𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞

Chapter Tweelve

Y/n can't help but feel a pang of anxiety as she reads the hotel sign, realizing that it's the same hotel where Five and his siblings are staying. She turns to Faith with a concerned expression, her mind racing with thoughts about potentially running into Five. As the car comes to a stop, Y/n takes a deep breath, trying to push away the unease.

Faith notices Y/n's worried expression and furrows her brow. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asks, concern etched on her face.

Y/n hesitates for a moment before expressing her concerns. "Um, this is the same hotel where Five and his siblings are staying," she admits, her voice tinged with apprehension. Faith's eyes widen in realization, and a thoughtful expression crosses her face as she considers the situation.

Faith looks genuinely sorry for not realizing the connection and apologizes, "I'm sorry, Y/n. I had no idea. If you're uncomfortable, we can leave."

Y/n takes a moment to process the information, realizing that Luther, one of Five's brothers, is the groom. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and manages a small smile. "No, it's okay. Let's stay. It's just a coincidence," she reassures Faith, though her mind is still racing.

Faith nods, then suggests, "You know, this might be a good opportunity for you to talk to Five. Clear the air, you know?"

Y/n sighs, contemplating the idea. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I'll see how things go," she says, though a hint of uncertainty lingers in her expression. Faith gives her a supportive smile as they both exit the car, heading towards the hotel to help with the wedding preparations.

Sloane's eyes light up as Faith rushes over to her. "Faith! I've missed you so much!" she exclaims, pulling Faith into a tight hug. Faith returns the embrace, expressing her excitement, "I missed you too, Sloane. You look absolutely stunning."

As the friends catch up, Faith notices Y/n standing behind her, nervously twiddling her thumbs. Sloane turns her attention to Y/n and raises an eyebrow, curious. "And who's this?" she asks, a friendly smile on her face.

Faith introduces Y/n and explains their meeting and the current situation with Five. Sloane listens attentively and, after a moment of thought, nods understandingly. "Luther mentioned Y/n briefly," Sloane remarks. "Don't worry, I'll talk to him and make sure he knows not to make a big deal out of it."

Y/n lets out a small sigh of relief, grateful for Sloane's understanding. Faith smiles, appreciating Sloane's willingness to smooth things over with Luther.

Lila walks into the dance hall, holding some white table covers. "Hey, Sloane, I found these white—," she starts, but her words trail off as she catches sight of Y/n. Lila's expression shifts from surprise to anger, and she directs her attention to Y/n. "What the hell are you doing here?" she demands, a glare in her eyes.

Sloane turns to Lila, perplexed by her sudden change in demeanor. "Lila, calm down. Y/n is with Faith, my friend," Sloane explains, attempting to defuse the tension.

Lila doesn't seem convinced and crosses her arms, maintaining her stern gaze at Y/n. "Are you serious?" she questions, seeking confirmation. Faith nods, trying to ease the situation, "Yes. Y/n is my plus one for the wedding. We're here to help you with the decorations."

Lila eyes Y/n skeptically but decides to let it go for the moment. "Fine, but I've got my eye on you," she warns Y/n before turning back to Sloane. "Let's get these tables covered." The group resumes their decorating tasks, with an underlying tension in the air.

As they all engage in decorating the tables, Lila and Y/n unknowingly find themselves working on the same table. Lila, noticing this, stops decorating and shoots a pointed glare at Y/n. Sensing the tension, Y/n lets out a sigh, realizing that the atmosphere is far from ideal.

Lila's stare intensifies, and she finally breaks the silence. "What's your game, Y/n?" she questions, her tone laced with suspicion. Y/n raises her eyebrows, attempting to maintain composure in the face of Lila's hostility. "I'm just here to help with the wedding decorations, same as you," Y/n replies, trying to keep her response neutral.

Lila narrows her eyes, clearly not buying Y/n's explanation. "I don't trust you," she declares before resuming her decorating, leaving Y/n to navigate the awkwardness in the room.

Y/n takes a deep breath, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Look, I'm not here to cause any problems. I just want to help with the wedding and make things right," Y/n explains, her voice steady as she addresses Lila's growing animosity.

Lila scoffs, "Make things right? You're the one who messed everything up in the first place." Her words carry a sharp edge, and Y/n senses the anger boiling beneath the surface.

Trying to maintain her composure, Y/n responds, "I know things got complicated, but I didn't plan for any of it. I just want to move forward and help with the wedding. I don't want any problems with you or anyone else."

Lila's eyes narrow further, and her tone turns confrontational. "You shouldn't have even come here. What did you expect, a warm welcome after everything that happened?"

Y/n, determined to convey her sincerity, speaks earnestly, "I came back because I want to be a better person. I know I've made mistakes, but I'm trying to change, and part of that change is facing the consequences of my actions. I thought helping with the wedding could be a step in the right direction."

Lila scoffs at Y/n's words, her laughter devoid of any humor. "Change? Please. People like you don't change. You just find new ways to deceive and hurt others." Lila's skepticism is palpable, and her distrust of Y/n is apparent.

Y/n, feeling the weight of Lila's disbelief, responds, "I get it, Lila. I hurt people, and I can't change the past. But I'm genuinely trying to be better. I'm not asking for forgiveness; I just want a chance to prove that I can be different."

Lila's expression hardens as she leans in, her voice dropping to a stern whisper, "Nobody here will forgive you. Especially not Five. You think he'll even listen to what you have to say? You're deluding yourself if you believe that." The mention of Five sends a pang of anxiety through Y/n, making her doubt whether her attempts at redemption will ever be acknowledged.

Y/n, undeterred by Lila's skepticism, asserts, "Lila, I don't expect everyone to forgive me, and I'm well aware that Five may never forgive me. But I need to tell him the truth and apologize. I owe him that much."

Lila, finding amusement in Y/n's determination, chuckles condescendingly. "You really think you can fix things, don't you? Newsflash, sweetheart, some things are beyond repair. Once you break something, it stays broken."

Y/n remains resolute, "I don't care if things can't be fixed. I just want to be honest with Five. I know he probably doesn't care, but—"

Before Y/n can finish her sentence, Lila interrupts her with a sly smile, "You think he doesn't care? Oh, honey, you're so wrong. Five has been drowning himself in alcohol ever since you left. You've been haunting him more than you can imagine." The revelation strikes Y/n with disbelief, her eyes widening as she processes the unexpected impact she has had on Five.

Y/n's eyes widen further, and her heart sinks at the revelation that Five has been struggling in her absence. Lila notices the change in Y/n's expression and, for the first time, her tone softens. "Look, I get it. People make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes break others. Maybe, just maybe, if you're genuine about wanting to change, you might find a way to mend things."

Y/n's mind races as she absorbs Lila's words. "I didn't realize... I didn't want to hurt him. I never meant to break him."

Lila nods sympathetically, "Well, intentions are one thing, actions are another. If you're serious about making amends, it won't be easy. But hey, maybe there's hope. Just approach him with honesty, and who knows?"

Y/n looks at Lila with a hopeful expression, "So, are we good now?"

Lila chuckles, shaking her head, "Don't get too excited. We're far from 'good.' But, for Sloane and Luther's sake, I'll spare you a scene. Just don't expect us to be best pals anytime soon." Y/n nods, appreciating the temporary truce, as they continue decorating.