My mom was clearly concerned, her voice filled with hesitation. “Did your dad and I do something to upset you?”
I could see the worry in their eyes, a look that tugged at my heart. I smiled softly, shaking my head, assuring them it was nothing before retreating to my room.
They had always adored me and protected me with everything they had. I didn’t believe for a second they could ever hurt me. But why had they, in my previous life, stood by and helped my best friend’s husband accuse me? What had gone wrong?
As I pondered, something suddenly clicked in my mind.
I grabbed my phone, dialing a number with urgency. “I need you to look into something for me. Do it quickly.”
An hour later, the information came through. My hand trembled as I held the phone, the cold grip of fear settling in. It was exactly what I had feared.
Just then, my best friend posted a message on her social media.
“No rumor or gossip can break my love for you. I firmly believe you are the best.”
Attached was a photo of her and her husband, their hands intertwined, a picture of intimate affection.
I couldn’t help but click “like” quietly.
Then, without a second thought, I opened the chat with my best friend’s husband, Colton Gasper, and sent a simple message.
“Can you ring in the New Year with me tonight?”
Within seconds, Colton replied. “Just the two of us?”
I typed back quickly, my fingers moving with anticipation. “Yes, is that okay?”
For a moment, the message bubble showed “typing,” followed by a few pauses, erasures, and hesitations. Finally, he typed. “I’m coming to pick you up now.”
I didn’t respond but instead turned to my parents, saying softly. “I have something to do; I’ll be back later.”
At the sound of my voice, my dad immediately reached into his wallet, pulled out a card, and handed it to me. “Are you going out to celebrate the New Year with friends? Take this card, spend it as you like, and come back when you’re done having fun.”
My mom chimed in, her voice warm yet teasing. “Yes, young people should go out more.”
“You’re too much of a homebody. You’ve never had a relationship at your age. I’m worried you’ll be too innocent; what if someone tricks you in the future?”
Her words were soft, filled with a mother’s concern, but there was love in her gaze.
I didn’t argue. I simply took the card, flashed them a small smile, and turned to leave.
In the underground parking lot, Colton’s car was already waiting, its headlights cutting through the shadows.
As soon as he spotted me, Colton immediately stepped out of the car, his eyes darting around the parking lot as he asked, “Where’s my wife? Is she with you?”
I gave a casual shrug, playing the part of innocence.
“No, it’s just me.”
Colton studied me, his gaze sharp and full of suspicion.
“Don’t play games with me. You must be here to test my loyalty to my wife.”
“I’m not falling for it.”
He called out to the empty lot, his voice carrying in the quiet night.
“Sweetheart, I know you’re here. I came to pick you up. Hurry up and come out; stop causing trouble.”
I watched him, amused by his guilty actions, and couldn’t help but scoff.
“Stop calling out. I’m not that bored to come out and test you.”
With a slow, deliberate step, I walked toward him, my fingers adjusting his collar as I spoke softly, “I just simply wanted to ask you out.”
Hearing my soft whisper, Colton’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and his voice deepened.
“Really?”
I smiled faintly, meeting his gaze with a hint of mystery in my eyes.
“Of course.”
Our eyes locked in a silent, charged moment.
Colton’s breath grew noticeably heavier, his unease palpable.
“Aren’t you worried my wife might find out?”
He paused, his voice dropping lower.
“Once, a woman merely spoke to me for a while, and my wife beat her so badly, she’s still in the hospital.”
“If she finds out you asked me to ring in the New Year with you... she might kill you.”
