𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐗𝐈𝐕

Milaine stormed back into the venue , her vision blurred by anger. She didn't care about the curious glances thrown her way as she moved through the crowd. Her breaths were shallow, her chest tight, and the weight of Zak's words pressed down on her like a boulder. She needed to get out of here.

The hallway leading to the bathrooms was quiet, blissfully empty. She pushed open the door to the women's restroom, relieved to find it deserted. Leaning against the counter in front of the mirrors, Milaine braced her hands on the edge of the sink, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps. Tears streamed silently down her cheeks as she tried to pull herself together, but the overwhelming ache in her chest refused to subside.

Her hands trembled as she pulled out her phone and called her stepfather Ralph. He picked up almost immediately.

«Milaine?» His voice was concerned, bordering on alarm.

«Can you pick me up?» she asked, her voice barely a whisper, choked with emotion.

«What happened? Are you okay?»

«I just... I need to leave,» she said, her voice breaking slightly. «Please, Ralph.»

There was a pause, He knew it was bad enough from her voice, but it was way much worse when she begged him , Milaine never does.. he answered firmly, «I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Stay where you are.»

She hung up, setting the phone on the counter before gripping the sink again. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Milaine hardly recognized the person staring back—mascara streaks smudged beneath her swollen eyes, her lips trembling. She looked as broken as she felt, and she hated it.

She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply, willing herself to calm down. The bathroom was quiet, save for the faint hum of the music from the party outside.

Suddenly, the door swung open with a loud thud. Milaine startled, her head whipping around just as Lando stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

«Lando?» she mumbled, confusion and shock lacing her voice.

He didn't say anything at first. His gaze locked onto her face, taking in the tears and the raw vulnerability in her expression. He froze for a moment, as if the sight physically pained him, before rushing toward her.

Milaine instinctively stepped back, hitting the counter behind her. «What are you doing? This is the women's bathroom!»

«I don't care» he said, his voice low but firm. «Milaine, what happened?»

She turned her face away, trying to swipe at her tears, but he was faster. Gently, he cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away the tears streaking her cheeks. His touch was soft, careful, and the tenderness in his eyes made her chest tighten even more.

«Don't» she whispered, her voice cracking. «I'm fine.. Just go.»

«You're not fine.» he said quietly but firmly, as he leaned in closer with her face between his hands «you don't have to pretend with me, Milaine.»

His words shattered the last bit of resolve she had. A sob broke free, and she clapped a hand over her mouth, as if she could push it back inside. But it was too late. The floodgates had opened, and she couldn't stop the tears.

Lando pulled her into his arms without hesitation. His embrace was warm, steady, grounding her in a way she hadn't realized she needed. She clung to him, her fists gripping the fabric of his jacket as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.

«This is pathetic» she managed to choke out, her voice muffled against his chest.

«It's not» he murmured, resting his chin lightly against her hair. «You carry so much on your shoulders, Milaine. But you don't have to do it alone.»