Twisted Rumours (Twisted series fanfiction #2)

22. SOFIA VOLKOV

Heartbreak is heartbreaking.

It can feel like a physical ache in your chest, leaving you feeling empty and lost. The pain of heartbreak can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that time will heal and you will eventually find peace.

But I can't see that peace right now, as the pain is too fresh and raw.

On normal days, Tonight would have been the MTV VMAs, a big night for me.

Today are MTV Vmas, and tonight should have been my proudest and happiest nights.

But right now, I feel like I can't even muster the energy to stand and give a speech about my accomplishments. The heartbreak has consumed me, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

"You think we'll win the best collaboration this year?" Quinn asks from my side, knowing my lead single is a collaboration for her.

I nod, because I know we put our hearts and souls into that song. But right now, all I can think about is the pain of losing you. The awards show feels insignificant compared to the emptiness I feel without you by my side.

"Sofia, you are awfully quiet tonight. What happened?" Quinn asks, her blonde hair falling on her shoulders as her hazel eyes stare into mine.

I force a faint smile, shaking my head to conceal the burden of my heartache from her. "Just going through some personal stuff," I reply, hoping she doesn't press further.

"You need a drink, babe." Quinn hands me a drink—its strawberry flavored gin and tonic.

It reminds me of Taehyung's obsession with this drink, a memory that lingers in my mind. I can't drink it without thinking of him, of us.

I stop a nearby waiter and switch the drinks for white wine before taking a sip, trying to push the memories away.

"Thanks, Quinn," I say, grateful for her attempt to distract me from my thoughts.

My one drink turns out into a few more as the night goes on, and alcohol soothes my heart like a balm, temporarily easing the ache of missing Taehyung. But as the night progresses, I realize that no amount of alcohol can truly make me forget him completely.

I win five awards that night, including best collab, song of the year, artist of the year, best music video, and one more I don't remember. The applause and recognition ring hollow in the absence of Taehyung, my partner in sharing such moments of joy. Despite the success, a sense of emptiness lingers as I reflect on what could have been if he were still here.

Fuck me.

I am thinking of a man who grievously betrayed my honor by labeling us as a good fuck on a night when I should be celebrating myself.

I look at myself in the restroom's mirror and see a reflection of someone who deserves better than to be haunted by memories of betrayal on a night of triumph. I take a deep breath, steeling myself to push past the hurt and focus on the well-deserved recognition I have received.

"Are you sleeping well, Puella?" I freeze at the voice.

The rich timbre is unmistakable—it's him.

The faint hint of a British accent is enough to send a shiver down my spine.

His scent swallows the air around me, instantly transporting me back to a time when his presence brought comfort instead of pain. Despite my best efforts to ignore him, I can feel his eyes boring into me, waiting for a response that I'm not sure I'm ready to give.

"What are you doing here?" I manage to force out some coherent words out of my throat as I turn to face him.

My chest tightens at the side, partially from pain and partially from longing.