Fated Love, Unwritten Endings

es, the tension between us a tangible thing. After a few m

er?" Frances suggested, her eyes

en glance at me for my opinion. He just took my arm, his t

t consulting me. I listened as he listed off dishes, each one a favorite of Frances's. Prosciutto with melon, mushroom

tal details. But strangely, I didn't feel the usual sting of disappointment.

nce, a ghost

of Caleb's phone. He excused himself and

f silver caught the light. It was the vintage watch. The one I had spent months r

I said, my voice dangerously

this? Caleb gave it to me. He said it was just some ol

y constructed calm shattered. This was the final straw. This was the

st, flies into a jealous rage. She causes a scene, tries to rip the watch from Frances's arm,

lash out. But then, a cold wave of self-preservation washed over me.

s right to give it to you," I said, my voice smooth as glass

ed by a flash of confusion and disappointment. This was

oup," she announced with forced cheerfulness. She walked ov

wder and offered it to me. "Here, Jaliyah. You l

knew, but had obviously never shared with his true love. But

ip. It crashed onto the floor by my feet, splashin

immediately filling with tears. "Jaliya

he novel

ncern. He went straight to Frances, his arm wrapping

ze then landed on me

bbed, burying her face in his chest. "I know she didn't mean

e. The perfect blend of victi

, my voice flat. "She

es. "You're being ridiculous, Jaliyah," he snapped, his voice fi

s arms and carried her out of the resta

ack over his shoulder. She gav

isunderstandings," and Caleb would invariably blame me. I was a malicious, jealous harpy. She was a fragil

face livid. "I can't take it anymore, Jaliyah! Why are you c

lose his temper. The first time I had seen such

g," I said, my voice

You're the one who bought me! You're the one who thinks money can solv

g. He left, slamming the door behind him, the

urge of panic. The plot was accelerating. If I didn't do something

I couldn't escape the plot, maybe I could accelerate it. Push the protago

drove to Franc

e door, her e

help you get Caleb. In return, you stop your little gam