~Nella~I wasn’t sure what Ashley wanted to talk about, but the look on her face said it all—serious, unreadable. And the fact that she’d come all the way to my place, even though we hadn’t spoken in weeks, told me whatever it was… it mattered.“You want to sit?” I asked gently.“Sure,” she murmured, moving to sit on the edge of my bed.I sat beside her, watching her closely. “What’s going on?”She was quiet for a while, staring at me—really staring—like she was searching for something in my eyes. Then she looked down and started biting her nails.“You can talk to me, Ash. I’m still me. You’re still you. Nothing’s changed,” I said softly.She looked up. “You’re sure?”“Yeah,” I nodded. “I’m sure.”Then her face crumpled, and the tears came rushing out. “I miss you… I miss us, Nella. And I’m so sorry. I was irrational about everything. I should’ve stayed calm and listened to you. Maybe things wouldn’t have gotten so messed up.”Tears welled in my own eyes as I pulled her into a tight h
~Nella~“And who the hell are you?” Eva hissed, her voice dripping with venom.“That’s my girlfriend,” Gray shot back, his tone low and seething with anger. “And this had better be the last time you ever lay a hand on her.”Eva turned to me with a twisted smirk. “So, you do have a man?” Then, back to Gray. “What a shame. Your precious girlfriend is trying to seduce mine. She’s literally throwing herself at Roy.”My heart pounded, but Roy’s voice cut through the tension.“Come off it, Eva. You have no right to my private life, okay? Stop with the drama.”Gray gripped my hand tightly and tried to pull me away, but I yanked my arm free.“What the hell are you doing here, Gray?” I snapped, the sting of embarrassment burning in my chest.He stared at me, confused and hurt. “What do you mean what’s wrong with me? Babe—”“This is my work space!” I shot back, my voice sharp and trembling. “Why would you show up like this? What were you thinking?”Eva let out a mocking laugh. “Wow. Can’t belie
~Nella~Gray was being impossible—and this was the worst time for him to act like this.“Get the hell away from my window, Gray, or I swear I’ll call the cops!” I shouted, my voice trembling with exhaustion and rage.“We need to talk, Nella!” he yelled back.“I don’t want to talk to you—not now! Why does your brain never function properly?” I snapped.“Just give me a minute! Please!”“I swear, if you shout again, I will call the police!” I slammed the window shut and walked back to my bed. My heart was pounding, my mind spinning. It took a long while before sleep finally pulled me under.Monday.A day that always managed to hit me the hardest.“Here,” Mum said softly as soon as she saw me downstairs, pressing a warm lunch box into my hands. “I made you breakfast and lunch.”“Mum… I’m okay,” I replied, trying to return the box.“She’s been really worried,” Payson chimed in, stepping into the kitchen. “And the last thing you want is to see her fall sick over this. Just take it, Nella.”
~Nella~The silence was suffocating.Ashley didn’t speak. She didn’t blink. She just stood there—frozen in the doorway, her eyes wide, glassy with disbelief. Her face had gone pale, like she was staring at something that shattered her inside.I opened my mouth, desperate to say something—anything—but the words tangled in my throat.Ethan slowly pulled away from me, the realisation of what just happened flooding his face with guilt.“Ashley…” I finally managed, my voice cracking. It sounded like a whisper strangled by panic.But it was already too late.She had turned around and was walking away—fast.I ran after her, my heart pounding like a war drum, my chest tightening with every breath. Ethan followed closely behind. We reached the middle of the living room when I caught up to her, grabbing her hand with trembling fingers.“Ashley, wait—please…” I gasped, breathless. “I can explain—”“Get your hands off me!” she snapped, her voice sharp enough to slice me open. She yanked her hand
~Nella~“What are you doing here?” I asked, still rooted to the spot as he stood on the stairs, shadowed by the porch light. Gray didn’t answer. He simply rose to his feet and took a slow, deliberate step toward me.“What the hell are you doing?” I snapped, my voice trembling, sharper than I intended.“Nella, please…” he whispered, his eyes pleading—but that was when I saw it.The knife.A small kitchen knife, gripped tightly in his hand.My breath caught in my throat. “Stay away from me, Gray,” I said, this time louder—sharper. A warning. A plea.“I can’t,” he murmured. “Babe, please just—”“Don’t!” I shouted, taking a step back. “I swear, if you come any closer, I’ll scream.”He froze for a second, his eyes flickering with desperation.“Babe—”“Leave!” My voice cracked as it climbed in volume, teetering on the edge of panic.Just then, the front door swung open and Lauren stepped out, holding a small tray.“Hey, Nella, you’re back and—”“Step back, Lauren,” I cut in sharply, never t
