Chapter 8: Confession

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"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" Annchilee asked, her tone was light but urgent.

Antonnia, momentarily startled, glanced at the woman she had been talking to. "Sure, give me a moment," she said, smiling apologetically before turning to follow her friend a few steps away, out of earshot.

"What’s up?" she asked, trying to keep her tone casual but sensing something serious.

Her friend took a deep breath, glancing around before meeting her eyes. "Look, I couldn’t help but notice how you were flirting with Michelle just now."

"Yeah, she's really sweet," she replied, a bit defensively.

"That's not the point," the friend said, frustration seeping into her voice. "You’re already engaged with someone else. It’s not fair to him or to the woman you were flirting with

The friend looked taken aback, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I didn’t mean any harm. I just...got caught up in the moment."

Antonnia sighed, nodding slowly. "You're right. I didn’t think about it that way. Thanks for pulling me aside."

"No problem," her friend said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just wanted to make sure you’re aware. Now, let’s get back before they start wondering where we went."

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At a lively pool party, the air is filled with laughter, splashes, and the sound of upbeat music. Among the revelers, she lounges at the edge of the pool, her feet dangling in the cool water. The sun is warm on her skin, and she feels relaxed, enjoying the easy conversation and playful atmosphere.

However, things take a turn when Nalin,  swims over and starts flirting with Michelle. Her compliments and light touches, though playful, catch her off guard. Michelle blushes, feeling a mix of flattery and discomfort.

Antonnia suddenly grows quiet. Her usual bubbly demeanor shifts as she becomes more reserved, unsure how to respond.

Nicha, who has been chatting nearby, notices the change immediately. She swims over, concern evident in her eyes.

"Hey, you okay? You’ve gone all quiet."

She forces a smile, trying to shake off the awkwardness.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

Nicha raising an eyebrow "Thinking, huh? About what? You were having fun just a minute ago."

She glances at Annchilee floating nearby, then back to Michelle, who follows her gaze and pieces things together.

"Did she say something to upset you?" lowering her voice"

"No, not really. It’s just... I wasn’t expecting it. The flirting, I mean." shaking her head

Nodding in understanding "Got it. Do you want me to say something to her?"

"No, no, it’s okay. I’ll handle it. Just needed a moment to process." quickly she responded

"Alright. But if you need to talk or want to get out of here, just let me know, okay?"

"Thanks. I appreciate it."smiling more genuinely.

The best friend gives her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to engage the group in a different activity, subtly redirecting the attention away from the awkwardness. Grateful for the support, she takes a deep breath and slowly starts to rejoin the conversation, feeling a bit more at ease with her friend by her side.
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Antonnia's heart races as she glances at Michelle, who is sitting on the couch, chatting animatedly with their friends. She has been gathering her courage for this moment and now feels a rush of determination.

Taking a deep breath, she walks over and gently touches her arms, her voice quiet but firm.

"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute? In private?"

She looks surprised but nods, curiosity piqued. She  follow her down the hallway to her bedroom, where she closes the door behind them.

"What’s up? Everything okay?"

She takes a deep breath, feeling her pulse quicken. She has rehearsed this moment in her head countless times, but now that it’s here, words seem harder to find.

"Yeah, everything’s fine. Actually, better than fine. I just... I needed to tell you something important."

Michelle tilts her head, a gentle smile playing on their lips.

"Okay, you’ve got my full attention. What’s on your mind?"

She feels a surge of warmth at the encouragement and finally lets her emotions spill out.

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Michelle PoV

Antonnia pulled me in with my arms on hand  and we went to her room. She explained that she wants to talk to me. Suddenly, the moment shifts—there's a lingering eye contact, an electric tension in the air.

Without warning, Antonnia leans in and kisses me. It's soft and brief, but enough to send a jolt of surprise through me. I instinctively pushes her away gently, her eyes wide with shock and confusion.

"Why did you kiss me?"

She looks taken aback, a mix of vulnerability and fear flashing across her face.

"I’ve been wanting to tell you this for a while, but I was scared. I didn’t know how you’d react, and I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. But I can’t keep it to myself anymore. I like you. A lot. More than just as a friend."

"But why now? I mean you engage Antonnia!"

I take a deep breath, my heart still racing from the unexpected kiss. My mind whirls, trying to process the sudden turn of events

"I'm sorry Michelle... I didn’t either expect that. But, to be honest, I’ve felt the same way when we were in Mexico. I just didn’t know if you’d feel the same. I was so nervous to tell you. But I remember clearly what happened last night in Mexico.

"Yeah?, really?. I’m glad you did. It’s kind of a relief, actually. So... what now?"

She steps a little closer, our hands brushing.

"Maybe we can start by spending more time together, just the two of us. See where things go?"

"B-but Antonnia!?"

"I promise I will make it right, I will talk to Irfan to call off our wedding. Please just wait"

Antonnia's heart pounds in her chest, but she knows she needs to ask. She can't keep wondering what if.

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Antonnia PoV

"Do you... do you like me too?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy with meaning. Michelle eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. Then, a soft, sad genuine smile spreads across her face.

"I’ve been wanting to tell you for so long. Yes, I do like you. More than anything."

Relief and joy flood in my heart, my anxieties melting away in an instant. I reached across  taking her hand in mine.

"I’m glad you did. I didn’t know how to bring it up, but I’ve felt the same way for what feels like forever."

She nods, a smile lighting up her face. We continue to talk, our hands still clasped together, the future suddenly looking brighter and filled with endless possibilities.
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"So why did you lie to me when you told me that you cant remembered that kiss you stole at me that night" Michelle asked.

"Please hear me out" Antonnia said as she was trying to dig the memories in her mind

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