CHOICES
By: Iwaswiththestars
Genre: Steamy Romance, Fantasy, Game
Language: English
Tags: Billionaire, Interactive Game, Romance, Steamy, Billionaire
Status: Completed
BLURB:
Alexandria Brielle Crane is not easy to entertain. Having a life in which she can do whatever she wants without exerting too much effort bores her. That’s why, after a messy argument with her long-term boyfriend, she played a simulation game called The Better Choice.
In this game, she found a story that can fulfill her curiosity about the point of view of mistresses. Having no specific reason at all, she was curious about why women would sacrifice their dignity and pride to love someone they know that cannot be theirs. However, don't get her wrong. She was loyal even after all these years. It was just a simple game that can ease her boredom, she thinks.
In the game, the thought of being caught by the real wife makes her crazy. She played it for fun, not until it becomes her reality. How will she play if the dominative CEO of the infamous Sunburn Corporation, Samuel Genesis Campbell, is the one who she is dealing with?
What choices will she make? Can she resist the temptation given by him?
Alexandria Brielle Crane is not easy to entertain. Having a life in which she can do whatever she wants without exerting too much effort bores her. That’s why, after a messy argument with her long-term boyfriend, she played a simulation game called The Better Choice.
In this game, she found a story that can fulfill her curiosity about the point of view of mistresses. Having no specific reason at all, she was curious about why women would sacrifice their dignity and pride to love someone they know that cannot be theirs. However, don't get her wrong. She was loyal even after all these years. It was just a simple game that can ease her boredom, she thinks.
In the game, the thought of being caught by the real wife makes her crazy. She played it for fun, not until it becomes her reality. How will she play if the dominative CEO of the infamous Sunburn Corporation, Samuel Genesis Campbell, is the one who she is dealing with?
What choices will she make? Can she resist the temptation given by him?
CHAPTER 1: THE WEIRD HAPPENING
“TO THE ONE who’s always here with me even though I am a bad bitch, happy birthday! Let’s go party!” I happily shouted as I raised the wine glass that I was holding and gave Annika, my best friend, a shot from afar. "Drink like it's your last one, bitch! Drink!"
It looks like I toasted my glass with her, but not necessarily since I am here on the stage while she is sitting below it. She’s just a few meters away from me, so I can see her amused expression while watching me.
She gladly drank the shot that she was holding. Annika, this bitch, even raised her eyebrows at me because she knew that I was already drunk. Well, it’s partly her fault. She made me drink different kinds of wine, vodka, and beer because she loves it when I get drunk.
I frowned at her because now, she’s looking at me like I’m a clown who’s entertaining her boring and colorless life. Well, I’m too gorgeous to be a clown!
I was so close to hitting her but I suddenly fucking remembered that it was her birthday. I need to be kind, even just for this day to this girl who is now twenty-five years old but still hasn’t matured even for a single bit.
She still has her sneaky links!
“Ah,” I hissed. It feels like I’m going to vomit my intestines anytime. My head is also spinning and I just wanted to lie down right here, right now, and sleep.
Fuck alcohol. Just fuck. It drains the shit out of me.
And, why am I standing here in front of the crowd, anyway? And I am even holding a mic, giving my shitty speech to Annika? How shitty my life can be just because I am wasted, huh?
And this bitch has this facial expression like she’s really entertained because of me. She looks so happy while looking at me. That annoying smile didn’t leave her lips until now. Maybe she thinks that I’m crazy? I raised my eyebrows at that thought. I know that I'm not. Again, I am gorgeous.
We are celebrating Annika’s 25th birthday at her bar named Kiss The Cheek. This bar is large and it can handle a huge capacity of people. Aside from that, it looks expensive because of the black and white interior.
I am the one who chose that color because I am her best friend, and also, a major shareholder of her bar. I have the right!
Anyway, she did her best to maintain and expand this business. I was the witness to how she balanced her studies and her business before, on how she promoted her business even if her family said that her passion, which is drinking alcohol and being a partygoer, cannot make money. She proved something to them by not giving up on her business.
You can earn money by doing your passion.
That is exactly what Anika said before in her interview in a magazine.
And now, here we are! She’s one of the most successful businesswomen in town! I should be envious of her, but I can’t. First of all, I am filthy rich. I even have more money than she does. I am a fucking heiress but I just chose not to brag about it, because why would I? It’s all about work and I don’t like it.
Second, it’s because she doesn’t have a boyfriend, and I have.
I have the most lovable and caring boyfriend and soon to be my husband, who is now climbing up onto the stage, probably to carry me into my room that Annika reserved for the both of us, since I am really, really drunk.
There is no sense that I will deny that I’m drunk because I really am. It even feels like the world is spinning right now, just how my life turned upside down when I met Drake.
