And there were three

Chapter 2, Jerome

The house pulsed with energy as music blared from the speakers, laughter and shouts mingling in the air like a heady cocktail. Jerome leaned against the kitchen counter, nursing a drink, his eyes fixed on the dance floor where Annabelle and Daniel swayed to the beat.

Irritation simmered within him as he watched them. Daniel, with his neatly styled hair and buttoned-up shirt, epitomized the soft, predictable businessman Jerome had always despised. Everything about him felt safe, boring, utterly dull.

But it wasn't just Daniel that stirred something inside Jerome; it was the way Annabelle moved. Her laughter rang out like music, her hair cascading over her shoulders as she spun, completely lost in the moment. She was captivating, vibrant, and far too alive for someone like Daniel, who seemed content to anchor her in a world of spreadsheets and meetings.

A tightening sensation gripped Jerome's chest as he caught a glimpse of her bright smile directed at Daniel. Something primal surged within him—an intense jealousy he couldn't quite shake off. He pushed himself off the counter, the drink in his hand forgotten as he navigated through the throng of bodies, fighting the urge to intervene.

What was happening to him? He had always found Annabelle infuriating, her quick wit and sharp tongue sparking arguments that left him feeling both annoyed and exhilarated. But now, as he watched her dance, something else brewed beneath the surface—a fierce attraction he hadn't expected to feel.

As the song transitioned to a slower beat, he watched as Daniel pulled her closer, whispering something in her ear that made her giggle. The sound twisted like a knife in Jerome's gut. He didn't want to admit it, but he couldn't stand the sight of them together. Annabelle deserved someone who could match her intensity, someone who could sweep her off her feet instead of keeping her anchored in safety.

"Hey, you alright?" a friend nudged him, breaking his train of thought.

Jerome forced a grin, masking the turmoil inside. "Yeah, just enjoying the show," he replied, but his eyes never left Annabelle.

"Looks like Daniel's got it all figured out, huh?" his friend continued, oblivious to Jerome's simmering jealousy.

"Sure, if you like that kind of guy," Jerome shot back, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I don't know how she puts up with him."

"You think you could do better?" his friend challenged, smirking.

"Hell, I know I could," Jerome muttered, the weight of his words heavy in his mouth. He didn't want to be just another guy in the crowd, especially not for Annabelle. But the more he watched her, the more he felt drawn to her. It was as if the energy between them sparked with every glance, every fleeting moment when their eyes met across the room.

When the song ended, Jerome took a deep breath, finally deciding he couldn't stand idly by any longer. Determination coursed through him. Annabelle needed someone who would challenge her, someone who could ignite that fire within her instead of stifling it.

He pushed through the crowd, heart racing, as he approached. Daniel leaned in closer to Annabelle, trying to capture her attention, but Jerome wouldn't let that continue. "Hey, Anna!" he called out, his voice cutting through the noise.

She turned, her eyes lighting up. "Jerome! What's up?" Mischief danced in her smile.

"Mind if I cut in?" he said, a smirk forming on his lips as he stepped between her and Daniel.

Daniel's expression hardened, brows knitting together. "Actually, I think we're good here," he replied, glancing at Annabelle for support.

A mix of confusion and uncertainty flickered across her face. "Uh, I—"