ANNA POV
While walking toward the train station, Anna received a call from her friend, Frej.
The moment she answered, loud music blasted through the speaker.
"Anna!"
Frej's voice sounded strange.
She was crying.
Anna immediately stopped walking.
"Frej? Where are you?"
A few minutes later, Anna found herself heading toward a nightclub instead of the train station.
Something was wrong.
And she couldn't leave her friend alone.
At the Club
The moment Anna stepped inside, the pounding music echoed through her chest.
Colorful disco lights flashed across the crowded room.
People danced wildly on the dance floor.
Some were drinking.
Some were laughing.
Others were wrapped in each other's arms, completely lost in the night.
Anna felt out of place.
She looked around, searching for her friend.
"Yo!"
Frej suddenly called out.
Anna spotted her sitting in a corner booth and immediately walked over.
"What are you doing here?" Anna asked.
The moment Frej saw her, her eyes filled with tears again.
"I'm glad you came."
Her voice trembled.
"You're the last person I've been calling. Nikki and Shania couldn't come. They're both busy."
Then suddenly—
"Anna!"
She burst into tears.
"Oh my God!"
Anna frowned.
"What happened?"
The music was too loud.
She couldn't hear clearly, so she leaned closer.
Frej looked at her.
Her lips trembled.
Then she shouted—
"WE BROKE UP!"
Anna froze.
"What?"
Frej suddenly cried harder.
"He broke up with me!"
The pain in her voice pierced straight through Anna's heart.
"Oh, dear..."
Anna immediately grabbed her hand.
"You know what? Let's go home."
She glanced around the noisy club.
"We can talk there. Not here."
"No!"
Frej quickly shook her head.
"I want you to stay."
"You're drunk."
Frej pointed at herself.
"I'm not."
Then she paused.
"Okay... maybe a little drunk."
Anna sighed.
"Frej, let's go."
She lowered her voice.
"I'll take you home."
"We can talk there."
But Frej stubbornly shook her head.
"You."
She pointed dramatically at Anna.
"Sit down here."
Anna blinked.
"What?"
Frej stood up.
"We'll go home later."
Then she pointed at her again.
"Look!"
Anna stared at her.
"Stay put."
Frej narrowed her eyes.
"Don't move."
Then she walked away.
A few seconds later she came back.
"Seriously."
She pointed again.
"Don't move."
And then she disappeared toward the dance floor.
Anna sighed and sat down.
Frej began dancing recklessly among the crowd.
Trying to smile.
Trying to forget.
Trying not to think about the man who had shattered her heart.
Anna quietly watched her from afar.
A few minutes later, Frej returned carrying a glass of wine.
"Lucky you."
She pointed at Anna.
Anna smiled faintly.
"I'm not."
Frej immediately shook her head.
Her index finger moved left and right in front of Anna's face.
"No."
Anna grabbed her finger.
"Stop."
Frej laughed.
"You're the lucky one, Anna."
Anna frowned.
"What?"
"Everyone loves you."
The words caught Anna off guard.
"Alright."
She stood up.
"You're drunk."
She tried helping Frej stand.
"You don't know what you're talking about."
Frej suddenly clutched her chest.
Her smile disappeared.
"My heart is broken, Anna."
Her voice cracked.
Instantly.
The pain returned.
"You don't know how this feels."
Tears welled up in her eyes again.
"You've never fallen in love."
Anna slowly sat back down beside her.
"Go on."
Frej narrowed her eyes.
"Seriously?"
Then she laughed through her tears.
"Nursing therapeutic communication?"
She pointed at Anna.
"Nice one."
Then she sighed dramatically.
"I'm a nursing student too, Anna."
Both of them laughed.
For a brief second.
Then silence returned.
Frej looked down at her wine.
"I don't want to go home."
Her voice became small.
"I want to stay here."
She swallowed hard.
"I want to forget that freaking asshole."
The last words came out like a scream.
Several people looked their way.
Anna sat beside her and took a deep breath.
"What can I do for you?"
She asked softly.
"Tell me."
Frej shook her head.
"Nothing."
Then she leaned her head against Anna's shoulder.
"I just want you to sit beside me."
Her voice trembled.
"Console me."
Anna immediately hugged her.
"You were right."
She smiled sadly.
