Chapter 12%
In the days that followed, Bianca was like a piece of sticky candy–sweet, persistent, and impossible to ignore. She clung to Troy at every possible moment
She dragged him out shopping, pointed to the most expensive designer bag in the display, and, with a deliberately sweet tone, said she wanted it. Troy swiped his black card and paid without blinking
She made a reservation at some new influencer–approved rooftop café. Even with a ridiculous two–hour wait, Troy stood there with her, not once locking impatient.
One morning, she suddenly declared she wanted to go to the amusement park. Troy canceled a meeting and rode the carousel with her like they were carefree teenagers in love.
She wanted him to worship her–to spoil her like all those boyfriends in romantic dramas do. And Troy did. He agreed to everything. Pampered her, spoiled her
If she asked for the stars, he’d point to a telescope and ask if she wanted the moon too. If she asked for the moon, he’d offer her the entire sky.
But even from afar I could see it–his eyes. Empty, Cold.!!
That aftemoon, they went to some newly opened couple–themed restaurant. Troy stepped out to take a call/I was told this from someone who happened to be there one of my former classmates, actually. She said Bianca had just finished her dessert when a group of girls approached her
*Bianca! What a surprise running into you here!” they greeted cheerfully, their eyes lingering curiously on the spot Troy had just vacated. “Was that your man? He’s gorgeous!”
Bianca tilted her chin, all smug pride: “That’s my brother.”
“Brother?!” one of them gasped, covering her mouth in mock shock. “He’s so sweet to you! We were watching a while–he peeled your shrimp, held your hand when the waiter spilled, even adjusted your seat. Honestly, if I didn’t hear it from you, I’d think he was your boyfriend.“%
Bianca’s smile faltered just slightly, her lips twitching before she snapped out, “No! That’s ridiculous. He’s my brother. Just my brother.”
The girl laughed awkwardly. “Oops–sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it.”
And just like that, Bianca’s act was back in place smiling sweetly as they said goodbye. But as she turned around, she froze.
Troy was there. Standing just a few feet away, unreadable, cold.
She rushed toward him with a forced smile. “Troy, done with the call?
His eyes stayed on her “Yes.“”
Blanca glanced over her shoulder nervously “Did you hear anything just now?”
His lips lifted slightly, his tone gentle, but detached. “What should I have heard?
She sighed in relief and grabbed his arm. “Nothing! Come on, let’s go!
He reached out to hold her hand, but she recoiled instinctively, letting out an awkward laugh. “Let’s wait until we’re in the car. So many people here. “T
Troy didn’t respond. He pulled his hand back, turned away, and walked ahead of her l
Before they entered the car he looked back at the restaurant
Bianca followed his gaze. “What are you looking at?” she asked.X
He didn’t respond night away. “Nothing.” he said finally.
But I knew what he was thinking about!!
That place… it used to be our favorite. When the restaurant first opened, I’d begged him for days to take me. He finally did, arriving two hours late, but I had already ordered everything he liked. I even wore that navy blue dress he once said made me look like the night sky When he finally walked in, I looked up at him with every bit of hope in my heart.
He didn’t remember, but I did. I always did.”
That evening, they went back to the Green estate. Troy’s parents still didn’t know we had divorced. When they noticed I wasn’t with him, they asked casually, “Where’s Thalia? Why didn’t she come?”
Troy had just parted his lips to answer, but Bianca beat him to it. “She had something urgent. Couldn’t make it today.”
His mother nodded, then turned to Bianca with a smile. “Bianca, sweetheart, you’re at a good age. It’s time to think about settling d I’ve picked out a few excellent young men. I’ll show you later.“”
Bianca smiled sweetly. “Alright. Fll listen to whatever you say ”
Under the table, she slipped her hand into Troy’s and gave it a small, reassuring squeeze.8
He stared down at their hands. Silent.
down.
On the drive back to their private villa, Bianca leaned over with a grin. “About what your mom said earlier, don’t be mad, okay? I was just trying to smooth things over.”
Troy’s voice was flat. “Alright”
Later that night, after his shower, Troy pulled back the duvet!!
Bianca was already lying on the bed in a thin, silk nightgown
