*Note: Hey guys, if you're reading as I'm updating, I added a TW on the first chapter and in the summary. I'll add it again here one last time.

⚠️TW: This story contains physical and emotional abuse⚠️

Song: "Warning Signs" by Alex Blue (formerly known as Alex G)

**

"No way, Lindsay did that?" Heather laughed as she talked to Courtney on the phone in her bedroom. "She's so-" another phone call interrupted the conversation. "Hey Courtney, can I call you back? Thank you." She picked up. "Hi, babe."

"Hey, love. How does a date at 6:00 sound?"

"Depends on what we're doing," she teased.

"Whatever you want."

"Hmm, I think takeout sounds good."

"Will your parents be home when I pick you up?"

"My mom will. Remember, my dad's on another one of his stupid business trips."

"Oh yeah. Make sure you look your best because I want to take you out to the city."

"Really? Holy shit! I'd love that, Chandler!"

"I knew you would. I'm excited to see you, Heather."

"Me too! I'll see you soon!"

"You too, love you, babe!"

"Love you too!" She hung up and couldn't help but squeal. She hadn't been out to the city in months because she never had time anymore.

"Heather, what are you doing up there?" her mother asked sharply from downstairs.

"I'm excited!"

"That's a first!"

"Bitch," she muttered to herself, getting up and looking for the perfect outfit to wear for the night.

Her mom opened her bedroom door and saw her looking through her closet. "I hope you're not planning on going out tonight. My parents are visiting for dinner."

Heather rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'm going out with Chandler."

"No, you're not. We already made plans."

"News flash—I don't care."

"News flash, you still live in my house."

"Mom, you know I can't stand grandma and grandpa!"

"You can't stand anyone!"

"I'm going with my boyfriend tonight, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

"—Fine! Then I hope you know we won't miss you tonight!"

"Ok? I won't miss you either!"

"Spoiled brat," she muttered before slamming her door.

Heather glared after her. She called Courtney back. "Hey!" Courtney answered. "How'd your call with Chandler go?"

"He's taking me out tonight!" She beamed happily.

"Where?!"

"To the city!"

"Oh my god!! Really?!"

"I haven't been there in forever because my parents hate me!"

"I seriously doubt that."

"You have no idea. My mom told me she would never take me back there because I got upset about how I looked in one pair of shorts! Like, she always expects me to love my body just because I'm related to her. It's so stupid!"

"That sounds like my mom. She always expects me to want to do my homework because that's how she was in school. I want good grades, but sometimes I get sick of being strict on myself, you know?"

"Yeah, definitely."

"Ok, back to Chandler," she laughed. "Does he have anything specific planned?"

"All I know is he's picking me up at 6:00. The rest of a surprise, I guess."

"Ooh, I like that. I wish Duncan would do that for me!"

"It's a small price to pay for dating him, huh? Not getting anything but sex on date nights."

"Hey! Duncan can be charming if he tries!"

"The day Duncan's "sweet" will be the day I break up with Chandler."

"Believe what you want, Heather, but I wouldn't still be with him if he weren't."

"If he ever breaks your heart, I'll kill him."

"Same goes for you and Chandler."

"Chandler wouldn't." She smiled, tracing shapes onto her bedsheets. "Two years is too long for that."

"I love that we both have great boyfriends. I feel so bad for Gwen, though."

"I don't."

"Heather!"

"What? It's not like Trent dumped her!"

"True, but breakups are never easy. Remember when Dunkie and I took a break last Winter?"

"If you wanna call it that. That was hardly a break."

"Yes, it was! We didn't talk to each other for two whole days!"

"Courtney, you crack me up."

"Heather, you make me want to crack YOU up."

"Thanks. That's what I'm here for."

"Love you, bestie. I have to go, though. Mom's yelling at me to do the dishes."

"Love you too." Heather hung up the phone and thought of what to wear for the night. She went back to her closet to look for an outfit. I'm definitely wearing a dress.

She found a short red one near the back and tried it on. Chandler will love this. He likes when I wear red. She turned around as if she were modeling for a magazine, feeling her curves. She frowned. They're not wide enough. Courtney's are wider. She's so lucky.

Heather took a picture and shot Chandler a message. Do you like this?👀

Chandler: Is that what you're wearing 2nite?

