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497words2026-01-26 09:15

My boyfriend,Jake Carter,had a gaming group chat.
The chat’s name was odd:"Lila's Daddies."
In this chat,Lila Brooks was the only girl.

When I first learned about the chat,I was upset,but Jake brushed it off,saying,"The only female thing about herwas her name—otherwise,she's just one of the guys.A gaming bro,rough around the edges.That's why we can joke around like this."
Then I met her.
She was petite and frail,yet her high heels clicked swiftly as she flitted among the guys like a flirtatious butterfly,her demeanor intimate and her glances suggestive.
For some reason,she was hostile toward me.
She kept mocking my makeup,sneering that I was seductive,unlike her"refined"restraint.
I endured and swallowed her provocations,refusing to snap back.

Until she pulled out a"Lila's Seat"sticker,blinking with her long lashes fluttering,asking if I minded her putting it on Jake's passenger seat.
With a half-smile,I took out my lipstick,added"Dog"on her sticker,and generously said,"Go ahead ."
She burst into tears.
...

Our anniversary clashed with Jake's gaming crew's offline meetup.He begged me to go to the meetup with him first,promising to make up the anniversary later.
I was reluctant.
But he said he wanted to bring me along to introduce me to his buddies.
I softened.Plus,I was curious about this odd female"bro"in his chat.
As soon as we entered,Lila Brooks,with a snide tone,said,"This is our gaming meetup.Why'd you bring your girlfriend?So inappropriate."
"Jake,your girlfriend's so clingy."
"How can you stand it?"
She shot me a disdainful look.
Jake laughed,patting her on the shoulder."Don't talk nonsense.Be nice to her"
"Chloe,don't mind her.She's always like that, rough,always blurting stuff out."
Jake pulled me to a couch,poured a cup of me warm water,and handed it over with a grin.
The others gathered around,warmly greeting me."Girl,you're gorgeous!Jake,you're lucky,man.Where'd you find such a stunner?"
"Girl,got any friends who’s single?Give me their numbers—I'm a decent guy!"
From the corner of my eye,I saw Lila's lips curling down in disdain,visibly annoyed.
She deliberately squeezed in,eyeing me."Girl,your foundation's so thick today—ghostly pale to be honest."
"Do you always wear this much makeup?Doesn't all that powder feel gross on your face?"
"God,I'm jealous.You don't know,I can't stand it—especially that smell of powder.Makes me wanna throw up."
"They say I was born in the wrong body.I should've been a guy."
She played innocent,words pouring out.
Her finger even rudely pointed at me.
I grabbed it,squeezing slightly.She winced."Darling,even if you don't like me,you can't hit me!Jake,do something about your girlfriend!"
Jake took my hand,smiling."Chill,she's a judo champ.Can't stand people pointing in her face—it's instinct."
He whispered in my ear,"Don’t embarrass me in front of my bros,Chloe.If you make a scene,how'll I face the guys later?"
I let go,smirking at her."Sorry,where I'm from,that gesture's a challenge.Thought you were about to start a fight."
Lila's expression changed,her tone mocking."Girl,you look so polished,yet you act rougher than me,a tomboy.Jake,you're in for it!"
I gave a faint smile,sighing."I'm not great with words.What I'm good at..."
My gaze meaningfully swept her frail frame.
She flinched,shrinking back,no longer daring to provoke me.