To Infinity and Beyond

Do or Die

Alice's POV

Our glasses tinkled, toasts were raised, and my heart was slowly warming up in the company of Mark and our extraordinary hosts tonight.
The exquisite floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooked the mesmerising sunset, with shades of pink, orange and purple twirling at the horizon.
This breathtaking view was a routine for Jake and Emma, as their exclusive penthouse was located in the tallest residential building of the city. The one that touched the sky, almost.

"Wow. I can't believe you cooked everything by yourself, Jake? This is amazing." I took another sip of my red mulled wine while Emma offered another serving of lasagna on our salvers.

"Yes, I did. My darling wife was feeling a bit under the weather in the morning today, so we both took a day in, and I decided to put my chef cap on." Jake pulled Emma in his embrace and gave her a soft peck on her forehead. They were like two peas in a pod. One moves the other follows, like a magnet.

"Aww, that's adorable." I gave them a warm smile.

"Yes, absolutely. What's with your health Emma? Are you feeling better now?" Mark chimed in and quizzed Emma with genuine concern on his face.

"Yes. I am. I didn't get to lift a finger today, so I feel quite rested now. Thanks to Jake, he managed everything." Emma gave him a loving look, while Jake grinned from ear to ear.

"It's time for dessert, folks. Give me a minute. I baked my classic today. Let me get it." Jake was about to get up when Emma held his hand and stopped him. She insisted on getting it herself instead. "Please, Jake, allow me to help you a bit. Just sit back and enjoy your wine."

"But the pan might be hot still.." Jake persisted.

"That's okay. I can help her, Jake. We will be back in a minute." Mark decided to end the lovers' quarrel and offered to accompany Emma instead. She smiled and nodded in consent. Mark gave me a soft peck on my cheeks before disappearing into the kitchen, leaving me with Jake alone. We sat in silence for a bit, drowning ourselves in the mesmerising view before us.

"This is truly something else. Feels so surreal." I couldn't help but let out a compliment, as I watched the sun dimly head to its slumber, making way for the velvety night to take over.

"Yes, it is. Do you want to walk out to the open terrace? It's more tranquil there." Jake suggested, and I instantly agreed. As we stepped out, a gush of fresh breeze brushed our skins, and we inhaled its earthy scent in contentment.

"Wow. This is so much better." I gave Jake a heartfelt smile, and for a while, we both enveloped the time and setting in a comforting quiet.

Minutes later, from the glass doors, we could see Mark and Emma giggling and setting the dessert table, oblivious of their surrounding, with no care in the world. I was keenly observing their friendship and felt like an idiot to doubt it in the first place.

"They are always this way. Mark is such a great friend. I can't thank him enough for what he did for us." Jake broke the silence and stepped closer to stand next to me. He must have observed me watching them with heightened curiosity.

"Really? What for?" I was perplexed at his statement.

"You don't know?" I just shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly, to which Jake heaved a deep sigh, "if it weren't for Mark, I would have never united with Emma again. He helped me so much."

"Is it? But he himself had...." The moment I let my words out, I was apprehensive in completing them in front of Jake. Don't make it awkward, Alice. Nevertheless, he took the cue and finished the sentence instead, "but he himself had feelings for Emma? That's what you were about to say, right?" My face was flushed in embarrassment, so much so for putting my foot in the mouth. I could just manage a slight nod, to which Jake let out a deep chuckle in sheer amusement.