Heather: Maybe, depending on your answer ;)

Chandler: Is it the only red 1 u have?

Heather: Yeah

Chandler: Then it's beautiful♥️

Heather frowned. Why did you ask me if it was the only one I have?

Chandler: No reason, babes💕

Heather: Obviously there's a reason

Chandler: Fine, I'll tell u since ur practically begging me🙄

Heather: I'm not begging. Just tell me

Chandler: There's too much cleavage. We're gonna be around of a lot of ppl 2nite

Heather: And??

Chandler: Remember our discussion about showing too much skin?

Heather: It's a perfect dress for the occasion tho

Chandler: Maybe for later in bed, yeah, but not out in the city

Heather sighed. What do you want me to do about it? I don't have enough money to buy a new one rn

Chandler: That's fine. Just wear something over it

Heather: I will, but you're being ridiculous🤪

Chandler: I don't think it's ridiculous at all. No guy gets to look at my girl💜

Heather: K🙄

Chandler: Luv u

Heather: Love u too

Heather looked at the neckline on her dress. He's overreacting. No guy is going to do anything to me with this on. I'm not wearing anything over this.

**

Chandler rang the doorbell to Heather's house. Her mother answered it, thinking her parents had arrived. She scoffed when she saw Chandler. "Heather, it's for you!"

Heather frantically finished touching up her hair and makeup before rushing downstairs. Her mom took one look at her dress and grimaced. "Isn't it a bit too cold out for that?"

"It's still August, mom." she glowered.

"I told her to cover up, Mrs. Wilson," Chandler said politely with a slight chuckle.

Heather clenched her jaw. "Ok, fine. I'll go put my shawl on." She went back upstairs.

Her mom sighed. "Heather was supposed to stay here because my parents are coming over for dinner."

"Oh, they are? I'm so sorry, ma'am, I had no idea! Heather called and asked if I wanted to go out tonight, and of course, I couldn't say no."

"So Heather made plans when she knew we had company tonight?" Oh, she's in a whole world of trouble when she gets home.

"Yeah. I guess she didn't want to spend time with her grandparents, huh?" he teased.

She crossed her arms. "I guess not."

Heather came back down. "I'm ready, babe!"

"You look stunning."

"Thank you." She grinned.

"Bye, have fun or whatever." Her mother waved. Heather ignored her and walked out with Chandler hand-in-hand.

"Why didn't you cover up in the first place like I told you to?" Chandler walked her to his car.

"Because I didn't think it was that big a deal. It's just a dress; you're overreacting." She stopped at the passenger door.

"I'm overreacting? You're under-reacting." Chandler walked around to the driver's seat. Heather was taken aback, as he always opened the door for her. She grabbed the handle and got in. "You know exactly how I feel about this, Heather, so I don't get why you're still arguing." He started the car.

"Because I don't feel the same way! I honestly don't think any guy is going to hurt me tonight."

"It'll happen, trust me. Seeing that dress in person makes it way too hard to resist you." Chandler started driving.

"I'm sure they can resist me." She slid her left arm out.

"Whoa, stop!" He firmly jerked the sleeve towards her.

"Hey! You're going to stretch it!!"

"Then put the damn thing back on!"

"God, fine!" She did as he told her, scowling.

"Jesus, Heather, you could've caused me to crash!"

"That wasn't me! You pulled my shawl!"

"I wouldn't have pulled it if you would've just kept it on!"

"No one's gonna see me in the car!"

"Just shut up!"

"—Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Shut up."

"Don't tell me to shut up!" He slammed on the brakes. "Ow! Chandler, what the hell?!"

"I could turn this car around and take you back right now." he threatened in a low voice. "Do you want that?" Heather blinked. She never heard him speak like that. She shook her head no.

"Good. I don't wanna hear another word from you about the stupid dress." Chandler continued driving. Heather stayed silent for the rest of the ride.

When they arrived, Chandler got out of the car and opened Heather's door this time. He took her hand as she stepped out. "I picked the best restaurant for us."

This time, Heather needed a moment to process him opening the door after the argument that just took place between them. "Um, awesome." She forced a smile.

"What's wrong? I see that smile."

"Nothing! I'm really excited!"

"Was it because I yelled at you on the way? I'm so sorry for yelling. You know I don't like doing that to you." He held her hand.

