had the right to act that way toward my boyfriend.

Still, what could I do? That wasn’t my territory. I was just a guest.

I also remembered the kinds of questions his parents asked me that night; my background, our family business, my education. I could tell by the way they spoke that they were unimpressed. But when they turned their attention to the woman, their tone changed, laughter, interest, and approval.

It hurt. It hurt so much that I had to force a smile. I didn’t want to show any negativity. I wanted to prove that I was the right one for Draken.

But maybe I wasn’t.

I closed my eyes for a moment and shook my head, trying to forget everything. But that night stayed with me.The night that changed something deep within me. The pain in my chest was unbearable. I wished I had never seen it.

After dinner, Draken’s mother asked him to escort the woman to her car. I didn’t follow them. I stayed inside, answering a call from one of our friends who was looking for Draken. When the call ended, I went out to find him.

And that’s when I saw them.

At first, I thought they were just talking. The woman was laughing, touching his shoulder playfully. I tried to convince myself it was nothing. That maybe, they were just friends. But then, I saw it. Her hand slowly sliding to his arm. Her fingers resting against his chest.

And Draken... didn’t move away.

I froze in place, my heart thundering. My legs felt weak. My hands began to tremble. Then I saw her lean closer. Too close and press her lips against his.

Five seconds. Maybe less. But to me, it felt like eternity.

What broke me completely was that Draken didn’t push her away. He responded.

That image has haunted me ever since.

I never told him what I saw. I never confronted him or his family. Instead, I buried it deep inside me, pretending it never happened. I kept reminding myself that every relationship has trials. That love means holding on even when it hurts. And I loved him. I loved him too much to let go.

But the truth is, I’ve been carrying that pain alone. I cry silently, always when no one’s around.

"Mathia? Mathia?"

I quickly wiped my tears and looked toward the door. It was my younger brother, Matthew. "What is it, Math?" I asked, forcing a calm tone.

"Do you have an eraser? I lost mine."

Tsk!

I picked up my eraser, opened the door just enough to hand it to him. "Here."

"Thanks. Hmm... wait, why are your eyes—Hmm, I think you’ve been—"

"Are you taking this or not?" I interrupted sharply.

"Okay, okay! Sorry. Thank you," he said, chuckling nervously before walking away.

I sighed as I closed the door. If there’s anyone who can read me like an open book, it’s my brother, Matthew. He knows every shift of my emotions.

I returned to my bed and focused back on my laptop. I was editing a tarpaulin—photos of Draken and me. Our fourth anniversary was coming up, and I wanted to plan something special. A private celebration just the two of us. I wanted to prepare everything myself...the food, the decorations, the entire setup.

I wanted to give my best for us. For him. Despite everything.

Hmm... four months left to prepare. I could still save up enough money for it.

And one last thing... wait.

What should I even give him for our anniversary?