My Toxin

Chapter 32

Three months into therapy, everything between us felt different. Better. The tension that had once hovered over Marjorie and I had lifted, replaced by a sense of ease and closeness I hadn't realised we'd been missing. Therapy wasn't easy—it forced us to face things we'd both been avoiding—but it was worth it.

Marjorie had started letting go of the weight her parents had piled onto her shoulders. She was learning to set boundaries, to focus on what she wanted, not just what was expected of her. And for me, therapy helped me confront my need to control everything. I'd always thought I had to be perfect—the perfect son, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect everything. But I was finally beginning to see that perfection wasn't real, and trying to achieve it was only hurting us.

With winter break approaching, I wanted to do something to mark how far we'd come. And I also needed a romantic opportunity to officially ask Marjorie to be my girlfriend That's when the idea of Paris came to me.

Marjorie loved Emily in Paris. I'd watched a few episodes with her—not that I'd ever admit it—and I saw how much she lit up at the idea of Parisian life. The fashion, the food, the romance. She'd been to Paris before, but this time, it would be different. This time, it'll be just us.

I called Chanel for backup. If anyone could help me pull off a surprise like this, it was her. She jumped at the chance, and a few days later, she showed up at Marjorie's door, coffee in hand and mischief in her eyes.

"Surprise!" Chanel grinned, pulling Marjorie into a hug before she could even process what was happening.

"Chanel? What are you doing here?" Marjorie asked, her confusion quickly giving way to laughter.

Chanel handed her one of the coffees. "Oh, I'm here on official best friend business. Alex and I have a surprise planned for you, but first, we've got some work to do. London's calling, babe. Hair, nails, eyelashes, the whole works."

Marjorie raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "What kind of surprise?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Chanel said with a wink. "Now go get ready. We've got a big day ahead."

When they came back that evening, I almost didn't recognise Marjorie. Her transformation was subtle but stunning. She'd swapped her usual braids for a sleek wig that framed her face in soft waves, and though I wasn't a fan of wigs it didn't matter. She was beautiful regardless.

Her face was bare, as usual, but I noticed the little things. Her eyebrows, usually thicker, were shaped into a soft arch, drawing more attention to her dark eyes. Her lashes looked longer, maybe from whatever trickery Chanel had talked her into. Even her nails were different—longer than usual, painted in a neutral pink that suited her perfectly.

"You look beautiful," I told her, unable to keep the awe out of my voice.

Her cheeks flushed, and she glanced away, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It's just Chanel being Chanel. She insisted on everything."

"She was right," I said, stepping closer. "You look amazing."

Chanel, clearly pleased with herself, laughed from the kitchen. "Told you!"

The next day, I told Marjorie about the trip. We were sitting on the couch, her head resting on my shoulder, when I finally said it.

"I'm taking you to Paris," I began, keeping my tone casual even though my heart was racing.

She sat up, her eyes wide. "Paris? Seriously?"

I nodded, smiling. "For a whole week. No stress, no responsibilities—just us. And when we get there I've got another surprise for you".

Her expression softened, her excitement flickering into something quieter but just as genuine. "I think... you spoil me too much."

I smiled placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. " don't ask me to stop I wouldn't know how".

The next few days were a blur of final preparations. Chanel stayed in close contact, helping me fine-tune every detail.

Finally, the day of the trip arrived. As we boarded the first-class flight to Paris, Marjorie was practically glowing. She couldn't stop looking out the window, her excitement bubbling over.

"I'm so excited!," she said, turning to me with that smile I loved so much.

I took her hand, my own heart full. "I can see that, Princess. It's just the beginning."

And as the plane climbed higher, so did my excitement I prayed everything went as planned so she could continue to smile at me the way she was now.