what you need (the weeknd)

Twenty Two - Secrets

*'It's a lie, a lie..'*

Luara

My eyes open as I stretch in my covers, a groan escaping my mouth as the much needed sleep eases out my body.

After Abel put me to bed, I finally had one night of peaceful sleep. I turn my head to the side, expecting Abel's sleeping body to be laying there but it isn't and I sit up, pushing my curls back and looking around my bedroom.

I quickly peek at the alarm clock to see it reads '11:36' and I sigh, realising I've woken up a bit later than usual.

The sound of water running lets me know Abel's in the shower and I use this opportunity to check my phone while I wait for him.

I wanted to put the nightmare from last night behind me but in the back of my mind, I knew I'd be forced into the same routine again tonight.

Grabbing my phone from beside me, I swipe it open to see I have a few notifications from iMessages.

Morning Miss Santos, we have a photoshoot booked for you in two days. It'll be in Paris, France, your ticket details will be sent over soon.
Sep 7, 5:04am

Reading over the message, I contemplate whether or not I should accept the job or not.

This past week, I've been feeling out of it and on top of that, my sleep isn't getting any better. Believe me, I've tried to move past it but the fact they keep showing up every night makes it quite difficult.

Two days ago, I finally built up the courage to tell Abel what's been going on with me and why I've been acting the way I have, but he ended up having to leave to go over details of his third leg of the tour.

And by the time he came back, I'd already talked myself out of it and I settled back into my silent and tired self.

Deciding that maybe this job could be a distraction, I send a reply and finally move to the other messages I've gotten, mainly being spam messages and interview invites until I reach the last one.

So this is what you left me for, you bitch?
Sep 7, 3:16 am

With furrowed brows, I click on the attached images linked to the message. My eyes scan over the images in fear as I make out two people cuddling together as they sleep.

Me.

And Abel.

I gulp as I continue scrolling down, images of me and Abel over the past few days in my apartment revealing themselves.

With shaking hands, I exit the message tab and drop my phone in front of me, staring at it in horror. My heart pounds against my chest as I bring my hand up to my mouth, my entire body in shock.

How the fuck is that possible?

I live on the twenty-eighth floor, there's no way someone could've taken photos from my windows unless..

No.

No.

I shake my head in denial as I feel my airway beginning to fail me, struggling to supply me the air I need. Jumping out of bed, I make a direct beeline for my balcony, forcing the door open and stumbling out, breathing out in relief as I feel a fresh whiff of air enter my body.