Marcus

I keep jogging through the forest, the rhythm of my footsteps pounding against the earth, Adam's steady pace echoing behind me. The cool air fills my lungs, and for the first time in days, I feel a sense of freedom wash over me. But beneath that freedom, there's an undercurrent of unease, a gnawing uncertainty that refuses to fade.

It's been five days since I last saw Melanie, and it's driving me crazy. Every step I take, every breath I draw, I can't shake the feeling of her absence lingering like a shadow over my thoughts.

As Adam and I approach a clearing with a gentle stream trickling through it, we both come to a halt, our chests heaving with exertion. Without a word, we bend down and splash our faces with the cool, refreshing water, the sensation washing away the sweat and fatigue that cling to our skin.

"I miss this," Adam remarks, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "There are no good routes for jogging back home."

I roll my eyes playfully. "I suppose you could jog around your mansion," I suggest with a smirk. "Should be the same." Adam chuckles, nudging my arm with his elbow. "How's that going, by the way?"

Adam shrugs, his expression thoughtful. "It's an adjustment," he admits. "Mallory's not used to being catered to and living in such a large space."

"I'm sure it's just awful," I quip, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

Adam rolls his eyes, but there's a playful glint in his gaze. "Hey, Mallory's a simpler person," he defends, a fond smile gracing his lips. "She doesn't need riches to be happy."

"I know," I reply. "I'm just messing with you. Mallory's wonderful."

Adam's smile widens at my words, his affection for his girlfriend evident in every line of his face. "She is," he agrees wholeheartedly.

I sit down on a nearby rock, feeling the coolness seeping through the fabric of my clothes. Adam joins me, his expression thoughtful as he speaks.

"Melanie told Mallory that she needs time," he says, his tone careful. "But there's hope for you too."

I snap my head to look at him, surprise evident in my expression. I definitely did not expect that.

"Way to ease into the conversation," I quip, my tone laced with amusement despite the tumult of emotions swirling inside me.

Adam chuckles sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry, couldn't help myself," he admits with a shrug.

I lean back against the rock, processing Adam's revelation. Melanie needing time isn't news to me, but the glimmer of hope he mentions sparks a flicker of anticipation within me.

"Did she say anything else?" I inquire, my curiosity piqued.

Adam shakes his head, his expression thoughtful. "No, but she knew that Mallory would tell you about what she said," he explains.

I can't help but grin at Adam's words. Melanie is so smart. I'm sure she's just telling me in her own way to be patient. It feels like a weight has been lifted off me, a glimmer of hope shining through the darkness of uncertainty.

"Pfft, couldn't you say it sooner?" I jest, playfully punching Adam's arm.

Adam rubs his arm, pretending to wince. "Ouch! I thought maybe you'd want to talk about it," he replies with a chuckle. "So, I figured I should wait a bit."

I sigh and shrug, a sense of resignation washing over me. "What's there to talk about?" I ask rhetorically. "Melanie needs time, but if there's hope, she can have all the time she needs."

Adam smiles warmly, clapping his hand on my shoulder. "Atta boy," he says, his voice full of encouragement.

For the first time in days, I feel a flicker of optimism stirring within me. I wish I could be there for her, to offer her comfort and support during whatever she's going through. But I'll be as patient as she needs me to be. I'll wait for her, no matter how long it takes.

When Adam first told me that Melanie told Mallory yesterday that she wanted some time to herself, I expected that she would invite me over. But when she didn't, I'll admit, I was a little worried. But now that Adam has passed on Melanie's secret message, I can't help but feel a surge of happiness coursing through me. I'm so happy. Just... so fucking happy.

Adam nudges me, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Ready to go back?"

I nod, a sense of contentment settling over me. "Yeah, let's go," I reply, pushing myself up from the rock.

Adam and I rise from the rock, our bodies still buzzing with the exhilaration of our jog. We start jogging back, the rhythm of our footsteps carrying us through the forest, heading towards my house.

As we turn the corner onto the street where my house is, a familiar voice calls out my name. I stop in my tracks, my heart sinking as I recognize the voice. Adam and I both look around, and I spot Karla rushing towards us. I scowl, my annoyance bubbling to the surface.

"Who's that?" Adam asks, his brow furrowing in confusion.

I grunt in frustration. "Fucking Karla," I mutter under my breath.

"Who's Karla?" he questions, his voice filled with confusion.

"She's a friend of Natalie's," I explain tersely, "and she's been hitting on me."

Adam's eyes widen in surprise as he looks between me and Karla, who now stands before us with a bright smile on her face. Her smile widens as she greets me, "Hi, Marcus."

I narrow my eyes at her, my irritation growing by the second. "What do you want, Karla?" I ask tersely.

Karla shrugs, her smile still in place. "I just wanted to ask if you'll go out with me now," she says casually.

I pinch the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger, struggling to maintain my composure. "No, Karla," I say firmly. "Nothing has changed. Why would I go out with you?"

Karla's voice takes on a pleading tone as she coos, "Come on, Marcus. You can't tell me that nothing has changed. Please, go out with me."

I grit my teeth, frustration bubbling up inside me. "Cut it out, Karla," I snap. "Nothing has changed."

I turn to leave, but Karla's next words stop me in my tracks. "But I saw Melanie with someone else last night," she says, her voice dripping with a mixture of spite and satisfaction.

My heart sinks, and I turn back to face her, my eyes wide with shock. "What?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Karla smirks, clearly relishing the opportunity to deliver her news. "I saw Melanie with some dude, getting into his house," she repeats, her tone smug.

I look to Adam, who wears the same expression of disbelief as me. "Where did you see her?" I demand, my voice trembling with anger and desperation.

Karla shrugs nonchalantly. "I don't remember exactly," she admits. "But it was an apartment building on Spruce street. I just don't remember the number."

I narrow my eyes at her, my fists clenched at my sides. "Then I don't believe you," I say through gritted teeth.

Karla scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Believe what you want, Marcus," she retorts dismissively. "But it's the truth."

I close the distance between us, my anger boiling over. "I swear, Karla, if you're lying..." I start, my voice a low growl.

Adam intervenes, placing a hand on my arm and shooting me a warning look. "Let's go, Marcus," he says quietly, his voice filled with urgency.

Reluctantly, I tear my gaze away from Karla and nod, allowing Adam to lead me away from her and back towards my house.

Karla's frustrated voice calls out to me, but I refuse to acknowledge her. I keep walking, my steps heavy with the weight of uncertainty and dread. Adam matches my silence as we make our way back to my house, the tension thick between us.

When we finally arrive in front of my house, Adam breaks the silence. "Maybe Karla was wrong," he suggests tentatively.

"Maybe," I reply, my voice hollow.

But deep down, I know Karla wasn't wrong. She wouldn't have said anything if she wasn't 100% sure. And that certainty fills me with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

As we stand there in front of my house, a sense of despair washes over me. My heart breaks at the thought of Melanie with Daniel last night. What happened between them? Did she go to him willingly, or was she pushed into his arms by circumstances beyond her control?

I'm consumed by a whirlwind of emotions—anger, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of betrayal.