Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

18

I stand in front of the mirror, washing my face with cold water, trying to steady my breath. Thank god my makeup is waterproof; otherwise, I would look like a complete mess by now. A few moments ago, I'd slipped into one of the stalls and cried my heart out, as quietly as possible, letting my frustration and heartbreak spill out. Richard's words about the engagement still sting, the truth in them tearing at me. I stare at my reflection, struggling to recognize the person in the mirror. Cherry's warnings play on repeat in my mind, and for the first time, I'm beginning to understand what she meant. This relationship, this love that feels so vital, may be going nowhere. But why does it have to hurt so much?

The door swings open, and Cherry steps in with a concerned look, her brows drawn in worry as she approaches me. "Are you okay, sweetie?" she asks softly, hesitating. "I didn't come sooner because I thought maybe you needed some time alone, but I couldn't wait any longer." Her voice is filled with compassion, and I feel the dam in me break again. I turn to her, wrapping my arms around her tightly.

"You were right, Cherry," I whisper into her shoulder, my voice trembling. "I should've listened to you. This relationship... it's going nowhere. She's about to get married." The weight of those words settles in my chest, and I feel fresh tears building. I can't stop them.

Cherry tightens her embrace, rubbing soothing circles on my back. "Oh, sugar," she murmurs, her voice soft and full of empathy. "Whatever was said, whatever happened tonight, it doesn't matter. I was wrong too. I saw the way Charlotte looks at you, and trust me, you're the only one she looks at that way. Not even Jeffery gets that look." She gently pulls away and wipes a tear from my cheek, her warm smile comforting.

As she breaks the hug, she glances mischievously at the bathroom door. "Now, there's someone outside that door who can't wait to talk to you," she says with a wink. "Should I let her in?"

I nod, wiping the last of my tears, trying to steel myself for what's coming. Cherry opens the door, and there stands Charlotte, her expression a mixture of concern and love. Her shoulders sag in relief as her gaze meets mine, and for a moment, we just stand there, both of us lost in the intensity of the moment.

Cherry gives us one last wink. "I'll leave you two alone," she says playfully. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She closes the door behind her, leaving an echo of her laughter in the air.

Charlotte steps closer, her face etched with regret. "Jenny, I'm so sorry," she says, her voice barely holding steady.

I shake my head. "You have nothing to be sorry about, Charlotte. It is what it is. You're engaged, and I let myself forget that."

Charlotte takes a tentative step forward, as though she wants to reach out and touch me but is holding herself back. "That's only temporary. There won't be any wedding," she says, a steely determination in her voice. "I told you, I want to be with you. I just need time."

Her words feel like a balm, yet they also sting. I stare at her, feeling broken. "Time for what? To destroy everything you've built? Are you sure I'm worth it?" The words slip out before I can stop them, my doubts laid bare.

Charlotte closes the distance between us, taking my hands in hers and looks into my eyes. "Of course you're worth it," she says, her voice filled with emotion. "None of this"-she gestures around-"none of it matters if I don't have you. I've lived in a golden cage my entire life, and you're the one who showed me there's more. Soon, I'll be free, and we can be together, even if it means I have nothing. As long as I have you."

Her words melt my defenses, and I feel a tearful smile spreading across my face. I whisper, "Cherry said you're my princess charming." At the mention of Cherry's name, I see a flash of jealousy in Charlotte's eyes.