Fleckless

Chapter 15

Lizzie's POV

Stepping out of the kitchen, a prickling sense of unease creeps over me. There's something off about Jake's demeanor, a tension in his movements that sets my senses on edge. I make a mental note to ask him about it later, once the evening settles into a quieter moment.

My friends greet me with smiles and glasses of wine, their laughter filling the room. As the crimson liquid swirls into my glass, worries dissipate, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie. Surrounded by their laughter and stories, I find comfort in their presence, momentarily forgetting the concerns that nagged at me earlier.

Time slips away as we share anecdotes and memories, laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses. Jake's call to dinner pulls me back to the present, and I follow him to the dining table, where a tantalizing aroma fills the air.

My friends' eyes widen in awe at the spread before them. Jake's culinary skills are on full display, each dish a work of art. I can't help but feel a swell of pride as they marvel at his talents, some even expressing a hint of envy that I'm treated to such feasts.

In this moment, doubts fade into the background, replaced by gratitude for the wonderful friends and the remarkable man who brought us together. We savor each bite and revel in the joy of good food and even better company, I feel truly blessed to have them all in my life.

Dinner drags on, prolonging the discomfort. Scarlette, with her playful slaps on Jake's shoulder and probing questions, makes him squirm. She's vying for his attention, oblivious to my presence beside her.

As I glance at Jake, his eyes plead for rescue, yet he maintains an adorable demeanor that tugs at my sympathy. Despite wanting to intervene, I remain silent, curious how far Scarlette will push.

The atmosphere grows tense, the other girls noticing Scarlette's flirtatious behavior. Conversation dwindles, overshadowed by her insistent laughter, now tinged with a more juvenile tone.

I roll my eyes. The dress she has worn makes her boobs pop out. And, she is literally flashing them before Jake's eyes.

Jake, ever the gentleman, shifts his focus to me, deliberately avoiding Scarlette's advances. However, Scarlette remains oblivious, her actions becoming increasingly intrusive. Rising abruptly, she accidentally spills wine onto Jake's shirt. Ignoring his attempts to dismiss the accident, she persists in her attempts to clean the stain, her gaze fixed intently on him.

Jake's patience wears thin, but he maintains his composure. However, the sight of Scarlette's persistent flirtation pushes me over the edge. Rising from my seat, I grab her by the hair.

Jake reacts swiftly, rising from his seat and moving to intervene, his protective instincts kicking in. He pulls me away from Scarlette, his actions aimed at diffusing the escalating tension.

In the heat of the moment, fueled by anger and frustration, I unleash a cutting remark. "Filthy whore," I hiss, the words dripping with contempt as I address Scarlette.

Scarlette shoots me a disdainful glare, her eyes flashing with irritation as she retrieves her purse. With a dismissive shake of her head, she mutters a derisive remark under her breath, calling me 'crazy'. Then, with deliberate strides, she makes her way to the door, swinging it open wide as she prepares to leave.

Scarlette's words cut deep, slicing through the air with a chilling certainty. "He will leave you too," she declares, her tone dripping with malicious intent. The echoes of past heartbreaks reverberate within me, each word a painful reminder of past wounds reopened. The fear of abandonment clenches at my heart, threatening to suffocate me with its suffocating grip.

"FYI I was doing Brad. I'm the reason you aren't married bitch." She slams the door leaving her words hanging.

Crumbled by the weight of Scarlette's betrayal, I collapse to the ground, overwhelmed by a flood of tears and anguish. Jake, ever the comforting presence, envelops me in his arms, offering solace as I seek refuge in his embrace. I bury my face in his shirt, seeking shelter from the storm of emotions.

One by one, the other girls silently slip away, leaving Jake and me alone in our shared grief. As the echoes of their footsteps fade into the night, we remain curled up on the floor, clinging to each other amidst the wreckage of shattered trust and broken dreams. In that moment of vulnerability, all that matters is the bond between us, a beacon of light amidst the darkness of betrayal.

Waking from my fitful slumber, I find myself nestled in the warmth of my bed, the remnants of tears still staining my cheeks. A hollow ache fills the space where Jake should be, his absence a palpable void in the darkness of the room. With a heavy heart, I rise from the bed, drawn by the soft glow from the living room.

The door creaks open as I step into the dimly lit space, the clock on the wall casting a faint glow that reads 3 am. There on the sofa sits Jake, bathed in the soft light of his laptop screen, his features illuminated in the gentle glow. I pause for a moment, taking in the sight of him, so focused and intent on his work, a cup of coffee cradled in his hands.

Silently, I approach him, my heart swelling with affection as I watch him in the quiet solitude of the night. Despite the turmoil that has consumed us, there's a sense of solace at this moment, in the simple act of being near him. As he looks up, sensing my presence, a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and in that fleeting exchange, I find a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

"Come here, beautiful," Jake's voice, warm and inviting beckons me as he sets his laptop aside, making room for me on the sofa. Without hesitation, I hurry to him, longing for the comfort of his embrace. Nestling into his lap, I feel his arms wrap around me, drawing me close as I breathe in the familiar scent of his cologne, a soothing balm to my weary soul. In his arms, the world fades away, and for a moment, all that exists is the gentle rhythm of our breaths, a silent symphony of solace and love.