And there were three

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The tension in the room felt like an electric current, crackling and alive as Annabelle stood facing Jerome, her heart in turmoil. She could still hear the echo of the door slamming behind Daniel, the finality of it ringing in her ears like a death knell for the relationship she thought she knew.

"Annabelle, we need to talk," Jerome said, his voice steady but laced with concern. "But first, we need to find Daniel and explain everything. He deserves that much."

Annabelle shook her head, her emotions swirling like a storm. "I don't think he'll want to hear anything we have to say right now. He's hurt, and I can't blame him."

Jerome stepped closer, his gaze softening. "But we can't let him walk away thinking the worst. He's my brother, and I care about him too. I never wanted to hurt either of you."

The sincerity in Jerome's eyes made her heart flutter, but the guilt weighed heavier. "You didn't mean for this to happen, but it did. We crossed a line, and now everything is a mess."

Jerome sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know. But we need to address it. If we don't, it will just fester and get worse."

Annabelle looked away, conflicted. She knew he was right, but the thought of facing Daniel again filled her with dread. "What if he can't forgive us? What if he hates me?"

Jerome took a deep breath, his expression serious. "Then we own our mistakes. We face the consequences, whatever they may be. But I believe there's a chance he'll understand if we approach him together."

She met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "You really think so?"

"I do," he replied, his voice firm. "We can't hide from this. It's time to confront the truth."

After a moment of hesitation, Annabelle nodded, steeling herself. "Okay. Let's find him."

They stepped out of her room, the air thick with tension as they made their way through the hallway. Annabelle's heart raced with every step, the weight of uncertainty hanging heavy in the air. What would she say to Daniel? How would he react?

As they approached the living room, she caught sight of Daniel sitting on the couch, his expression a mixture of anger and hurt. The sight sent a wave of guilt crashing over her.

"Daniel," she began, her voice trembling. "Can we talk?"

He looked up, his eyes cold and distant. "What's there to talk about, Annabelle? You've already made it clear how you feel."

"Please, just give us a chance to explain," Jerome interjected, stepping forward. "We didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"Didn't mean for it to happen?" Daniel's voice was laced with disbelief. "You both woke up in bed together! How is that not intentional?"

"Daniel, I was drunk. We were both drunk," Annabelle said, her voice rising with emotion. "I didn't remember anything until I woke up and freaked out. I never meant to hurt you."

Daniel's expression softened slightly, but anger still simmered beneath the surface. "And you thought it would be a good idea to lie to me about it? To hide it?"

"I didn't want to hurt you!" she cried, stepping closer. "I was scared of how you'd react. I didn't know how to handle it."

"Handle what? The fact that you were with my brother?" Daniel shot back, his voice rising again. "You think that's something I could just brush off?"

"I know it's complicated," Jerome said, his tone calm but firm. "But Annabelle and I didn't plan for this. It just happened."

"Just happened?" Daniel echoed, incredulous. "You think that makes it any better? You two had a moment, and now I'm supposed to just accept it?"