Franklin was stunned, standing there as his ears turned a little red. His voice was barely a whisper.
“Sophie, I know you’re feeling down after the breakup, but I’m not that kind of guy. You doing this… it scares me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you in or not? Otherwise, I’ll find someone else.”
He reached out a hand to help me up, his face flushed but his tone steady.
“Alright, let’s go. If needed, I can be as reckless as the next guy.”
Franklin’s place was spotless. Barely anything in it, leaving the space feeling almost too clean, like no one lived there.
“Is this your secret hideaway for stashing someone special?” I teased.
He handed me a pair of slippers, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“I’m not as lucky as Jacob, with someone always cleaning up after me. I just buy less stuff to manage on my own.”
The moment he said it, we both froze. He looked at me, regret flashing across his face.
“Sorry, that’s not what I meant…”
I’d been with Jacob for five years. He once said he wanted to see me all the time, so I moved across the city to live with him, even though it meant a 30-kilometer commute. I didn’t mind, thinking I was wanted. Jacob was messy, so I’d follow him around, picking up after him. His stomach wasn’t great, so I went from someone who couldn’t tell daffodils from garlic to someone who could cook meals to help his digestion. For five years, I was like a maid, caring for every little detail. Even his underwear was hand-washed by me. He once held me, saying he’d be spoiled by me, that he’d never let me go and wanted me by his side forever.
And now, he says I’m just a “bro.”
To hell with being his “bro”!
I sprawled out on Franklin’s bed, claiming the space. Franklin stood by the door, looking at me wistfully.
“Come on, couldn’t you at least give me a chance?”
“Sophie, what’s this drama now? Running away from home?”
Without a word, I pushed him aside. He pulled me into his arms, laughing, his tone flippant.
“Come on, don’t be difficult. Why don’t you give me a little release? I’m dying here.”
I pulled away, my voice cold and controlled.
“What’s wrong? Didn’t Melody satisfy you last night?”
He looked smug.
“Sophie, I knew you were jealous.”
“Melody isn’t like you. She’s not that kind of girl. I promised her I’d wait until we’re married. Last night, I just held her and barely survived. So, for now, I’ll use you. But remember, after the wedding, I’ll stay pure.”

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