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Weighing my options,I wasn't satisfied.
So as Ethan moved forward,I stopped him."I see him—over there!"
I pointed the opposite way.
Ethan,trusting,turned.
I glanced back,smirked,and followed him.
Back in the room,we played a few rounds of cards.
Jake finally returned,lips swollen,they had indeed been kissed raw.
I stared,puzzled."What's with your mouth?"
He panicked,blurting,"Bug bite.Swollen,right?"
I pointed at Lila,apparently hiding in the shadows to avoid attention."Oh,Lila's lips are swollen too!Bug bite too?"
I giggled,counting on my fingers."If I didn't know you'd never like Lila,I'd think you two snuck off together to make out!"
All eyes turned to them.
Some sized them up at my word.
Lila snapped,"Chloe,what're you implying?"
"Lila!Watch how you talk to my girlfriend!"Jake jumped to my defense.
"She's slandering me!"
"She's only joking!"Jake glared."Everyone knows you're short,ugly—I'd never like you.Why so defensive?"
"Exactly,Lila,just a joke.I trust you guys.Jake's not into rough,dark types like you,who look like a dude.Even if you’re the only woman left on earth,he wouldn't pick you.I've got that confidence."
Lila trembled with rage,fists clenching.
If looks could kill,I'd be dead for a thousand times by now.
She snarled,"You better stay that confident!"
"When Jake dumps you and you're crying like hell,don't be a laughingstock!"
"Lila!"Jake shouted,cutting her off.
She tried to suppress her anger and forced a smile."Why so jumpy?Just warning her.People shouldn't talk too big."
"No worries there,"I chirped."Things are great between Jake and I.He's throwing me a big birthday bash tomorrow."
"Spending my birthday with my love—wow,I’m excited just at the thought of that.Lila,you've probably never had that,right?Come tomorrow,I don't mind you being a third wheel.You should share our moment of happiness too!"
I kept poking,grinning.
But Lila sneered,"I'm busy.Can't make it."
"Save that ‘happiness'for yourself.Don't jinx it!"
She tossed her head and strutted out.
The next day,at work,Lila texted.
I curled my lips.
The fish took the bait.
"Think you're so happy?"
"Wanna bet Jake won't even show up for your birthday?"
Her words screamed fury.
I grinned,replying,"Girl,you're so bitter..That’s not a nice thing to say."
"I trust Jake.You're gonna lose!"
She didn't respond.
Jake called at noon,voice warm."I booked a table tonight.We'll have steak for your birthday."
He sent a gift photo.
"Your birthday present's here."
But by 4:30 p.m.,I could no longer reach him.