"I don't know how it feels."
Then she squeezed her tighter.
"But you can cry on me."
Frej closed her eyes.
Anna continued.
"I'm right here."
Then suddenly, Anna's eyes narrowed dramatically.
"You want revenge?"
Frej looked at her.
Anna lowered her voice.
"Let's find a witch."
Frej blinked.
"What?"
"Or let's do voodoo."
Frej immediately burst into laughter.
Anna nodded seriously.
"For revenge."
"He's useless."
"YES!"
Frej raised her wine glass dramatically.
"Let's travel the world!"
"And find someone who can beat him up!"
Then suddenly—
Her smile disappeared.
And tears fell again.
"He chose that slut over me."
Her voice cracked.
"Anna..."
She looked completely shattered.
"I love him."
Tears streamed down her face.
"You know how much I love him."
She drank from her glass again.
"We've been together for seven years."
Her hand slowly pressed against her chest.
"It hurts."
A sob escaped her throat.
"It really hurts."
More tears.
"It feels like something is stuck here."
She pointed at her chest.
"It's so heavy."
Anna felt her own eyes begin to sting.
Seeing her friend like this hurt.
A lot.
Without realizing it—
She started crying too.
Frej looked at her.
Confused.
"Why are you crying?"
Anna wiped her tears.
"Because of you."
Frej blinked.
"You made me cry."
For the first time that night—
They both laughed.
Through their tears.
Through the heartbreak.
Through the pain.
Frej wiped her face.
"Don't cry here."
Anna laughed.
"Why?"
Frej pointed around them.
"The boys might not like you if they see you crying."
Anna rolled her eyes and hugged her.
"You know that's not my priority."
"Alright, alright."
Frej suddenly stood up.
Then covered her mouth.
Anna's eyes widened.
"Oh no."
Frej nodded.
"Oh yes."
And she ran straight to the washroom.
Inside the restroom, Frej dropped to her knees in front of the toilet bowl.
Then—
"BLLLEAAAHHH!"
Anna immediately looked away.
"My goodness, girl!"
"HURRK—BLLLEAAAHHH!"
Frej vomited again.
Anna felt her own stomach twist.
She wanted to throw up too.
But somehow managed to hold it in.
A few minutes later, Frej finally looked better.
Anna handed her tissues and a bottle of water.
"Let's go."
Frej drank the water and nodded.
She stood up.
Then nearly stumbled.
Anna quickly reached for her.
But Frej waved her away.
"I'm fine, girl."
She walked sideways.
Then the other way.
Then sideways again.
"I'm dizzy..."
Another step.
"But I can walk."
Anna sighed.
Clearly she couldn't.
Then—
Bump.
Frej accidentally collided with another guest.
"Oops."
A deep voice responded.
"You're drunk."
Both girls looked up.
The man was tall.
Fit.
Wearing a polo shirt and fitted navy-blue jeans.
Frej stared at him.
Then squinted.
"Tsk."
She pointed at him.
"You look like my ex-boyfriend."
Anna immediately covered her face.
Oh no.
Not again.
"Huh."
Frej leaned closer.
"Maybe you changed your face so you could flirt with someone else."
The man frowned.
"You're stubborn."
Frej pointed dramatically.
"You broke my heart."
Then shouted—
"You're an asshole!"
Everyone nearby looked at them.
Anna wanted the floor to swallow her alive.
"Girl, let's go."
She grabbed Frej's arm.
Then looked at the man.
"I'm sorry. She's drunk."
The man smirked.
Then looked at Frej.
"Looks like your friend needs someone to lean on."
His eyes traveled over her.
"And I think I'm the right person."
Anna immediately stepped in front of Frej.
"We need to go."
She turned around.
But suddenly—
The man grabbed Frej's arm.
Hard.
"Hey!"
Frej shouted.
"Let go!"
Anna's expression changed instantly.
She walked back and stood between them.
"Let go."
Her voice became firm.
"My friend is drunk."
The man clicked his tongue.
Then—
He shoved Anna.
Everything happened so fast.
One second she was standing.
The next—
She was on the floor.
Pain shot through her body.
Frej's eyes widened.
Then suddenly—
SLAP!
The sound echoed through the club.
Frej had slapped him.
Hard.