~Nella~I was finally dressed, and my makeup was as subtle as I’d hoped—but the result was magical. I looked like an angel. Soft, golden tones kissed my skin, and for the first time, I truly understood the hype about professional makeup. It wasn’t just about colour—it was artistry, and it made me feel like I’d just stepped out of a dream.My reflection in the full-length mirror stole my breath. The gold dress hugged my figure like it was sewn onto my skin, and the sparkle of the custom-crafted jewelry glinted under the soft bedroom lights. My heels added a final touch of power and grace. Tonight, I was everything I’d ever imagined a woman like me could be—confident, elegant, untouchable.A message popped up: Your ride is here to pick you up whenever you’re ready.When I walked down to the living room, mom and Payson gasped—and then screamed.“I need to take a video. You look… like a goddess!” Payson gushed, already lifting her phone to capture the moment.She filmed me from head to to
~Nella~It was obvious they both knew each other—and their roles in my life. But what was missing was that Gray still refused to accept he was now an ex, and Roy had no idea that Gray was an ex.“What is he doing here?” Gray asked.“You need to leave, Gray,” Mom said calmly.“I’m asking Nella—what the hell is your boss doing at your place?” he snapped.“Oh, please… come off it, Gray. That’s none of your business. So leave,” I fired back.“I promise you, I’ll be back. And when I do, I expect a proper explanation for this,” Gray said as he walked out.I immediately turned to Roy, who was holding a box in his hand.“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharp.“Calm down, Nella. He’s your boss,” Mom said gently.“Mom, please…” I muttered as I walked up to Roy. We stepped outside together.“What do you want?” I asked again, folding my arms.“You know, you still look gorgeous—even when you’re upset,” he said softly.“Roy, what do you want?” I asked again, clearly irritated. This was
~Nella~“What are you doing here, Nella?” Gray asked, his voice laced with shock.Was that even a real question? Wow.I turned around immediately, ready to walk away, to run if I had to. But before I could step out of the apartment, a familiar voice stopped me cold.“Nella, wait! Please!”Ashley’s mum. The last person I wanted to see. Not because I was angry—but because I was utterly disappointed. I didn’t even know how to look her in the eye. I felt too ashamed—for her, for myself, for everything.Still, I turned slowly.“I’m so sorry,” she began, voice trembling. “I—I don’t even know what to say. I know this is humiliating and… Please, Ashley must never find out about this.”She was wrapped in nothing but a blanket. Gray stood behind her, half-naked, a pair of shorts hanging low on his hips. It was more than awkward. It was degrading.“It’s fine,” I said quickly. “I promise I won’t tell her. But I really need to leave now.”“Nella, please. Forgive me. I swear on my daughter’s life,
~Nella~“Hey,” he said the moment he walked in.I could feel Victoria’s gaze flick between Roy and me.“Uhm, sorry—” she stood up abruptly, grabbing her phone. “I need to pick something up. I’ll be right back, okay? Just hold on for me.”Before I could respond, she slipped out, leaving the door slightly ajar.My palms grew clammy. My heart was doing that annoying thing where it beat too fast for no good reason—or maybe the reason had just walked in.“Hey, Nella,” Roy said again, still standing.“Good after—noon, sir,” I stammered, my voice cracking at the end.“Thanks for the food,” he said, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “It tasted really great.”I had sent him lunch earlier because I’d been too confused to decide on a proper gift. That had felt like the safest gesture.“You okay?” he asked, stepping a little closer.“Yeah, I’m good,” I said, shifting slightly away from him. “Why are you asking though?” I added, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.He paused, his eyes nar