Chapter 734: (END)

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“Hmm, okay, let’s see. In that case, I’m pretty sure I’d be the one dragging you home, not the other way around.” I laughed, gathering the used plates from the table.

“Okay!” he said, but I’d already turned my back to head toward the sink. I carefully set the dirty dishes down. After a moment of silence, Gabriel’s next words stopped me cold.

“Let’s go out tonight. I mean—would you come to a party with me tonight?”

I turned and looked him in the eye. “Are you inviting me to a party with you tonight?” I asked, pointing at myself.

“I am. It’s a party for one of my college friends, celebrating his sixth wedding anniversary.”

оr𝘨𝗮𝘯іz𝗲 𝗒𝗈𝘂𝗿 𝗹i𝖻rаr𝗒 oո 𝗴𝖺l𝘯𝘰𝗏𝖾𝘭𝗌.с𝗼𝘮

He’s asking me out, my heart screamed inside my chest.

“Huh…” A faint smile touched my lips, and I nodded.

“Stacey will be there too, so we’ll need to look like a happy couple.”

In an instant, he wiped the smile clean off my face and left my jaw hanging.

A pained, sarcastic smile replaced the joy from a moment before. “So you’re only inviting me because Stacey’s going to be there?” I asked, forcing down the lump rising in my throat.

“Yes. But that’s part of our agreement, isn’t it?”

Ahh. My heart tightened, pain flooding my chest. “Of course. It’s part of the deal, yes. Tsk, tsk. How could I forget?” I shook my head and turned back to the sink.

Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. Of course it’s part of the deal. What did you think it was? Did you really think he was asking you on a real date, a romantic one? He only sees you as a friend. Wake up, Madi.

“Madi, if this is a problem for you, that’s fine. I understand. I can—”

“No!” I spun back around immediately. “Why would this be a problem for me? Of course I’ll go with you.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am. One hundred percent sure. It’s part of what we agreed on, right? So I’m going,” I said, putting on my best show of confidence and resolve.

“Thank you, Madi.” He smiled at me, and I smiled back. Another smile, trying hard to pass as something other than what it really was—full of disappointment and hurt.

“No problem. Just tell me when you want to leave, so I can get ready and look beautiful.”

He chuckled at that. “Trust me, you don’t need to try. You’re already beautiful just the way you are, Madi. That’s enough.”

I just smiled at him. Yes, I know I’m pretty. I’m just not pretty enough for you to actually see me, and love me the way I wanted you to.

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The End.

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Message from Noa: Happy Friday lovely readers. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (>‿=)✌

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