Chapter 6:

I stood in front of my full length mirror. I had mirrors at almost every room in my apartment. I think the reason was pretty obvious as I majored in fashion designing. It helped me see what my outfit looked like from another person's point of view.

My arm rested on my waist as I used the other hand to rearrange my already neat curls. After spending six hours turning my closet upside down in search of an outfit, I eventually came up with something nice. Atleast I think so.

It was a pair of baggy low waist jeans and a long sleeved crop top. I held a black purse which contained necessities-a lipgloss, a pocket knife, my phone and my earpods. Don't ask, a lady can never be too careful.

I checked the time and rushed out of the house. I put my apartment keys in my back pocket. I got a cab and started to head to his place. I should probably call him. Or not?

My heart pounded in my chest as I heaved out a nervous breath. Why did I think it was a good idea to accept an invitation to dinner with the man I'm practically in love with and his fiancée? Shit. It's too late to back out now. Or is it?

A message notification popped up on my phone. It was Jerry. He sent an address and asked if I was on my way. I smiled. Wait. I shouldn't be smiling.

I replied with a 'Yes' to the question and a thumbs up to the address. I showed the address to the cab driver and minutes later, I arrived at my destination.

I stood in front of the lawn in awe. It was a pretty big house. It was atleast times four of my tiny apartment. I sighed and made my way to the doorstep. Looking at the side of the door, I raised an eyebrow. A doorbell. Fancy. I rang it.

A lady opened the door. Sophie Caddel. She had rich brown hair that was styled into a ponytail with two strands in the front. She was in a armless flowery dress that hugged her curves and stopped above her knees. It has to be her. Her face lightened up and with a welcoming grin, she opened the door wider.

"Hello, you must be Cam" she greeted and I couldn't help but smile back. She gave off this likeable aura and I don't like it which is quite ironic.

"Camilla" I corrected, irked by the fact that she called me Cam. Her smile wavered for a second as I strolled in and she closed the door before turning around.

"I am Sophie. Jerry has told me so much about you" she beamed. I wish I could say the same.

Jerry walked out of one of the rooms, leaving my jaw on the floor. Which shouldn't be the case ofcourse but come on, look at him. It's like he's torturing me on purpose.

His green plain shirt was begging for life with the way his muscles stretched it and he was in a pair of jeans. It was casual yet hot. This is going to be hard. Shit.

I was yanked out of my thoughts when he pulled me in a hug. Citrus. He pulled away and grinned at me. "Glad you're here"

"Me too" I muttered as he stepped back and wrapped an arm around Sophie's waist, pulling her closer. My lips formed a thin line. Great.

"Let's head to the dining table" she said, leading the way as I followed. The dining room was quite spacious. Eight chairs were arranged around a table and an empty flower vase sat on the centre of the table.

I sat on one of the side chairs and tucked my legs in. Sophie entered a room that I'm assuming is the kitchen and came back with a covered plate. Jerry followed behind her with a covered tray. How cute.

They finished setting up the table and joined me, sitting down. Sophie looked at me and smiled warmly. "So, Camilla. What do you do?"

Jerry placed a plate in front of us both and opened the covered trays and plates. I forced a smile on. "I work" I answered simply and she raised an eyebrow, looking at Jerry.

"You know there's nothing wrong with saying you work in a restaurant right?" Jerry said as he served me rice. I pursed my lips. "That fine?" He asked, gesturing to my plate and I nodded in response.

Sophie's eyes darted to my plate then to me. I knew what her question was going to be before she even talked. "You don't eat much" she commented.

"Yeah she doesn't. She takes her diet serious for some reason. I think she's perfectly okay" Jerry said narrowing his eyes at me. Sophie lets out a chuckle. For some reason?? The reason is you, idiot! Actually, scratch this.

"We girls just like to--"

"I'd like some more rice" I said, cutting Sophie off and Jerry paused, looking at me.

"Oh? Sure" He put more rice in my plate and served Sophie as well.

We started to eat in silence and I couldn't help but steal little glances at Sophie. What was so special about her? My gaze landed on a jewelry on her neck. It was a round necklace with half of a heart engraved on both sides. They even got matching necklaces.

"Are you okay?" I flinched as Jerry asked, looking at me with furrowed eyebrows.

I smiled. "Yeah, sure I'm good" I said.

"Yeah, that spoon is begging for life" he said and I looked down at my hand. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize I was gripping the spoon so tight. I released it and let out a nervous chuckle.

"So Sophie, where do you work?" I asked, drawing the attention away from me.

"I'm a secretary in a firm" she answered, proudly and continued talking about how she got the position and all. I really wasn't listening.

The dinner ended as quick as it started and I helped with the dishes. I wanted to get out of the house as soon as possible. It was torture watching them whisper and giggle at eachother every second. I guess I had to accept that we weren't meant to be. Maybe it's not a bad thing that I came. Maybe I needed to see this and feel this pain so I can forget him. Also, no sign of Theo, so the night wasn't so bad.

I strolled to the door with both of them, leaving. "It was really nice meeting you, Camilla" She said, glued to Jerry's side.

I smiled back, genuinely this time. I shouldn't hate her for just existing. "It was nice meeting you too, Sophie. And dinner was delicious"

She blushed and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Thank you. Jerry made it actually" Ofcourse he did. See what I was talking about when I said potential husband material?

"Come on, you cut the onions though" he joked and she laughed, hitting his chest lightly.

"Shut up" she giggled. I stood there awkwardly.

"I'll just take my leave now" I opened the door and started making my way to the junction but stopped when I heard Sophie's voice.

A car pulled up beside me an she was driving. "I can drop you" she suggested and I shrugged. Not a bad idea.

I got in and gave directions. Throughout the ride, instead of communicating, we listened to music on her playlist. Well, she has good music taste although I didn't know any of them.

We arrived at my junction and she parked while I got out. I waved her goodbye and strolled into my apartment. I plopped on my couch, exhausted.

I didn't know when I slept off but my phone ringing made me jolt awake. It was Jerry. I answered.

"Hello?" Tiredness was evident in my voice.

"Thank God! Camilla! It's Sophie!" A quavering voice cried over the phone.

"What's wrong? What happened?" I asked I heard him pule. "Jerry?" I called, again.

"She won't wake up, Camilla. Please help me. She won't--" his voice faded into cries as I took my keys and rushed out of my apartment. Well, holy shit.

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04/06/2023