I woke up before my alarm went off.

I was dead tired; if I wasn't dreaming about Daniel, I was dreaming about Jesse. And neither seemed like viable options to subject myself to torture for. So I opted for staring at the ceiling.

When six rolled around, I finally got out of bed. I walked down the hall to the bathroom, trying to make do with what I could to look presentable. I put on my skirt from yesterday, but opted for keeping Daniel's shirt on, simply tucking it into my skirt. I ran my fingers through my hair, not accomplishing much with that.

I completely forgot I wouldn't have a toothbrush, either. I groan, grabbing the tub of toothpaste that was left on the sink and squeezed some onto my finger. I did the best I could, trying to rid myself of morning breath. I rinsed my mouth and washed my hands, splashing water on my face.

I patted my face dry and looked at myself.

At least I looked a little less like death, now.

Sighing, I set the towel down and open the door. Because the bathroom is directly across the kitchen, I could see anyone leaning against the counter. Or sitting at the bar. Much to my surprise, I see Daniel sitting there, computer open in front of him.

His eyes moved up, meeting mine, and I almost forget to breathe.

I've never felt whatever this is before in my life. Yeah, I've been attracted to plenty of guys, been turned on, caught feelings a lot. But this? It was something new, something I've never experienced.

It was like my body wanted to be in control and just be close to him. On him. Him in me.

I shudder. Stop, Adrianna.

But...it doesn't help when it feels like his eyes have hands of their own, touching me everywhere his gaze went.

That's what riles me up the most.

Like he's doing right now, examining me from head to toe. Eyes lingering on my hips, then my chest. And all those warm, fuzzy feelings started to resurface, moving from my racing heart to my needy pussy.

When his eyes finally move upward to mine again, I could've sworn he was gripping his coffee mug a bit tighter. But he simply motions to the other end of the kitchen.

"Coffee is fresh," he sets his cup down. "I woke MG up for you so you had time to get ready and get your things."

I walk into the kitchen, smiling. "Thank you." I look around to each of the cabinets. "Um, which one has the mugs?"

"Behind you."

I turn, opening the cabinet behind me. I grab a mug, then grab the coffee pot and pour the hot liquid into it. I walk towards the island, propping my elbows on it as I bring it to my lips.

And it took all my might not to spit it out.

I hate coffee. But I just wanted an excuse to be on the same room as him just a little longer.

His eyes are slightly amused, but he quickly looks away from me and back to his computer screen. I inhale, slightly cringing at the smell. Then I hold my breath, taking another gulp.

Yeah, no. This is disgusting.

I set the cup down and straighten my back. Daniel's eyes drift up from the computer and back to mine. I don't tear my eyes away, keeping them locked with his. My heart starts to pick up as we stare at each other.

I don't know how to explain this feeling. Is it sad I never had this with Jesse? I was always attracted to Jesse, always felt the want to be with him. But I've never had this...whatever this is.

This was completely different. Like...an undeniable pull; something pulling me towards him, aching to be close to him. Wanting to know what it's like to be touched by him.

And shit, that was dangerous. Way too dangerous.

Because when he looks at me like he feels the same way? I feel my self-restraint weaken with every intense, wanting gaze.

"Morning, daddy."

I let go of a long breath. Thank God for Mary Grace.

He tore his eyes away from me, watching MG open the fridge. "Morning, princess. How we feeling today?"

I watch Mary Grace grab a bottle of Sunny D and place it on the counter. With a big grin, I watch her answer while signing, "Great. How are you?"

Daniel's smile is so big, so proud, it warms my heart. Way too much. "Did you just sign that?" Mary Grace nods eagerly, her eyes beaming. Daniel jumps up and with wide arms invites Mary Grace into them. She runs to him, hugging and giggling against him. "I'm so proud of you, MG."

"Thanks, daddy." She pulls back to look at him. "I know you want me to learn more. So I'm really trying."

He kisses her forehead, my heart about to burst from the scene that's unfolding in front of me. "I'm already proud enough of you, princess. You're doing great."

She smiles, looking away and finally noticing me. "Adi!" she exclaims.

Daniel's cheeks flush light pink, almost like he forgot I was standing there. He stands up and clears his throat, sitting back in front of his computer. I sigh, looking at Mary Grace. "You ready to go?"

She nods, taking her juice and popping it open. "Ready."

I smile. "Cool," I look over at Daniel. "Goodbye, Mr. Le Noir."

"Ms. Lee," he nods. I walk towards the door, giving Daniel and Mary Grace time to say goodbye. It only takes a couple minutes before Mary Grace is skipping down the hall. Her hair is loose, dressed in a pair of white jeans and a blue sweater, a singular pink clip holding her bangs back. She's too cute.

I open the door, Mary Grace smiles at Bruce. "Morning, Brucey!"

He opens the door for her, smiling. "MG." Then he looks at me. "Ms. Lee."

"Please," I wave off. "It's Adrianna."

He chuckles. "Adrianna."

I climb into the car, sitting next to Mary Grace, who does an excellent job at keeping my mind occupied with talking about how much she was looking forward to the pizza party promise for the day, and how she was able to solve a math problem she had been stuck on yesterday. I applaud her, and wish her a good day (and remind her to be safe) when we pull up to her school.

Then I'm alone in the backseat. Bruce asking where he needs to take me. I mumble the address, less than enthusiastic about going back to my—er, Jesse's apartment.

I search for my phone, but quite frankly, I haven't seen it since yesterday. I groan in frustration and stare out the window. When we start passing familiar buildings, my stomach knots up. I shake my leg unconsciously, biting on my thumb nail.

