LOVE'S QUAGMIRE [18+]

Chapter 51: Engaged

Daphne's POV~

I walked downstairs, Catherine holding my hand on one side, Miss Thornfield on the other, and my heart was racing like crazy. I kept asking Catherine who was there, but she just gave me that "I know something you don't" look and stayed quiet. 

When we finally got to the door of the living room, she just motioned for me to go in alone. I hesitated, feeling like my legs might give out, but I twisted the knob and stepped inside.

The moment my eyes landed on the people sitting there, I felt my throat tighten, and my vision blurred with tears. 

Was this real? Were they actually here, or was I dreaming?

 Abbey, Jane, Seb, and Xavi—all sitting there, smiling, shining bright, and dressed in their usual formals. It felt like a scene straight out of a dream.

Abbey noticed me first, and before I could even react, she was up and walking towards me, and I swear my heart almost burst. She hugged me so tight, the kind of hug that's supposed to make everything feel okay again, and for a second, it almost did.

 I felt a tear slip out, and I hugged her back as best as I could, even though I was shaking.

When she pulled back, I heard her sniffling, trying to wipe her face quickly, but her nose was all red, just like her hair, and it made me smile even though I was still crying. 

She looked so freaking cute, and I couldn't believe they were actually here, right in front of me.

"Why are you crying?" I asked softly, feeling my own tears slide down my cheeks.

 Abbey punched me lightly on the shoulder, just like she always does when she's being all tough-love, but this time it hit right where I'd gotten a scar from all the beatings.

"Ah!" I couldn't help the little moan that escaped, and her frown deepened in worry.

"Are you alright, baby?" Zephyr's voice cut through, and I glanced over at him as he stood up.

 His face looked like he was asking one thing, but his voice told a different story, one that was way more intense.

"D-Did that hurt?" Abbey's voice trembled with concern, and I shook my head quickly, not wanting her to worry more. I just pulled her into a hug, trying to show her I was okay, even if I wasn't.

Zephyr, who'd started to walk toward us, stopped in his tracks, watching us with this quietly annoyed look. 

But after a moment, he just sat back down, like he was trying to keep it together, even if he was pissed.

"Do-Don't talk to me," Abbey mumbled through her tears, her voice trembling. I kept my chin on her shoulder, still holding her tight, and shook my head softly. 

"That hurts... why are you saying that?" I whispered, feeling my heart ache as she pulled away from the hug when I said.

"It hurts? Didn't you even think about me? Not even for a second? I missed you so much, I called you all the time, and you didn't even bother to pick up my calls, huh?" She complained, her voice laced with annoyance, but it didn't bother me because I knew she was hurt too.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, my voice barely audible.

 I saw Xavier getting up and walking over. "It's alright, Abbey," he said gently, guiding her to sit beside him. She sniffled and wiped her tears, but I could see the hurt in her eyes. 

Abbey had always been my only real friend during school, while the others were just acquaintances. The guilt of making her cry weighed heavily on me, and I considered asking Zephyr for my phone back, but I was too scared. His temper was unpredictable, and I didn't want to risk triggering his anger.