"What are you doing?!"
People immediately gathered around them.
Then another voice spoke.
"Are you okay?"
A hand appeared before Anna.
She looked up.
And froze.
"Kev..."
Kevin helped her stand.
His expression darkened the moment he saw her on the floor.
Without another word, he walked toward the man.
The atmosphere instantly shifted.
Danger filled the air.
"Hey."
Kevin stopped in front of him.
"What is wrong with you?"
The man laughed mockingly.
"And who the hell are you?"
Kevin remained calm.
Dangerously calm.
He pointed toward Frej.
"That girl is my friend."
Then his eyes hardened.
"You're hurting her."
"Let go."
"My hero!" Frej suddenly shouted.
Even drunk, she looked impressed.
Kevin almost laughed.
Then looked back at the man.
"I don't want trouble."
His voice was cold.
"So let's settle this peacefully."
The man smirked.
"Do you think you can beat me?"
Kevin raised an eyebrow.
The next second, he gave a signal to the bouncer behind him.
Immediately, two bouncers stepped forward.
The man's expression changed.
"Hey!"
He pointed angrily.
"I'm the son of a senator, you asshole!"
Kevin slowly walked closer.
Then smiled.
"And you don't know who you're talking to."
A dangerous silence followed.
Then—
"From this moment on, you're banned from this club."
He looked at the bouncers.
"Throw him out."
The man finally realized who Kevin was.
The owner.
And by then—
It was already too late.
After everything settled down, Anna immediately hugged Frej.
"Are you okay?"
Frej nodded.
"What about you?"
"I'm fine."
A few moments later, Kevin approached them.
"Are you both alright?"
The two girls nodded.
Then suddenly—
Frej hugged him.
"We're okay!"
She kissed his cheek.
"Thanks to you!"
Kevin laughed awkwardly.
"What are you doing here anyway?"
Frej sighed dramatically.
"My boyfriend broke up with me."
Kevin looked at Anna.
Anna simply nodded.
"And thank you for helping us."
Frej stared at Kevin.
Then smiled dreamily.
"Kevin..."
"Hm?"
"Why are you so cute?"
Kevin laughed.
"I know."
The three of them burst into laughter.
For the first time that night—
The sadness felt a little lighter.
"Come on."
Kevin looked at both girls.
"I'll take you home."
And that night—
He did.
Frej fell asleep in the car.
When they arrived at her dormitory, Kevin carried her upstairs himself.
After settling Frej into bed, Anna walked Kevin to the door.
"Thank you, Kevin."
Kevin smiled warmly.
"It's alright, Anna."
Then his eyes lowered slightly.
"By the way... how's your fall?"
Anna immediately blushed.
"It's fine."
"You sure?"
She nodded.
"Yeah."
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Kevin scratched the back of his neck.
A little awkward.
A little shy.
"Okay."
He smiled.
"I should go."
Anna smiled back.
"Take care."
"Good night."
"Good night."
Kevin waved before turning around and leaving.
Anna slowly closed the door.
Then leaned against it.
A soft giggle escaped her lips.
What a crazy night.
Heartbreak.
Drama.
Vomiting.
A fight.
And somehow—
Kevin.
She shook her head and smiled to herself.
Tomorrow was definitely going to be interesting.
*********************************************Tom POV
Tom parked his car outside and grabbed the bouquet of flowers from the passenger seat.
Taking a deep breath, he walked straight toward their room.
The moment he opened the door, he saw Mildred already asleep on the bed.
The room was dimly lit, and for a second, he simply stood there, staring at her.
God, he missed her.
A small smile appeared on his lips.
Quietly, he walked closer and sat beside her.
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face before gently kissing her forehead.
"Babe..." he whispered.
Then he kissed her cheek.
Mildred stirred slightly and turned to her left side, refusing to look at him.
Tom's smile faded.
"Still mad at me?" he asked softly.
He lowered his gaze.
"I'm sorry if I made you feel that way."
His voice was sincere.
"I promise I'll never do that again. I won't even talk to her if it makes you sad..."
"Tsk."
Mildred clicked her tongue and pulled the blanket closer to herself.
"Go away," she muttered.
"I'm tired. I want to sleep."
The coldness in her voice stabbed him harder than he expected.
