Thirty Days Of September

chapter 25: Day 27, Furious Attack

The morning sun streamed through the window as Atasha and Aaron lounged in the living room, enjoying a peaceful day at home. They had decided to keep things relaxed, playing Scrabble while snacking on popcorn and sipping iced tea. The air was light, filled with soft music in the background, and their playful banter echoed through the room.

"Alright, here's my word," Aaron said with a triumphant grin, laying down the letters to spell "quizzical." He shot Atasha a teasing look. "Let's see you top that."

Atasha narrowed her eyes in mock concentration. "Hmm... how about 'zany'?" she responded with a playful flourish, placing her tiles on the board. "Not as fancy, but it works!"

They laughed, the ease between them filling the space. Atasha felt a sense of calm wash over her, grateful for this break from the whirlwind of their lives.

Just as Atasha was about to take her turn, the doorbell rang, interrupting their rhythm. Aaron frowned, standing up. "I wasn't expecting anyone. I'll get it."

Before Atasha could react, Aaron opened the door, and a flash of shock crossed his face. Atasha turned to see who it was, her heart sinking as she recognized the figure standing on the porch—Candice.

"What are you doing here?" Aaron asked, his tone caught between surprise and concern.

"I came to talk," Candice snapped, her voice sharp. She brushed past Aaron and stormed into the living room, her gaze narrowing on Atasha with a fierce, hostile glare.

"Well, well, well," Candice sneered, crossing her arms. "If it isn't the charity case herself. How adorable that you think you fit in here."

Atasha remained calm, though she could feel the tension rising in the room. "Candice, this isn't the time or place for this," she said, keeping her voice steady.

"Oh, spare me!" Candice shot back, her voice dripping with venom. "You think you can just waltz in and steal everything? You've already monopolized Aaron's time for the past 26 days. What more do you want?"

Atasha took a steady breath. "Aaron and I have been spending this time together because of an agreement we both made. I didn't come here to take him from you," she said firmly. "I only asked for 30 days—just 3 more to go."

Candice's eyes flared with anger. "You're playing a game, aren't you? But you don't know anything about him or us!" she spat. "You're just a distraction!"

Atasha met her gaze, unwavering. "I understand you're upset, but this isn't about competing. It's about honoring the agreement Aaron and I made. I'm not here to come between you two," she said gently but firmly. "I'm asking for just three more days. Please, Candice, let us have this time."

Candice's expression hardened, her voice laced with bitterness. "Why should I? You've already overstayed your welcome. He belongs with me, not with you."

Aaron stepped forward, his face a mix of frustration and compassion. "Candice, this isn't about taking sides. It's about a commitment I made to Atasha for these 30 days. I need you to respect that."

Candice's eyes flickered with hurt as she turned to him, disbelief evident in her voice. "Respect? Is that what this is about? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're choosing her."

Aaron sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not about choosing. It's about keeping my word. I'm not abandoning you or our relationship. I just need to finish this."

Candice's expression shifted, a mix of vulnerability and anger passing through her features. "Fine," she said tightly. "You want to finish your little deal? Go ahead. Finish your three days." She glanced back at Atasha, her voice cold. "But when it's over, don't think for a second that you'll have any more time with him. He's mine."