Heart and Track

-11-

☆꧁༒Louisa May Pearl༒꧂☆

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I woke up with a knot in my stomach, the events of last night replaying in my mind like a bad dream. Holden had won his race, and the post-race party was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, it had turned into a test of my patience and tolerance. Holden had been all over his friends and the women who surrounded him, acting like I was invisible. The way he was touchy with those women made my blood boil. I couldn't stand it, but I had no right to show it.

This was a fake relationship, after all. Or was it? The lines had blurred for me long ago.

I decided to give Holden a piece of my mind by not giving him any of my attention today. He deserved to feel what it was like to be ignored.

The sun was already high when I finally dragged myself out of bed. I glanced at my phone—no messages from Holden. Typical. I sighed and went through my morning routine, each action deliberate and slow.

I decided to wear something simple but nice—a sundress that was comfortable yet flattering. When I went downstairs, I didn't see any sign of my dad. Typical. He was probably still asleep or out doing whatever he does. I bet he didn't even came back home last night. Lily already went to school and my mom, is in a good care. Lily and I decided to send her to care home so that she didn't feel too stress with my dad around.

The kitchen was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator. I made myself a light breakfast and sat at the table, pushing my food around the plate more than actually eating it. My mind kept drifting back to last night, to the way Holden had laughed and joked with those women, his hands lingering on their arms and waists. I hated how much it bothered me, how jealous it made me feel.

As the morning wore on, I decided I needed a change of scenery, something to distract me from the turmoil inside my head. I grabbed my bag and decided to head to the gallery. It was one of my favorite places, a refuge where I could lose myself in the beauty and creativity of others.

The gallery was quiet when I arrived, the soft lighting and hushed atmosphere immediately calming my nerves. I wandered through the exhibits, my eyes skimming over the artwork but not really seeing it. My mind kept drifting back to Holden, to the way he had acted last night. I tried to push the thoughts away, to focus on the paintings and sculptures around me.

I found myself in front of a large abstract painting, the bold colors and sweeping lines drawing me in. As I stood there, trying to lose myself in the artwork, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Louisa."

I turned to see Holden standing a few feet away, looking unsure and a little out of place in the serene gallery. His presence jarred me out of my thoughts, and I felt my guard go up instantly.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice colder than I intended.

Holden took a tentative step closer, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I wanted to see you. We didn't really get to talk last night."

I raised an eyebrow, unable to hide my sarcasm. "Really? I didn't notice."

He looked genuinely puzzled. "What do you mean? I thought you had a good time at the party."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "A good time? You barely acknowledged my existence, Holden. You were too busy with your friends and those women."