Melanie

Today

I can sense Daniel fuming beside me, his anger palpable even in the dim glow of the dining room. The air around us thickens as he exhales sharply, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat. This dinner party was supposed to be a pleasant evening with friends, but it's becoming painfully clear that there's more beneath the surface than meets the eye.

The realization that Marcus wasn't betraying me with another woman but simply spending time with his sister makes my anger dissipate like a fading storm. They don't look alike at all, except for their eyes, and how could I have seen their eyes from so far away? It's frustrating, this vital piece of information that I didn't have before, the missing puzzle piece that changes the entire picture.

Confusion swirls within me, and I can't decide if I'm angry at Mallory for orchestrating this awkward reunion or grateful for the unexpected revelation. On one hand, Mallory has no business meddling in my relationship with Daniel. On the other hand, seeing Marcus with his sister has upended my perspective.

I don't know what to do with this newfound knowledge. Marcus, the source of so much hurt and confusion, might not be the villain I painted him to be. Gratitude warms my heart for Mallory, and yet, confusion clouds my thoughts. Should I confront Marcus, apologize for the misunderstanding? Or should I let it be, let the wounds heal without stirring up more emotions?

Suddenly, Daniel grabs my arm, his grip tight and insistent. He stands up abruptly, his face a storm of anger. "Excuse us," he says tersely to Chloe and Mike, who look at us with questioning eyes. Daniel tugs my hand, and I stand up, shooting a quick apologetic look at them as Daniel pulls me away, guiding me towards the guest room.

As we enter the room, I close the door behind us, Daniel turns to me, his eyes ablaze with frustration. "What the fuck was all that?" he demands, his tone harsh.

"What do you mean?" I mutter, my voice barely audible.

"Bullshit, Melanie. You know exactly what I'm talking about," he snaps, his gaze intense. "Did you think I'd be okay with you sitting there, staring at him like that?"

My eyes drop to the floor as I try to gather my thoughts. "Marcus is just a friend," I offer, my voice shaky. "I haven't seen him in a long time."

Daniel is in front of me in two strides, grabbing my arm and pulling it painfully. I look up at him, my eyes pleading. "You're hurting me, Daniel."

His grip tightens, and he asks, "Was Marcus fucking you?"

My eyes widen at the unexpected question. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Daniel drops my arm, and I feel a mixture of relief and frustration. "He was, wasn't he?" he accuses, his tone dripping with disdain. Without waiting for my response, he turns around and walks a couple of steps away.

I remain silent. Confirming that I had been involved with Marcus will only escalate the situation, and Daniel's accusatory tone stings. I don't appreciate being reduced to an object, as if I didn't have a say in the matter. The insinuation that it taints me cuts deep, even though Marcus and I were dating. But even if we weren't, it wouldn't be wrong.

As Daniel turns around to look at me, he mutters, "Your sister is such a bitch."

My anger flares, and I retort, "Don't talk like that about Mallory."

Daniel laughs dismissively. "Mallory is a bitch, and she is going to regret all this," he declares, a cold determination in his eyes.

"Leave Mallory out of this!" I raise my voice, my frustration and anger bubbling to the surface.

Daniel matches my intensity, his voice escalating. "Mallory should stay out of this and stop meddling," he retorts, his eyes challenging.

"Mallory is not meddling," I insist, my patience wearing thin.

"What is Marcus doing here if Mallory is not meddling?" Daniel challenges, his face contorting with anger.

"He is Adam's best friend, Daniel!"

Daniel scoffs, "They didn't have to invite him."

I shake my head, pushing back. "We can't dictate who Mallory and Adam invite to their home."

Daniel takes a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "We're leaving," he declares abruptly.

Taken aback, I ask, "What do you mean?"

"We're going home tonight, right now," he states firmly, his eyes locking onto mine.

I stand there, staring at Daniel in disbelief. "I... I don't want to leave," I mumble, the words catching in my throat.

He chuckles mockingly, "Too bad. We're leaving." His words hang in the air, taunting me.

I cross my arms defiantly, a surge of determination coursing through me. "I'm not leaving," I declare, my voice stronger this time.

He takes a menacing step towards me, his eyes narrowing. "Melanie, you are on thin ice. First the apartment, now this? If you don't come with me, forget about us. It's over," he warns.

My heartbeat quickens, and my mouth feels dry. I shake my head in disbelief, and rub my temples with my palms. This can't be happening.

Desperation claws at my chest. I want more time with Mallory, but I can't risk my relationship with Daniel. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes. It doesn't matter that Marcus wasn't cheating on me; it's in the past now, anyway. I'm with Daniel, and I love him. He loves me too. Right?

My heartbeat echoes in my ears as I open my eyes, meeting Daniel's gaze. "Okay," I murmur, my voice barely audible. "I'll go with you." The words taste bitter on my tongue, but I can't let go of what we have. The internal struggle lingers, but the decision is made.

"Good. Grab your things," he commands, his tone betraying little emotion. I reluctantly comply, picking up my duffel bag and methodically putting back the few items I had taken out upon arriving. The room feels colder as I zip up the bag, the finality of leaving sinking in. With a heavy heart, I sling the bag over my shoulder and follow Daniel out of the room.

We make our way to the living room, where Adam, Mallory, and Marcus are now back from the kitchen, seated on the couches and engaged in conversation with Chloe and Mike. Daniel clears his throat, announcing, "We have to leave." Mallory's head snaps toward me, concern etched on her face. She stands up and quickly approaches. "Is everything okay?" she asks, her eyes searching mine. Before I can respond, Daniel interjects, "Everything's fine. I just have to go back home. Work stuff."

Mallory, still concerned, suggests, "Melanie, you could stay. I want to see you." I feel a pang of guilt, knowing I can't stay. I take Mallory's hand, a silent plea in my eyes, and gently say, "I'll come over another time." Mallory opens her mouth to protest, but I tighten my grip on her hand, silently urging her to understand. In a hushed tone, she reluctantly says, "Okay."

I wrap Mallory in a hug, the familiarity of her embrace both comforting and bittersweet. "Good night, everyone," I murmur to the others in the room, my eyes briefly meeting Mallory's once more.

I follow Daniel out of the apartment, the door closing behind me. My stomach is tied in a knot, it feels as if I have left more than just my sister behind.