Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 43

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

Jealousy.

Leilani.

The weekend slipped through my fingers like sand, vanishing far too swiftly. By the time I managed to refine the prototype for my latest invention, the sun was already high in the sky, marking midday on Sunday.

Rising from the depths of my couch, I stretched my limbs, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. My body felt as though it had been trampled by a stampede; every muscle ached, and fatigue clung to me like a heavy blanket. As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, a troubling realization struck me: since Friday evening, Jarek hadn’t reached out—not a single text or call.

How peculiar.

Was he deliberately avoiding me?

Did he regret that impulsive kiss we shared, grappling with how to address it?

Was I on the verge of losing the only genuine friend I had?

These unsettling thoughts spiraled in my mind as I grabbed my coach bag and made my way toward the door. I needed to escape, to do something—anything—to distract myself. My kitchen was bare of groceries, and I had to find a dress for the gala looming just days away.

Lost in my musings, still troubled by Jarek’s silence after our kiss—he hadn’t even acknowledged my last message—I drove to Bergdorf Goodman, the upscale department store, hoping to find something that would lift my spirits.

As I parked and stepped out of my car, I noticed a few pairs of eyes lingering on me, judging the contrast between my worn clothing and the luxury of my vehicle. But I brushed off their stares as I entered the store, only to be confronted by an all-too-familiar face.

Oh, not this again…

Chalice!

She stood there, flanked by Caelum and Kael, and when her gaze met mine, a triumphant grin spread across her face. “And look who we have here! Oh sister, you’re certainly frequenting all the high-end places these days!”

Her backhanded compliment made my skin crawl, but I refused to engage in her petty banter. I turned my back on them, seeking refuge with the salesperson who stood nearby, wearing a warm smile that felt like a comforting embrace.

“Hi, I’m Emily,” she greeted cheerfully. “What can I help you find today?”

I returned her smile, trying to ignore the heat of three pairs of eyes boring into my back. “I have an event coming up in a few days—a gala, to be precise. Unfortunately, I have nothing to wear.”

“Oh, I know exactly what you need! Come with me,” Emily replied, her enthusiasm infectious. Without hesitation, I followed her deeper into the boutique.

For the next few minutes, I lost myself in the delightful chaos of selecting the perfect dress, the right fabric, and the ideal accessories. But just as I was about to make a decision, I sensed her presence behind me.

Chalice, unmistakable with her sugary vanilla scent, had arrived. Yet, I didn’t turn around. Instead, I focused on Emily. “I’m still undecided about which one to choose.”

“If she won’t take that, I will,” Chalice interjected, squeezing herself between Emily and me to snatch the black silk dress I had been eyeing.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to show it off to one of the boys, either Caelum or Kael, asking, “How does this look on me?”

“Pretty,” Kael responded quickly, his tone almost too eager.

“Of course, you’re always pretty in everything, baby… unlike some people,” Caelum chimed in, his words dripping with condescension.

That was low.

Very low.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, the sting of his words resonating deep within me. But I refused to let them see how much it affected me. Even a blind man could see that I was beautiful. I brushed past them, seeking solace in another section of the boutique.

But Chalice was relentless, her pointy shoes clicking against the floor as she mimicked my every move. She began ‘choosing’ each dress I glanced at, as if daring me to react.

I’d rather she waste her money than engage in a confrontation.

Seemingly irritated by my silence, she patted my shoulder with enough force to make me shudder. Rolling my eyes, I asked, “What now?”

“Oh, don’t be so smug!” she spat, her voice laced with venom. Yet, I noticed her eyes darting around, as if she feared someone might overhear her true feelings. “You didn’t tell me the position I applied for wasn’t open!”

I froze, momentarily confused by her outburst. A frown creased my forehead as I crossed my arms over my chest. “What are you talking about?”

“I know you’re not the brightest, Leilani. But could you at least stop pretending to be dense?!” she retorted. “I heard yesterday that the software developer position at Frostclaw was never open, and I submitted my CV without knowing! Someone misled me!”

Her glare was fierce, as if she believed I was somehow responsible for her predicament.

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