Toxic Truth

6

ZELLA

The dinner is being held at a banquet hall in a hotel owned by the Salvatores. A huge crowd of people is gathered here, a sea of people dressed in silky gowns. Everyone is talking and sharing their experience of work.

Moreover, almost everyone here is with a date. They literally entered with their dates on their arm. Well, everyone except for me, of course.

To top it off my ex, Brandon, is here too. Alone, without a date, and currently standing by my side.

I smile at something his friend says before taking a sip of my champagne. I don't understand what he's saying because my attention is on one person, who is standing on the other side of the room.

Liam.

It should be a sin for him to wear suits, considering how good he looks in it.

There's a woman standing in front of him and my eyes land on her hand, which is now on Liam's arm.

He smiles at something she says. The smile that has never been directed at me since we started working together.

As if sensing my gaze, his eyes move up to me. I quickly look away and listen to what Brandon and his friend are talking about, ignoring my racing heart.

However, my peace is short lived because his friend leaves and I'm left alone with him. He immediately comes closer to me.

"I have been calling you Zel, you didn't answer my calls."

"Zella," I correct him through gritted teeth. "And I haven't received your calls."

That would be because I blocked him from everywhere, right after he cheated on me.

"Did you block my number?" he narrows his eyes.

I huff out an exasperated breath. "You already know the answer to that Brandon."

"Come on Zel." One look at my face and he's correcting himself. "Zella. I'm really sorry for what I did and I really regret it. I took you for granted and lied to you. Please give us a chance."

"There is no second chance Brandon. You cheated on me, and hid it from me. You could've at least told me, but no, I got to know about it from social media! Please leave me alone now. I'm done with you."

I turn to leave but his hand grasps my wrist in a tight hold. "Why the fuck do you have to be so hard to get? Is that what you like? Being chased?"

The audacity of this guy. "No! I don't want to be chased by my ex boyfriend who cheated on me! Now let go."

I tug at my wrist but his hold is too tight. I don't want to attract attention, so I tug it harder, but it's to no avail.

"I think she told you to let go." A familiar voice speaks from behind.

A sigh of relief escapes me when I see Liam standing there.

"We were just having a conversation," Brandon mutters, finally releasing my wrist. I hold it up and gently massage it.

"We're done here." I demand and he leaves my side, rolling his eyes, obviously not wanting to look bad in front of someone else.