1 — Friends Don’t Kiss

Nora

The crowd roared with praise as my husband floored the three racing cars ahead of him. He was now second place. Just one more left and he’d win the race! My heart bloomed with pride, causing me to look at the gift I had prepared for our sixth anniversary.

It was a simple silver necklace with a square amethyst locket. His favourite picture of the both of us sat inside, and I smiled again as I refocused my gaze on the car race.

I told him I wasn’t feeling well so I could surprise him after his big race today.

‘Caden, I wonder what gift you have prepared for me for our anniversary this year. I do hope you love mine, because with this necklace, I can be with you always.’

I watched with excitement and a growing aching need to be with him and celebrate our sixth anniversary, but as the race went on, something went terribly wrong.

I caught sight of the trail of gasoline that had now spread around the whole track, and milliseconds after, fire engulfed the track because of a car that had crashed and ignited.

Panic seized me and I immediately got up, my body propelling me forward before my brain got the time to properly process what was happening.

I heard people shouting behind me, making a beeline for the entrance so they could get to safety, but I was going the opposite direction. The only thing ringing in my head was that my husband was in danger.

As I got closer to the track, strong arms grabbed my waist, jerking my limbs forward, my hair flying in the wind and scattering from the beautiful updo I had taken time to do when I was getting ready.

He was Dorian Stone. My husband’s rival and the playboy who had tried to get me in his bed years earlier.

“Let me go, you bastard.” I screamed, thrashing in his hold as the smoke from the fire thickened, fear squeezing my heart and my thoughts running wild with possibilities.

“You need to calm down. It’s not safe to go in there.” He eased his hold on me, and I took my chance.

“My husband is in there. Maybe if you had a fucking wife, you’d understand the way I feel right now.” Without looking at his expression or waiting for his reply, I ran into the fire.

My hands frantically beat the flames that had caught on to the sleeve of my jacket, but I still went in.

My breathing was heavy, eyes were glistening and my whole body was shaking with fear. I couldn’t lose him. He was my whole world.

I finally spotted him, but I stopped dead in my tracks. I never thought I would wish to have listened to Dorian Stone.

My body stilled, and I stood there, clutching the anniversary gift I got for my husband with burned palms. A tear slid down my cheek, as I felt my body weaken.

He wasn't in the fire, but he was close, and at first, I was worried about him, but Caden was clutching another woman in his arms. Rory Adams, who was sometimes his race partner, but his friend nonetheless. Or at least, that’s what he told me.

But… friends don’t kiss.

If they were friends, why were they holding onto each other like they were life itself, their lips locked in a fiery and passionate kiss. 

They broke the kiss and I began to wonder how long it had been going on. This affair that they brazenly showed in front of everyone. How long had everyone else known that I was being played for a fool. 

My head spun and I started to feel dizzy. 

Still oblivious to the fact that I was there, my husband, with pure longing and desire in his eyes, brought her closer to him.

Rory had broken her leg, and movement seemed painful for her, that was why they were both on the ground, waiting for help. 

My mind replayed when I had broken my arm from a domestic accident and he only came to check up on me three times in the one month I spent in the hospital, but he was here, clutching this woman near a fire that could kill them both. 

But honestly, his affair wasn't even the most painful part. What truly tore me apart was what he said next.

“I love you, Rory. I wish it was you I married instead. If I didn’t think Nora would take the top spot medal away from me, I wouldn’t have impregnated her and asked her to marry me. I’d have just married you instead.”

Rory smiled and brought her bloody hands to his cheek, a lone tear falling from the side of her cheek. “I love you too, Caden.” Her tone cracked as she continued. “I… have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I’m pregnant.” My heart shattered as she said it, and I felt my knees weaken as I saw the  joy in my husband’s eyes for another woman. “I wanted it to be a surprise, but I guess this is punishment for ruining your marriage.”

Caden caressed her face, shaking his head. “No… It’s not your fault. It’s Nora’s fault for keeping us apart. She’s the bad luck in my life, and it's time I get rid of her. Once your leg is healed, I'll get rid of her so we can get married.”

The ache in my heart intensified as the pain spread through me. He didn’t even know I was there but he still blamed me. This is what he thought of me all these years. All the love he gave me, his promises… Everything. They were all for show.

To him… I was just bad luck.

You see, pain has a way of distabilizing you. I was so shocked by the double blow I recieved that I forgot to save myself and get out of the fire.

Just like the way my head was spiraling and the pressure in my heart was building up to an unbearable level, the engine of the car beside me – that I didn’t notice before – blew up, causing the car to erupt in flames.

The explosion threw me directly into a broken race track barrier that was sticking out. The iron impaled me through my stomach and my hands instinctively grabbed the area.

My eyes widened and my hands trembled as they became bloodied.

From the distance, I could see the medical team coming to help Rory as my husband fussed over her while I tried to call out to them but the pain was too much. I knew even if they managed to hear me through sme miracle, I wouldn't even make it. 

I was about to die all because I ran into the fire, throwing all caution into the wind for a husband who only saw me as a curse. As I seeped into the abyss, tears rolled down the side of my face.

I loved Caden with my soul, but it turns out he not only had an affair but never loved me all along. I was just his tool to get to the top.

“Caden, since you think I’m bad luck, if there is ever a next life, I pray for the chance to truly be that to you.”

If I had another chance, I’d pick myself, my freedom, and my happiness. A man like Caden was like rotten eggs. It’s only best to throw away so the whole house doesn’t smell.

I let my eyes close and let life seep from me, but shockingly, I opened my eyes again, and jerked off my bed, beads of sweat trickling down my forehead and chest.

Didn’t I just die on the racing track? Or was it all a dream?

My chest heaved as a wave of déjà vu rushed through me. I quickly grabbed my phone to check the date. ‘3RD of APRIL, 2025.’

Did I go back one whole year!?

My eyes scanned the room carefully and as they landed on the portrait of Caden, me and my daughter, Zara on the nightstand, a bitter taste filled my mouth.

‘If I didn’t think Nora would take the top spot medal away from me, I wouldn’t have impregnated her and asked her to manage the company.’ My mind replayed his words.

I quickly dialed my uncle’s number. He was my racing instructor, and one of the people who opposed my marriage to Caden. He picked on the second ring.

“Nora! To what do I owe this call?” A soft smile tugged the corners of my lips as his voice filled my ears.

“Uncle Colton! I have missed you so much!”

“Of course you have! If you hadn’t forfeited the last race, you’d be a top medal racer right now. You’d have even won the Hartridge award already!”

“I know… That’s why I want to start racing again.”

“But you haven’t raced in five years. You’d need to train, and you won’t be able to see your family for a whole year.”

I smiled. That was perfect for me. “Whatever it takes uncle, I’m ready to do it. I want to race again.”

"But... Why the sudden change? You gave up racing for your husband and family." I could hear the other words he wanted to say without him uttering them.

He was right. I had given up racing and given my all to a man who didn't even love me in the first place. How pathetic.

"I'm divorcing him."

The line was quiet for a bit before he spoke again, and if anything, I was grateful that he didn't push it.

“Alright then, I’ll get everything ready and I’ll send someone to get you in six days.”

“I also need to sort some things out first. Six days is perfect. I’ll be ready to leave by then.” I ended the call and Caden walked in.

“Where are you going in six days?”