Change of plan
Sadie's POV
I’m secretly relieved that Daisy left the house, but I feel bad about the way she left. It’s probably because her boyfriend upset her again. For the first time, I was truly scared. Ever since yesterday, when Daisy first left, I’ve been nervous. I was trying so hard to please Justin. I even told Daisy about the stranger in bed with me, but she didn’t realize I was really describing how her dad held me down until it got dark outside.
Justin had never been that drunk before. I suspect he might’ve added drugs to his wine. He took me to new heights, one moment exciting, the next overwhelming. What would’ve happened if I hadn’t gone to meet him at the bar yesterday? Would he have slept with some random woman just because he was upset? Probably. He just needed someone—any woman—to be with him. I had no choice but to go against Daisy’s wishes to save my relationship. I love Justin, but I’m terrified of how Daisy, and everyone else, might react if they find out.
Justin’s behavior keeps confusing me. He introduced me to other men without explaining they were his friends. I smiled nervously, worrying if those men knew Daisy and might tell her something. Justin was angry with me, and it was clear he was already drunk. I had to do whatever he asked to keep him happy. He even made me drink more wine than I could handle and insisted we dance in public. Our relationship is supposed to be a secret, so I kept wondering why he was doing this to me. But the dim lighting in the dance hall made it feel safer, so I went along with it.
It’s probably better if I return to my city and have Justin visit me there. That way, we can keep our relationship quiet. Without giving it too much thought, I went to see Justin. When I reached his door, I knocked.
“Hi, Justin,” I said, waiting for him to come out. When he did, the first thing he asked was, “Where’s Daisy? Is she in her room? I heard a car drive off—was it her?” He sounded rushed.
“Daisy and her boyfriend are fighting again. She left, and I don’t think she was in a good mood,” I replied.
As soon as he realized Daisy was gone, he grabbed my hands and tried to kiss me.
“No, wait. I came here for something,” I said, watching him closely.
“Sadie, be the good girl you were yesterday. You surprised me, and I loved it,” he said, still holding my hand, trying to take control.
“Justin, I did all those things because I wanted to please you. I know you were upset with me, but it’s a new day now. I’m scared,” I admitted softly.
“Scared? Of what? Didn’t you text me this morning, saying nothing could stop us from loving each other?” he asked, sounding concerned.
“I’m afraid Daisy will find out. Things are getting out of hand. But I have a suggestion,” I said.
“What’s your suggestion?” he asked.
“Why don’t I go back to my city? You can visit me there when you want. It’ll be safer. Remember yesterday, how you introduced me to those men?”
“They’re not my friends. Is that what’s bothering you?” he interrupted.
“It’s not just that, Justin. I feel like we’re losing control. I know the kind of chemistry I feel whenever I look at you, even when Daisy is around. I don’t want to hurt Daisy. Please try to understand...” I stopped talking when I saw Justin stretch his arms.
“Are you with me?” I asked, widening my eyes.
“I am, but I have a question for you.”
“What question?” I asked, stepping back as he tried to hold me again.
“Do you love me?”
I didn’t answer right away. I looked into his eyes, and my mind went back to the first time we met at the hotel. He promised to teach me about romance and said he wouldn’t touch me because I was upset and in tears.
“You’re considerate…” I said absentmindedly.
“Considerate? What do you mean?” he asked, smiling.
“Oh, sorry,” I said quickly, realizing my thoughts had slipped out.
“Do you love me? That’s what I asked,” he repeated.
“I love you. No doubt,” I said firmly.
“Then what are we waiting for? Forget about anyone who knows about us,” he shrugged.
“I don’t understand. Do you want everyone to know we’re together?”
“Yes. And if you can’t do it, I’ll do it for the sake of my love for you,” he said.
Anger flared up inside me, and I turned away, walking down the stairs to my room. As I walked off, he called after me.
“Sadie! Sadie!! Sadie!!!”
I ignored him and went straight to my room. As I packed my clothes, I heard a knock at the door. I waited a few seconds before saying, “Come in.”
Justin entered and froze when he saw me packing.
“Are you serious? Are you leaving me?” he asked, walking toward me.
“Yes. I can’t face Daisy when she finds out. How can I look her in the eyes? I value her love and care too much,” I said, my voice trembling as I fought back tears.
Justin came closer and hugged me. We stood there for several seconds before he tapped my back and said, “I’ll let you go, but you need to spend a few more days with me. Otherwise, I’ll fall apart.”
His words sounded so emotional that I reluctantly agreed. When he pulled away, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. Could I really spend a day without Justin? That’s all I could think about. He’s become someone I feel complete with, even when everything else is falling apart.
When he saw me crying, he knew I didn’t truly want to leave. We both wanted to stay together, but my best friend was standing in the way. If I left, would Justin eventually forget about me?
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Author’s POV
“Darling, no one has ever touched me the way you did last night. It felt like I was on another planet. I slept so deeply I didn’t even notice when the day came. I love you with all my heart, and nothing will stop me from loving you. If you were a soup, you’d be the sweetest dish made by the best chef. Thank you for making me feel like there’s a honeycomb inside me whenever we’re intimate…”
Daisy stopped reading the message on her phone, pulling the screen away from her eyes. She leaned back in her car seat, staring blankly through the windshield, though her mind was elsewhere.
“My dad…” she whispered. “Sadie…” She paused again. “They’re betraying me. This can’t be true. Did it start yesterday, or has it been happening for a while? Mum was right!”
She wanted to open more messages on Sadie’s phone but stopped as a sharp pain shot through her chest. It was so intense she closed her eyes and dropped the phone on the passenger seat.
“What do I do now?” she whispered, covering her face with her hands.
After a deep breath, she decided, “I’ll tell Mum first. She needs to know.”
Daisy started her car and drove off at high speed, heading to her mum’s house.
A few minutes later, she arrived. She entered the house, where her mum was laughing on the phone. Irritated by the sound, Daisy stormed inside.
Noticing her daughter’s expression, Juliana quickly ended her call and followed Daisy to her room.
“What’s wrong?” Juliana asked. When Daisy didn’t answer, Juliana said, “I know you’re upset about Gabriel being back in my life. But I love him.”
At that moment, hearing her mum say “I love him,” Daisy’s mind shifted. She smiled suddenly, a new plan forming.
“What’s going on in your head?” Juliana asked.
Daisy’s sneer grew as she replied, “You’ll find out soon.”