𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐗𝐈𝐈

15th February 2024

The soft glow of streetlights spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the fancy restaurant in Monte Carlo. Outside, the marina gleamed, yachts swaying gently in the dark water. Inside, the terrace buzzed softly with quiet conversations and the occasional clink of glasses. Milaine and Kelly sat at a small table, their champagne glasses catching the warm glow of the city. The air was cool but not cold, the kind of night where the breeze felt like a gentle reminder of the sea's presence nearby.

Kelly swirled her glass lazily, her other hand propping up her chin as she leaned forward. Her sleek hair framed her sharp features, her eyes alive with curiosity. «So...» she said with a sly smile, breaking the momentary silence, «you and Andrey are official now? When were you planning to tell me this juicy little detail? I only saw his post on Instagram... Jeez, talk about a hard launch.»

Milaine sighed, leaning back in her chair and rubbing her temples. She felt out of place in the glamour of Monte Carlo, her casual sweater and low waisted jeans, doing little to match the setting's sophistication.

«I don't even know if 'official' is the right word» she said, her voice low. She reached for her glass and took a small sip, letting the bubbles fizzle on her tongue before continuing. «He came yesterday on Valentine's with a huge bouquet of flowers... It was a surprise.»

Kelly's grimace was immediate. «You hate flowers» she said bluntly, not holding back.

Milaine shook her head, trying to brush off the comment. «It was a nice gesture, Kelly. Plus, I don't hate flowers» she said, the words feeling weird even as she said them.

Kelly rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. «Yeah, sure, Milly. We both know you'd rather receive anything else but flowers.» She took another sip of champagne, leaning back in her chair with a knowing smirk.

Milaine bit her lip anxiously, her thoughts slipping to something else entirely. The other gift she'd received the day before. She remembered the macarons—delicate, colorful, and utterly delicious. She'd eaten all of them, despite her trainer Omar's strict instructions. He didn't need to know. The memory brought a fleeting smile to her face, but it faded as quickly as it came.

She sighed again, her voice softer this time. «He confessed to me, Kelly. Like, really confessed.»

Kelly's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her posture straightening. «What did you say? Don't keep me hanging, Milly!»

Milaine stared at the tablecloth, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her napkin. The weight of her own words sat heavily on her chest. «I said... well, I didn't say anything, really. He said he would give me as much time as I need to talk about my feelings, if there's a chance. But if there isn't... he asked me to tell him so we could set some boundaries.»

Kelly nearly choked on her champagne, setting the glass down quickly. «Wait, wait, let me guess. You made him think there's something.»

«Yeah» Milaine admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kelly leaned closer, her sharp gaze softening slightly. «But is there really something or no?»

Milaine hesitated, her stomach twisting in knots. «I care about him, Kelly. I really do. He's been there for me through so much, and I... I didn't want to hurt him. But...» Her voice cracked, and she took a shaky breath.

«But?» Kelly prompted gently, her voice quieter now, setting her glass aside to give Milaine her full attention.

«But it's not love. Not the kind he wants from me.» Milaine let out a long breath, brushing her hair back from her face. The words felt heavier as they left her mouth, like she was finally admitting them to herself. «If I was ever going to feel that way about him, it would've happened already, right? It's been years. We've been through everything together, and I still don't feel... that spark.»