Melanie

Today

The familiar warmth of Mallory's apartment embraces me as Daniel and I step inside. The scent of something delicious cooking wafts through the air, and I can't help but feel a sense of comfort settling in. It's been too long since I've been here, and the anticipation to spend quality time with my sister overwhelms me.

Mallory rushes out of the kitchen, a wide grin on her face. "Melanie!" she exclaims, enveloping me in a tight hug. "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too, Mal," I reply, savoring the warmth of her embrace. We pull back, and I take a moment to study her. Mallory looks radiant, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Her happiness is contagious, and it makes me even more excited to be here.

My gaze shifts to Adam, who is standing nearby. "Adam, this is Daniel, my boyfriend," I say, introducing the two. They exchange a firm handshake, sizing each other up.

"Nice to meet you, Daniel," Adam says, offering a friendly smile.

Daniel reciprocates, "Likewise, Adam."

Adam slides his arm around Mallory's waist and looks at her with adoration. Ugh, these two are so cute together. Then Adam looks at us and smiles. "Welcome, both of you. Make yourselves comfortable. Can I get you something to drink?"

"I'll take a glass of wine," I say, settling onto the couch beside Daniel.

"Whiskey for me," Daniel adds.

Adam nods, heading back to the kitchen to prepare our drinks. Mallory takes a seat across from us, her eyes flickering between me and Daniel.

"How have you been, Mel?" she inquires, her eyes filled with sisterly concern.

I feel a warmth spread across my cheeks as I glance at Daniel, then back to Mallory. "Actually, I have some news," I begin, my voice a bit shaky. Daniel shoots me a quizzical look, and I take a deep breath before continuing. "I rented my own place."

Mallory's eyes widen with excitement, and she squeals with joy. "That's amazing, Mel! Congratulations!" she exclaims, clapping her hands together.

I beam at her enthusiasm, appreciating her genuine happiness for me. However, as my gaze shifts towards Daniel, I notice a storm brewing in his eyes. His expression tightens, and his jaw clenches, signaling his discomfort.

"What?" Daniel's voice is tense, and his brows furrow with confusion.

I try to reassure him, "It's just something I've been thinking about, and I found the perfect apartment. It's a big step for me."

"Why do you need your own place?" Daniel's tone is more accusatory than curious, and I sense his displeasure.

I take a deep breath, attempting to navigate the tension. "I just feel like it's time for me to have my own space, you know? I love staying with Mom and Dad, but I want to experience living independently."

Daniel's frustration is palpable as he retorts, "But you're fine at your parents' place. Why change that?"

I meet his gaze, trying to convey my feelings. "It's not about it not being fine, Daniel. It's about personal growth, independence, and having a space that's mine."

His disapproval lingers, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind. Mallory, sensing the tension, interjects, "Well, I think it's wonderful, Mel. Living on your own is a great experience. And I'm sure Adam and I will visit you as often as we can."

Adam returns with a glass of wine for me and a whiskey for Daniel, and he settles beside Mallory.

"So, what did I miss?" Adam asks, a curious smile on his face.

Mallory's eyes remain fixed on Daniel as she breaks the news. "Melanie rented her own place."

"That's fantastic, Mel! Congratulations!" Adam exclaims, raising his glass in a toast.

However, Daniel's reaction is less enthusiastic. He snorts, drawing Adam's attention. "What's going on?" Adam asks, raising an eyebrow.

Mallory jumps in, "He doesn't approve of it."

Adam's expression shifts to a mix of surprise and concern as he turns to Daniel. "Really? Why not? Living on your own is a big step."

Daniel, with a tight-lipped smile, mutters, "I just think she didn't need to make such a big decision without discussing it first."

I clear my throat, trying to ease the tension, and suggest, "Let's change the subject, please."

Daniel, however, doesn't let it go. He snaps at me, "You can't just make decisions like this without talking to me first, Melanie."

"I suggested living together, and you declined. I can't put my life on hold because you're not ready for that step," I reply, my voice firm.

Daniel's tone becomes accusatory. "So, what? That means you have to go and rent an apartment on your own?"

"Yes, actually, it does," Mallory chimes in. Daniel shoots her a angry glare, but she remains unfazed. Then, to my relief, the bell rings.

Adam stands up to answer the door, and I take the opportunity to lean in and whisper to Daniel. "Let's forget about the whole apartment thing for tonight and just have fun, okay?" I can see the tension in his eyes, and I want to salvage the evening.

"That was a really messed up thing to do, Melanie," he replies, his voice low and disapproving.

"I know, and I'm sorry," I say, mostly because I want to stop the fighting in front of Mallory and Adam. This isn't the impression I wanted to give my sister. I wanted her to see that Daniel loves me.

"Fine," Daniel says curtly.

Just as we straighten up, Adam returns with a couple – a woman with a warm smile and a man with an easygoing demeanor. Mallory introduces them. "Mel, Daniel, this is Chloe from work, and her boyfriend, Mike. Guys, meet my sister Melanie and her boyfriend Daniel."

Chloe greets us with a friendly smile, "Nice to meet you both!"

Adam, ever the gracious host, asks Chloe and Mike what they'd like to drink. As he heads into the kitchen, he grabs his phone from the coffee table. A few minutes later, he returns with drinks for everyone, seamlessly joining the ongoing conversation.

Chloe and Mike share stories, and Adam entertains everyone with a hilarious anecdote. I try my best to engage in the conversation, stealing glances at Daniel, who remains brooding beside me. He's acting like a child, and I'm baffled by his reluctance to accept my decision about getting my own place.

After a little while, the doorbell rings once again and Adam gets up to answer it. My heart skips a beat as I watch Marcus step into the apartment. But as my gaze lingers on him, my heart sinks when I see that he is accompanied by the blonde woman I had seen him with a few months back. Panic sets in, and I feel a knot tightening in my stomach.

"Everyone, I want you to meet my best friend Marcus and his sister, Natalie," Adam announces.

What the fuck? My head snaps to Adam, then back to Marcus. Our eyes meet, and I can see a pained expression on his face.

I saw him walking with his sister?