The Scent of Secrets

Trigger Warning: This chapter contains content that may be disturbing to some readers, including themes of death and emotional distress. Reader discretion is advised.

"Do you have a reservation, ma'am?" the man asked as I gazed at the lavish restaurant. It was Friday night, so the place was packed. Most people were dressed to the nines, adorned with fancy clothes and jewelry. Earlier, a woman had given me a head-to-toe once-over, but I just arched an eyebrow, pretending to be unbothered.

A golden chandelier hung overhead, and the air smelled like a diamond store. I tilted my head up, feigning nonchalance, not wanting them to think I didn't belong here.

"Uhm, Perova?" I simply gave him my boyfriend's last name. He checked something on what looked like a tablet, then guided me to a table.

That's when I saw him. My man, Orion, in his best black suit. I thanked the man who led me, and Orion's hand brushed my back as he leaned in for a kiss. I caught the scent of his minty body spray. His hair was impeccably styled, and the restaurant lights made his charming face glow. I still couldn't believe he was my boyfriend; he looked like a K-pop idol who'd somehow gotten lost in the Philippines.

"Sorry I'm late, hon. It took me forever to find an outfit," I said as he pulled out my chair. I took a seat. "Why did we have to have dinner here? I can't afford this," I joked.

He just offered a quiet smile and poured water into my glass. My gaze drifted to the right, where an elderly couple sat. The man handed something to his wife, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. I felt a pang of envy. Would I ever experience something like that? Lost in my attention, I didn't notice a plate had been placed in front of me.

He must have ordered already. I stared at my plate in surprise.

"Steak?" I asked, confused.

"Why?" He raised an eyebrow, waiting for my answer. "Don't you like steak?" he asked, his voice unexpectedly cold.

I bit my lip, trying to calm myself.

"What's wrong, Ori?" I asked, my tone was serious.

Usually, he only ordered and served me salads or anything with just vegetables. He wanted me to be like him, a vegetarian, and disliked me eating pork or any meat. I didn't really enjoy eating only vegetables, but I endured it for him. I wanted to fit into his world. And in our two years together, this was the first time he'd ever given me meat. I knew something was up.

"Let's break up."

"Huh?" I asked, bewildered.

"I think you heard me right, Shady." He said it so calmly, continuing to eat his food as if it were nothing.

He seemed utterly indifferent.

I took a deep breath, gripping my fork tightly. I stared at him, feeling my face flush and my chest tightened.

"You're just joking, right?"

He sighed, then picked up his phone. My eyebrow shot up when he handed it to me. A message popped up from someone named EJ.

Break up with her then I'll give you a million.

"You're too stupid to believe a text like that, Orion. You're a doctor, don't be an idiot, okay?" I rolled my eyes.

He looked up at me, seemingly offended by my words. But it was true! Who would be foolish enough to believe a message like that? And why would we break up because of some random texter who thought they could dictate our lives?

To be honest, I was already a bit irritated with Orion. He was so nonchalant, and it often felt like we never met halfway; our interests were just too different. It was like we weren't compatible at all, but...

He was so good in bed. It would be such a waste.

Besides, he treated me like a princess, which was why I was so happy when he became my boyfriend, even if he sometimes zoned out or fell asleep when I was talking. But I loved him!

"Finish your food. I'll take you to your apartment. Thank you for everything."

Okay, I was done.

I stood up and grabbed my bag. I pulled out the small box inside and hurled what was supposed to be his gift, an MP3 player, at him. He liked listening to music while on duty, so I'd saved up to buy him this MP3 player, even if it was a bit old-school. And now he was breaking up with me? It hurts so much.

I saw the shocked faces of people, some even recording. Waiters seemed about to approach us, but I turned and walked out of the restaurant. I heard someone ask him if he was okay, noticing I'd hit him on the cheek.

I didn't look back, just kept walking straight. As I walked, people seemed afraid to look at me, probably because my eyebrows were furrowed, and my steps were heavy. In my mind, even though Orion could be somewhat uncaring or overly nonchalant, he wasn't usually like this when we were together. I knew something had been wrong even before this.

He hadn't picked me up, and he hadn't even complimented my outfit, which I'd spent ages choosing. I'd even worn my best thong and red heels, thinking he'd be attracted, but he wasn't. This dinner made me wear a knee-length black dress with a piano heart-shaped neckline, which I'd bought from a pre-loved clothes seller.

When my feet went numb from walking, I sat by the seashore near a park. It was ten o'clock at night, so the area was mostly deserted. There was a fiesta in the next barrio, which probably explained the lack of people strolling here tonight. I closed my eyes and breathed in the sea air, which smelled a bit fishy, but I didn't mind since this was where I wanted to be.

I listened to the gentle lapping of the waves and the faint hum of cars in the distance.

Just as I was about to doze off, Orion's face flashed in my mind, making me jolt awake before I could lose it entirely. I looked behind me and saw a car parked a short distance from where I sat. I checked the license plate and recognized it as Orion's. I slipped off my heels and walked toward his car.

It hadn't been there earlier.

"Maybe he was just playing a prank on me," I smiled to myself.

I couldn't tell if anyone was inside because Orion's windows were tinted.

That's why we sometimes make something spicy in here.

"Orion?" I knocked on the window. "You know what? I forgive you. I know you were just joking earlier, right?" I knocked again, but I didn't hear a sound or even a breath from Orion.

I pressed my face against the window, widening my eyes, hoping to see something.

"You know, I even wore your favorite outfit. We can, you know? I miss you already!" I pouted and tried the door. I shrieked when it opened.

And...

My eyes fell upon a body, half of it covered in blood. His eyes were closed, and I felt my knees tremble. I covered my mouth, realizing who it was.

Orion...

Large beads of sweat ran down my face, and my entire body felt paralyzed. My gaze remained fixed in his lifeless form.

Even with my hands stiff, I forced myself to grab my phone, about to call 911 when I heard barking. I looked to the side and saw a woman with a dog staring at me, then back at the lifeless person inside the car.

"Y-you!" she pointed at me.

Shit.

I shook my head, my chest growing heavy. The tears I had been holding back finally streamed down my face. When I saw her pull out her phone, I didn't know what else to do but run as fast as I could.

The cold wind rushed against me, and though something felt like it was piercing my feet, I ignored the pain, terrified of being blamed for what happened to Orion. I wiped my tears as my vision began to fade.

"Help..." I begged as my knees gave out. I collapsed onto the quiet road. Even though I wanted to stand, I had no strength left, consumed by thoughts of Orion's condition.