Chapter 7
That night, I gave in to his temptation.
I followed my heart and pressed a kiss to that bright little mole beneath
his eye.
He let out a faint, contented hum.
I woke up because of the heat.
When I opened my eyes, a soft, fluffy head was nestled against my chest. Vincent had me in a full–body bear hug, holding me tightly.
When I moved, he held me tighter, kissed my cheek, and whispered, “Debra, be good and sleep a bit longer.”
I traced his face with my fingertips, unable to stop myself from marveling
at him.
However, I quickly pulled my hand away as regret crept over what happened last night.
I knew this was wrong, and he was still underage.
It was as if he had read my thoughts because he suddenly caught my
wrist.
“Debra, last night was my 18th birthday, and I’m glad to spend it with
you.”
I froze. And just like that, the last trace of guilt vanished.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. “I’m glad too.”
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Chapter 7
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After a few sweet, sugar–filled days, I finally remembered to send Randy’s stuff back to him.
“Thanks for your help, sir,” I told the mover.
Looking at the now–empty entryway, I felt a strange sense of relief.
That toxic relationship should have ended long ago.
“Debra, let’s have dinner tonight.”
I smiled and agreed, but just as I was about to close WhatsApp, I noticed over 99 unread messages in one group chat.
I realized I’d muted the group with Randy ages ago.
I clicked in and casually skimmed. The general content was about how today he and his buddies were officially throwing a welcome party for Audrey.
I had no interest, so I left the group immediately.
At work, I kept thinking about what gift I should get Vincent.
A boy’s coming–of–age was a big deal.
Nonetheless, he lacked nothing, and this made the task much more
difficult.
That evening, I poured my heart into dressing up for our dinner.
“Sorry, Debra. Something suddenly came up at home, so I might be a little late. But I’ve already reserved the table, and you can go up first,” Vincent texted.
“Not a problem. Take your time. I will wait for you.”
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“You’re the best!”
I looked up after sending the message and spotted Randy standing nearby.
Half his face was hidden in the shadows, so I couldn’t see his expression.
1 calmly looked away and brushed past him.
“Debra. I’m so17)
1 paused mid–step.
Randy turned around. His face was filled with exhaustion, and his eyes were full of remorse.
“I lied to you. I’m sorry. But you were never just a substitute for Audrey in my heart. Like you said, you’re you. I was stubborn and tried to project my feelings for her onto you.
“I’m sorry for upsetting you, and I realize I was wrong. Can you forgive me?”
Randy caused me immense pain. He made me question everything I believed in and left me feeling utterly lost. Because of him, I began to wonder if I truly wasn’t enough and if I was nothing more than a shadow.
I’d fought hard to pull myself out of that despair, and his simple sorry wasn’t enough for me to forget all that pain.
1 looked past him and saw Vincent rushing toward me.
“No. Please move. My boyfriend is here.” I smiled indifferently.
