• [ t h e   b i g   a n n o u n c e m e n t ] •

♥ louisa ♥

IN MERE SECONDS  both of his blonde eyebrows shot up. "Bloody hell. You weren't joking."

Saying the room was lavishly decorated would have been an understatement. Silver bunting hung from all three walls, complementing the cream table cloth that had been laid out on the round central table. On a side table was a huge tiered cake surrounded by probably 100 cupcakes, macaroons and other sweet treats.

"I didn't expect you to sort stuff out this fast. Congrats, Louisa."

The gleaming foil that dangled down from the Congratulations balloons shimmered under the light that crept in through the back door; the fourth wall was replaced by a sliding frame that led to a pretty garden.

Lexi exclaimed in astonishment at the big announcement. "Oh my god, this is incredible."

"What the hell, bitch! Why didn't you tell me? Congrats!" I heard Talisa shout as she walked towards me after picking up two flutes of champagne that had been laid out on a side table. She downed one before elegantly holding the other. "And to you Mr Logan Thornton."

Logan shot her a grin as Prince thumped him on the back, clearly forgetting about their earlier disagreements. "Surprise," I said in the most excited tone I could muster as Logan wrapped his hand in mine, giving it a squeeze as I did the same.

It felt limp, empty and forced. Nothing more than a display of the faux warmth that covered the broken debris of our relationship. 

His hands drifted to my hips as I looked up at him. His brown eyes flashed against his angelic looking face as his lips hovered quietly at my ear. "Hats off to you Louisa. This is pretty amazing."

My eyes flickered up to the elaborate banner that had been hung from the back wall. Printed in silver cursive against the white material was We're Engaged! Louisa Darling and Logan Thornton. Our names were entrapped inside a large heart like us.

"Ah shit, I probably should have given you guys one first. Etiquette and all." I laughed as Talisa finally remembered to give Logan and I a glass of Prosecco each.

"Thanks Tal."

She raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at her lips. "Go on then. I know you're dying to that cute couple thing where they link arms and drink champagne. It's fine. I'll look away for a couple minutes before I die of too much nostalgia."

I snorted thinking about how I'd never do that and snatched the other glass of alcohol that she had picked up. Eyebrows furrowed, I quietly spoke to her so nobody else could hear. "Slow down, honey. You haven't even eaten yet. Don't drink too much on an empty stomach, okay?"

She pretended she hadn't heard me.

Lexi congratulated me too, her wandering eye on the red haired waiter as I noticed Ashlei hadn't spoken a word since she'd entered the room. Strands of her wispy blonde hair framed her small face as she stared harshly at the 'L&L' keepsakes that were arranged on the table.

Seeming to sense me, her head darted upwards as she smiled widely. "Oh my God! Congratulations to the both of you! This is so cute. Especially the balloons and the whole reveal. Great idea! I'm genuinely so happy for you right now! Awh!"

I reciprocated the too hard hug she gave me, well aware of just how 'genuine' she was being. The ditzy blonde had just supposedly been stripped of her friends-with-benefits of three years, presumably without a word of warning.

"Thanks, Ash. That means a lot. I promise you'll be a bridesmaid at the wedding." I really hoped there wouldn't be a wedding yet I couldn't help wanting to see what her reaction would be. Her fake ditzy act faltered as she changed the topic to my Cartier bracelet.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Lexi videoing the decorations preparing to post it online. In a couple hours, the whole world would know, saving Logan's reputation and satisfying both of our parent's too.

Logan was now in a deep conversation with Prince yet they both looked relaxed. It seemed like they had sorted out their issues. Whilst Logan was talking, Prince caught my eye as he mouthed 'congratulations, princess' to me and I shook my head at the nickname he'd given me since I was twelve.

After thanking him, we all sat down at the round table with a rotating silver ornament in the centre. Over the majestic sculpture of a kingfisher bird, the upper tufts of Gabriel's hair flickered into visibility as he shifted in his chair. I could sense him looking at me strangely. Stiffening slightly, I ignored it instead engaging in conversation with Talisa and Prince.

Coincidentally, Logan had left to go to the bathroom a couple minutes after Ashlei had disappeared. It was all so obvious. Or maybe that was only because I knew that a heated dispute was probably going on outside.

I'd caught Gabriel eavesdropping on Logan and I earlier.

It was only fair to pass the favour around.

Two minutes later, I excused myself to go to the bathroom. It didn't take too long to find them considering I was used to Logan taking me to secluded place. Down the empty corridor that we had passed earlier and in a small side room to the left. It seemed that I had come at the right time.

Ashlei looked fuming, her pale cheeks flushed red and her azure eyes wide. Logan was leaning against the wall beside her, his crooked jaw tense. "But why on earth didn't you tell me earlier? You could have given me some sort of warning," Ashlei exclaimed, her eyes desperately searching his face.

"And why would I have to do that? Do I need to remind you that we set boundaries to this three years ago? No feelings involved." Finality was highlighted in Logan's tone. Unlike when he spoke to me, there was no threat in his voice, just affirmity.

Ashlei fell silent for a couple moments, quickly wiping a tear that escaped from the corner of her eye.

Ah. It seemed as if the liar had caught feeling. How fitting.

Nowadays, I didn't care what they did together for I'd seen Logan's true colours. However before that, I was devastated at the fact my best friend thought it was acceptable to screw my boyfriend behind my back and then gush about how cute of a couple we made.

I didn't have a single ounce of sympathy for her. Karma was a raging bitch and I loved it.