"I know," she muttered.

"Hey." He rubbed her shoulder with his other hand. "Let's not let one fight ruin the whole night. I want to spend this special time with the love of my life. Where is she? I wanna see that smile." Heather couldn't help but smile, rolling her eyes. "There she is!" He grinned. "I love this, Heather. I love when you're happy. Now let's eat. Dinner and dessert are on me."

"Oh my god, you're kidding, right?"

"Do I ever make you pay?"

"No," she giggled. "But you said it's the best restaurant here."

"And the newest one. I have the money for it." He led her away from the car.

"Ok, I'm officially excited." She walked with him, holding onto his arm. Chandler stopped at a huge golden-colored building.

"Wait, don't tell me this is the restaurant."

"It's the restaurant."

"Oh my god—this is like a hotel! Have you been here before?" They walked in.

"At least five times since it opened a couple of weeks ago. My family decided this was a good place for their next banquet."

"You can sell this place out?"

"Absolutely. My dad's working on reservations already."

"Wow. Like, I know your family's rich, but not this rich!"

"I'll take you to my family's annual banquet this year since they all know and love you."

She gasped. "I'm so excited!"

"Table for two, please," he told the host.

"Of course, sir." He led them to a marble table by the window. A glass vase with a single red rose sat in the middle.

"Wow, I don't even know what to say." Heather blushed.

He laughed. "You don't need to say anything, baby. Just enjoy." He kissed her cheek, then pulled her chair out.

"This is so much better than spending dinner with my mom and grandparents." She sat down across from him. "All they do is talk about how I need to not go to college and just become a model. I'm running a business of models! That requires a lot more brainpower. I could see Lindsay becoming a model. I don't even know why she's bothering with college in the first place."

"Mhm." He looked through the menu. "I think I'd rather talk about what we're ordering than your college major."

"So now I can't even mention my major in front of you?"

"It makes me really sad, Heather. Now order your food."

Heather wanted to talk back but decided against it. She was tired of fighting. Just enjoy the night. She scanned her menu. "Oh, you know what I want." She laughed.

"Sushi?"

"Duh!"

"Do I know you or what?" He smirked proudly.

"Let me guess for you! I bet you're ordering a thin crust pizza with extra pepperoni."

"You got it!" They both laughed.

After they finished their dinner, Chandler ordered them a chocolate cake to share. They ate that and talked until he asked her to step out on the balcony with him. The late summer evening air blew through the trees and wafted the smell of freshly cut grass through the air.

"I can't believe you're doing all of this for me." Heather lovingly gazed at him.

"Why wouldn't I do all of this for you? You're the most amazing woman I know, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Chandler got down on one knee. Heather felt her heart stop, and her hands flew over her mouth. This can't be happening! "Heather, I love you with all my heart. We've been together for only two years, but it feels like I've known you all my life. We have so many wonderful memories together, and I want to make more, but only with you. No other woman would do. Heather Wilson, will you marry me?"

Her face flushed red, and her heart fluttered with joy. "Yes! I will marry you, Chandler!" He stood back up and slid the diamond ring on her finger. She hugged him, burying her head into the crook of his neck.

He rubbed her back. "I love you so much; you have no idea."

"I love you too," she hummed. "Can I spend the night at your house?"

"That's what I was hoping for," he whispered. "My parents aren't home. We can make love all night." He kissed her face repeatedly.

"That sounds wonderful. Screw my family," she giggled.

"Yeah, screw 'em. You don't need them."

"You know—you're right. All they do is bring me down."

"Plus, you have me. I'd never treat you like your parents treat you. Ever."

She held his hands. "I know. I wish we lived together."

"And we can live together soon. I just need to finish this semester. Then I'll have enough money to buy a huge house for the both of us."

"Yes!" She cheered. "I can't wait to live with you! It's gonna be so great! Chandler, this is like, really cheesy, but you're making all my dreams come true."

"That's what I live for, darling."

She kissed him slowly, nibbling his bottom lip. "How do I make your dreams come true?"

"You make my dreams come true in bed, baby," he whispered huskily. "I'm ready to see that dress of yours again. But on the floor this time."

She let out a shaky breath. "Then what are we waiting for?"

"Absolutely nothing."