"Here we are," Bruce announces, like I wasn't keenly aware, and opens my door. "I will wait here until you come back."

I force a smile. "Thanks, Bruce. I'll make this as quick as I can."

I climb each stair slower than the last. I'm scared Jesse is gonna be there, even though I know he has early classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday's. But what if he wasn't there and he was here. God, I couldn't bare it. I wasn't ready to face him this fast.

Once I'm in front of the door, I pause. I place my ear on the door, begging to hear anything so I could bail. But I heard nothing. So I push my key into the hole and turn slowly. I quietly push open the door and stand in the doorway.

Still nothing.

So I step in. I see drips of blood on the floor, the images of me punching Jesse flooding my mind. My hand, still just a bit sore, tingles at the memory. I observe the entire living room and kitchen area, everything the same as when I stormed out of here.

I inhale and walk down the hallway. I swear I can hear the same thudding sound I had yesterday, but shake my head. My ears are trying to play tricks on me. The room door is open, bed messy and unmade. I feel the nausea setting in as I remember seeing Raina and Jesse on top of each other.

Tears fill my eyes.

It's not even the pain that's making me cry, it's anger. I'm so fucking mad at him for taking one of my best friends to our bed so he can fuck her brains out. He couldn't even do it on the couch, or her place, or not at all.

Nope, he just had to totally embarrass me, humiliate me, and stomp on my heart.

Angrily, I took all my shit from the closet and shoved it in my blue duffle bag that I have stashed under the bed. All my nice clothes, my shoes, my pajamas, I shoved it all into the bag until it was spilling over. So I ran to the kitchen and grabbed the minty garbage bags, filling it with the rest of my clothes into it. I grabbed the jewelry box full of my stuff, tossing what Jesse gave me onto the bed.

Screw him and his terrible taste in jewelry.

I go to the bathroom, taking my shampoo and soaps, my makeup and shoving it into the bag. Huffing, I stop and look around. Can all of my stuff really be summed up into two bags?

That's sad, actually.

I mean, I've bought stuff for the apartment. But it's not worth taking. Jesse can keep everything else in this tainted apartment. Tainted by him and Raina. I make a face, looking away from the picture of us hanging in the hall.

Actually. I stop, grab it, and walk all the way to the kitchen sink. Then slam it inside. I may or may not have done the same for a few more pictures together. And then dropped my key on top of all the shattered memories.

I grab my bags, walking to the front door. I take one look back, making sure I don't need anything else. But instead, I remember moving in. I remember Jesse laughing, wrapping his arms around me from behind. Making a joke about christening the apartment and running to the bedroom.

I practically growl and kick that memory out of my head. Fuck him.

I drag my stuff all the way downstairs, Bruce jumping right into action and grabbing one from my hand. I didn't even trust myself to talk right now, so I just give him a tight-lipped smile. Once my stuff is in the trunk, I climb inside and close my eyes to just breathe.

Jesse wasn't perfect, neither am I. But being back in that stupid apartment just brought back all the anger I was feeling towards him. We spent years together, and even though I knew we were on the fritz anyway, I deserve better than that.

I deserve better than Jesse.

I feel a tear stream down my cheek, but I quickly wipe it away. Jesse isn't going to get any more of my time, my concern, my thoughts.

"Ms. Lee, would you like me to stop anywhere, first?"

I sniffle. "No, Bruce. Back to Daniel's house is fine. And please," I give a pathetic smile. "Call me Adrianna."

"You got it."

The rest of the drive was silent. Not that I mind, cause it gave me time to simmer down. I went to my happy place and for the rest of the drive just relaxed. When we got back to Daniel's house, Bruce helped me bring my stuff to the door.

I opened the door, Daniel slipping on his suit jacket over his black dress shirt. He looks at me and I swear I see concern swim his eyes.

"Did you get what you needed to?"

"Yeah," I breathe.

His eyes lock onto my hand. "You're bleeding."

I look down, eyebrows knitting together. The side of my palm is cut, blood already drying. "Shit," I chuckle. "I didn't even notice."

"I can help."

I quickly shake my head. "No, it's okay."

I see his jaw tense. "It won't take long."

Even though the offer made my stomach flutter, I decline. "No, thank you. You should get to work."

He looks down, letting go of a breath. When his eyes lift back up to mine, they're cold. "Fine. Good day, Ms. Lee."

I move aside as he strides past me, nodding to Bruce as he climbs in the car. I sigh, dragging my stuff inside and closing the door.

As crazy as these weird feelings are for Daniel, I knew being close to him won't do me any good. He's MG's dad. He's a hugely successful business owner. He's beautiful, and what am I? Not even good enough for a proper breakup, just being cheated on.

Daniel will just see the same, worthless girl that Jesse did. The girl who spends too much time in bubble baths and cares too much about understanding the minds of children and would rather stay in, watching tv over going out partying.

Maybe that's why Jesse got tired of me. I always said no. No to going out, no to drinking my ass off. No to sex.

Of course he did. I mean, you can only say no so much before someone else says yes.

Not that I blame him. I guess I wouldn't even wait for me, either. Who wants something dull and boring, anyway? Jesse didn't. Daniel sure as shit won't.

So not only to save myself more embarrassment, but also to be professional, I'm going to stay as far away from Daniel as I can. Because, truthfully, I'm not sure how much more my heart can take. And now I have to take care of it.

A/N

Being cheated on sucks 🥲 I've been there, and I want to express that raw pain and anger as best as I can. Except, Adrianna gets to have the knight in shining armor ready and willing to save her ;)

Thanks for reading, lovelies! Don't forget to vote, comment, etc!! <33