"I can't help it, Logan," she stammered as Logan gave her his hankerchief. He really did enjoy acting pleasant, didn't he?

"Then try harder." Logan shook his head before shrugging his shoulders and continuing bluntly. "This has always been purely sex. We agreed no strings attached otherwise it gets messy."

I watched silently as Ashlei sniffed. "I've tried but I just can't help it. Everytime I see you with Louisa, I-"

"Then maybe we should stop this," Logan suggested, taking a step backward. I was waiting for the second his true personality would show and for a split second, it did. "I'll just get somebody else who can 'help it'."

Holding back a laugh, I listened as Logan began pretending to be the good guy again, dousing her in sugar and sweetness. He tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear which she fell for. "I care about you Ash which is part of the reason why I didn't tell you about the engagement. I knew you wouldn't be happy."

I could tell the bastard was lying. He'd probably just forgotten to let her know.

Of course, Ashlei didn't see that and stared at him in adoration. Logan always knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to get it. He wouldn't want this little friends with benefit situation to end. Especially since he benefited from it.

"If this is getting too difficult, let's stop."

"No!" Ashlei quickly said, almost pleading him. "No, let's not stop. Don't end it. Don't worry, I'll sort myself out and manage." She place her hand around his neck and brought him closer to her.

I vaguely heard him mutter good before bringing his lips to hers.

As always, Logan had gotten what he wanted. Before they noticed me, I slipped away and sat down at the table again. When I cautioned a gaze at Gabe later, the confident pearly grin was back as he chatted with Lexi and Arlo.

I couldn't help wandering what the fuck he was playing at.

His behaviour towards me in the lobby made clear that he had something hidden up his sleeve and I needed to know what that was. It certainly had something to do with me. My brown eyes were consumed by his for a couple moments as I tried to read him. Nothing. He rose his dark eyebrows at me in acknowledgment before breaking eye contact as Ashlei and Logan entered the room again, not showing a trace of their earlier conversation.

•••

"No, it's fine. You go in first," I insisted.

"It's alright, after you."

"I mean it, I really don't mind. You sit down first."

"Ladies first."

I gritted my teeth, "You act like more of a lady that I do half the time Gabriel so get in."

"All the more reason for me to prove otherwise," he responded with an infuriating politeness.

The confusion evident on his face when I first suggested he get into the limo before me had been replaced with a stubborn eagerness. He didn't have a clue why I was letting him go first and at this state, he didn't really care.

He just thought it would be a lot more amusing to do the exact opposite.

"Gabriel. Just sit in the damn limo."

We were both stubborn and it was evident neither of us was going to back down soon.

Arlo let out a frustration sigh, tapping his foot against the floor impatiently. "For the love of God, hurry up you two. We're going to miss the sunset at Flinders Range." Gabriel's eyes twinkled vehemently as he looked at me and nodded his head at the limo in a get in then gesture.

I obstinately didn't move.

I'd promised Talisa I'd give opportunities for her to talk to Gabriel and this 2 hour car journey was going to be the start.

"You know what? Fine. I'll get in first. Otherwise Logan, Ashlei, Prince and Lexi are going to think our limo drove off a bloody cliff," Arlo huffed, pushing past the two of us and sitting down besides Talisa.

My attempt of getting the two of them to sit next to each other went up in roaring flames.

I stumbled backwards a little yet two hands quickly steadied me. Glowering bitterly at Gabriel who winked at me, I shoved him away and followed Arlo into the shining, black SUV for what would be a painful journey.

When we finally reached the mountain range, the first thing I did was take my trainers out of the boot.

"That was a total fail," I heard Talisa say from beside me as I glanced to see if the other two could hear us. They'd already started walking towards the others who had reached ten minutes before us.

"I did try. Gabriel's just an idiot," I replied as she rolled her eyes, lips twitching upwards.

"Yeah, I know. We talked earlier."

The chaffeur held my hand as I balanced on one leg to change my shoes. "Mhm? What did he say?"

Judging by the way he'd been acting around me, part of me knew it hadn't gone well. Gabriel was still in full playboy mode. I was surprised when Talisa shrugged her shoulders, "I think he's up for it but he wants to take it slow."

My eyebrows furrowed as I analysed her face. His wandering eyes earlier and roaming hands were a tell-tale sign he wasn't up for a relationship anytime soon. "Are you sure you didn't read it wrong?" I asked before continuing. "I don't want you to get hurt."

Part of me was tempted to add 'and save you from what actually is a walking disaster.'

"Yeah, he was holding my hand at the end."

I didn't understand. It just didn't seem right. If he really felt that was towards Talisa, he'd have leaped at a chance to sit next to her for the car journey.

"He said he wanted to see the time but we all know that's just an excuse," she said whilst tying her hair up as I held back a sigh.

To me it seemed as if she was giving herself false hope. "Are you sure?"

"Definitely," she said, green eyes locking with mine as I smiled in response, tilting my head to the side.

Every cell in my body was telling me that there was a misunderstanding going on and she was going to get hurt. Tapping my long nails against the car, I ignored it and forced myself to trust Talisa's judgement. It wasn't false to say that she looked a lot happier around Gabriel. "That's great, Talisa."

Yikes... I sense a major misunderstanding.

He was looking at the time, not holding your hand :/

It's all going to come out 'very' soon so keep your eyes peeled for next weeks two updates ;) What is your favourite chapter so far? I'd literally be so happy to hear!
KiwiAndKoalas x

♥ 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫! ♥