Shades of Desire

Ivy

I felt lighter as I walked away from my conversation with Ethan. We had talked things through, and it felt good to know we could be friends again. I was proud of myself for making amends, and it lifted my spirits. Maybe this could work out after all.

Feeling happy, I headed over to Jace's apartment. I thought about how I could surprise him and maybe even make his day better. But when I got there, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. "Jace?" I called out, pushing the door open.

What I saw shocked me. The place was a complete mess. Empty bottles were strewn across the floor, and the couch was in disarray. "What the hell happened here?" I murmured, confusion washing over me.

I stepped inside, calling his name again, and that's when I spotted him. Jace was sitting at the bar area, staring into a glass of something strong. His expression was distant, almost lost. "Jace?" I approached cautiously.

He didn't answer. Instead, he just took another drink, and my heart sank. "What happened?" I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

Suddenly, he slammed his glass down, shattering it on the counter. I jumped back, startled. "Fuck it, Ivy! I don't know what the fuck I'm doing with you!" he yelled, frustration pouring out of him. I stood frozen, unsure of what to say.

"Jace, please—"

"You were fucking there with Ethan! Of all people! Your hands on him! What the hell am I supposed to think?" His voice was raw, full of pain, and I felt my heart break a little more with each word.

"It's not what you think!" I pleaded, but he cut me off.

"Keep it to yourself, Ivy! I don't want to hear shit!" He started pacing like a caged animal, and I could see the anger boiling over in him.

"Jace, wait!" I was desperate to reach him, to make him understand. "It's not like that!"

But he didn't listen. He stormed out of his apartment, and I rushed after him, my mind racing. I couldn't let this be the end. He had to know that there was nothing between Ethan and me. Jace was everything I wanted.

He got into his car, and my heart raced. "Jace, please!" I shouted, but he didn't look at me. Instead, he just gripped the steering wheel, frustration etched on his face.

"Get the fuck out of my car," he snapped.

"No! I'm not getting out until you hear me out!" I insisted, refusing to back down.

"Save it!" He slammed the car into gear, peeling out of the parking lot.

I held on tight, determined to make him listen. This couldn't be happening. I needed him to understand that I chose him, no matter what.