"Babe..." Tom sighed.
"Come on, talk to me. Please."
Mildred suddenly sat up.
Her eyes were already glistening with tears.
"Because of you!" she burst out.
Tom blinked.
"What did I do?"
Silence filled the room.
Neither of them spoke.
The tension between them felt heavy.
Tom slowly sat on the edge of the bed.
"Alright," he said quietly.
"If it makes you uncomfortable... if you don't like it, then I—"
"I hate you!"
Mildred interrupted him.
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"You know how much I missed you."
Her voice broke.
"And yet..."
She couldn't continue.
Tom stared at her.
Then, unexpectedly, he smiled.
Not because he found it funny—
But because he finally understood.
She wasn't angry.
She was hurt.
She was jealous.
Because she loved him.
Without saying a word, Tom slowly got off the bed.
Then he dropped to one knee.
Mildred froze.
"What are you doing?"
Tom looked up at her.
His heart was pounding so hard he could hear it.
For the first time in a long time, he was nervous.
Truly nervous.
"I know how hard this has been for you."
His voice was low.
"But you know how much I love you, right?"
Mildred nodded through her tears.
Tom smiled.
"Babe..."
He reached into his pocket.
"This wasn't my original plan."
He chuckled nervously.
"I wanted to surprise you."
His fingers tightened around the small velvet box.
"But honestly..."
He shook his head.
"I can't wait any longer."
His eyes never left hers.
"I love you."
His voice trembled.
"You're my world."
"My home."
"My future."
"I can't imagine my life without you in it."
Mildred covered her mouth as tears continued to fall.
Tom slowly opened the small box.
The diamond ring sparkled beneath the room's soft light.
His hands were shaking.
"You know..."
He laughed nervously.
"I'm actually terrified right now."
That made Mildred laugh through her tears.
Tom took a deep breath.
Then he asked the question he had been carrying in his heart for years.
"Will you marry me?"
The room suddenly felt still.
As if time itself had stopped.
Tom's heartbeat thundered inside his chest.
"I want you to marry me, Mildred."
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"I want you to be my wife."
Mildred's eyes widened.
For a moment, she simply stared at him.
Unable to believe what was happening.
Then she cried.
And laughed.
At the same time.
The tears wouldn't stop falling.
This was the last thing she expected tonight.
Tom smiled nervously.
"So..."
He swallowed.
"Will you?"
Mildred nodded repeatedly.
"Yes."
A sob escaped her lips.
"Yes!"
Tom immediately stood up.
The relief that rushed through him was overwhelming.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly against his chest.
Mildred buried her face against him and cried.
Tom kissed the top of her head.
Then he gently took her hand.
Mildred extended her ring finger.
With trembling hands, Tom slipped the engagement ring onto it.
The ring fit perfectly.
For a moment, they both stared at it.
Then Tom lifted her hand and kissed it.
"I love you, babe."
His eyes were filled with emotion.
"No one will ever tear us apart."
He gently wiped away her tears.
"I promise."
His voice was firm.
"You're the only woman I will love for the rest of my life."
"Trust me."
Mildred looked at him.
"Promise?"
She wrapped her arms around his waist.
Tom nodded immediately.
"I promise."
Then he placed his hand over his heart.
"Cross my heart."
Mildred smiled through her tears.
"Promises aren't meant to be broken, babe."
Tom nodded.
"Never."
He pulled her into another embrace.
"Hmm..."
He buried his face in her hair.
"I missed you so much."
Mildred looked up at him.
Her eyes softened.
"I missed you too."
For a moment, they simply stared at each other.
No words.
No distance.
No misunderstandings.
Just love.
Tom gently cupped her face.
Then he leaned down and kissed her.
Mildred kissed him back without hesitation.
The pain, jealousy, and arguments from earlier slowly melted away.
Tonight wasn't about misunderstandings.
Tonight was about promises.
About forever.
About two people choosing each other again and again.
And as they held each other close, the future they had always dreamed about suddenly felt closer than ever before.
***********************
STAY TUNED FOR NEXT CHAPTER 13: Destined but not Fated
love.... keep fighting and keep smiling to face the world even if still Coronavirus is out there...
God is bigger than coronavirus.
stay safe and don't forget to wash your hand... ❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰💪💪💪