The Imperfect Girl

Chp. 27- Project is Dead. Long Live the Drama

(Adeline's POV)

Adeline sat back in her chair, arms crossed, glaring at Damon. "We're done," she muttered through gritted teeth, her laptop screen displaying their finished project. 

Somehow, by a miracle or sheer force of will, she had survived the ordeal. 

Damon had contributed... minimally.

Saying that she was exhausted was an understatement.

"I don't know how we did it, but it's over," she said, more to herself than to him.

Damon yawned dramatically, stretching like a cat. "You mean you're done. I was just here for moral support. And would ya' look at that! We're still alive."

Adeline rolled her eyes. "Barely. I literally did all the work, while you slept, gossiped, and messed around like a toddler high on sugar."

"Hey, hey—don't sell yourself short. You thrived under the pressure. If anything, I was the og inspo."

"Yeah, like a brick is inspiring when it's about to hit you in the face," she grumbled, closing her laptop.

Damon smirked, hopping off her bed. "You've got quite the attitude for someone who was saved by the Damon Scott charm."

She blinked at him, unamused. "Saved from what exactly? Sanity?"

"From boredom, Addie. Admit it—without me, you'd be doing nothing but writing sad poetry about the futility of life." He winked.

Adeline stared at him. "Get out."

He grinned. "Touché."

Before he could exit, though, Blair popped her head into the room, holding up a dress against herself. "Hey, do you think this looks good on me? I'm going to the—oh, hi, Damon!" she chirped, her voice jumping an octave.

Adeline groaned internally. Here we go.

Blair flashed a bright smile and twirled her hair. "I didn't know you were still here." Her eyes sparkled, and she added in a breathy voice, "You know, we should hang out sometime."

Damon glanced at Adeline, raising an eyebrow like, Is this bish for real?

Adeline shot him a death glare, silently daring him to engage.

He winked at her, turning back to Blair with his usual smoothness. "Uhh- I'm not sure. I'm on a tight schedule."

Blair's face fell just a little before she caught herself. "Oh, of course. I understand. Busy life, right?" She giggled awkwardly, clutching her dress like it was a life preserver.

"Totally," Damon replied, already halfway out the door.

Blair looked at Adeline, then back to Damon, her disappointment obvious. 

Adeline couldn't help but feel a small victory.

"Bye, Damon," Blair said, voice a tad too cheerful as she left the room.

Damon, grinning mischievously, looked at Adeline and mouthed, "Nice save", before stepping out.

As the door clicked shut, Adeline let out a long breath, finally alone and at peace. But knowing Damon, it wasn't going to last long.

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