I laughed at that thought, and I saw in my peripheral vision that Drake chuckled because of that.
“You’re drunk, baby,” Drake said, smirking, as he tried to grab the mic that I am holding here on stage. “Let me hold that for you.”
“Okay,” I said as I gave him the mic, being sleepy now.
After placing the mic on the table, Drake carried me in a bridal-style position before he walked down the stairs. He probably knew that I couldn’t walk anymore, or even if I could, I knew that I could bring this party into a major disaster.
I was just glad that he carried me. Annika laughed at the sight that she was seeing.
“You’re weak, girl,” she started to tease me, laughing a bit. “Only twelve bottles and now you’re drunk? Grow up, bitch! Come on, it’s 2025 now and you’re still weak.”
“Oh, come on, fuck you and stop babbling,” I shot back as I gave her a dirty finger and a finger heart afterward. I don’t even know why I did that. I just felt the need to do it.
Again, she laughed. Now she really thinks that I’m a clown, huh?
“Happy birthday, bitch—“
I didn’t even know what happened, but I wasn't able to finish my greeting because I fell on the floor.
Suddenly, I wasn't able to feel Drake’s grip on me anymore.
“Now, what the fuck was that," I complained as I tried to stand up and get rid of the dirt on my red braless top.
My back and butt hurt! I suddenly became sober because of that. Fuck alcohol but also, fuck Drake for letting me fall.
“Drake, can you please carry me properly—"
I wasn't able to finish my sentence when I noticed that there was something wrong going on here. When I looked around, that’s the time I realized that I was not in the bar anymore.
"What the hell?" I scoffed.
But, where am I? Why am I here in a… children’s park? I assume that this is a children’s park because there are so many kids playing with their parents.
Am I dreaming?
I wish I were, but I am not.
"NO, YOU CAN DO THIS, DRIA. Don't lose hope, okay? Don't lose your fucking hope and just keep on walking," I hysterically tell myself that phrase while walking.
I am getting tired now, but I am still walking aimlessly. I don't even know where I'm going because I don't even know where I am. It feels like I am walking on an endless road full of trees with blue leaves. It makes me frustrated and nervous at the same time, but I am Dria. I know that I can do something about this.
There are people playing around and minding their own business but it feels like they can't see me, or are they busy communicating with other people? Didn't they find me weird because I am wearing a red braless top, a black leather mini-skirt, and high-heeled boots in a children's park right now?
Not to mention that I am also wearing black lipstick because, as far as I remember, I have been getting wasted since I drank too much at Annika’s birthday party, but where the heck am I? Did someone kidnap me while I was sleeping in our room or what? But if anyone did, why did they leave me in a children's park? Seriously?
But, I clearly remembered that Drake was carrying me before I got here. Did I pass out after that?
“Why can’t I remember anything?” I hissed as I kicked the small stones while walking. I envy those small stones because they’re not lost, and I am!
Aside from that, I don't even have money as of now. I am broke because I don’t have my wallet with me. Maybe that kidnapper was regretting it because he kidnapped me. Maybe that’s also the reason why he left me here. Hah! Serves him right!
"Karma is a bitch. My foot is already hurting," I murmured as I stopped walking to massage my left foot. “Fuck this life.”
I am walking for I can't remember how long already, but it feels like I can't find a taxi for me to go back to the club. Is there even a taxi here? Or is this park really large? Do I need to have my own car to get out of this area?
Seriously, where am I? This is the first time that I have been here. I have no idea about this place, or about the blue leaves.
I wish that I could call Annika or even Drake, but like my wallet, I don’t have my phone right now. The only thing that I have right now is... milk tea?
Now, what? I can't believe that something weird is happening to me. Not to mention that it made me sober right after I came here! What a way to reduce my hangover in just a snap!
What do I do next?
I don't know if I should be happy about it, or should I sulk about it. I want to see that kidnaper right now so I can give him a punch. Just one punch... or maybe two will be enough.
That kidnapper has the guts to give me milk tea? It's strawberry, which is my favorite flavor, but I am not gonna drink it even if I'm d.amn thirsty, because who knows if this beverage has poison in it? I am only twenty-four and I am getting married. I don't want to die. I don't even know why I am still holding it, but I can't find a trash can to throw it into.
Since this is a children's park, I can't dispose of this carelessly. Some kids might be able to drink it and die because of my carelessness. I may be a rich bitch, but I value life because I have to.
However, I know that I am not sure if someone really kidnapped me or what, but who can I blame at this point? I badly wanted to blame someone because I was so frustrated. And just remembering the situation I am in right now, I pulled the strands of my hair even though it hurts.
S.hit, I am sure that Drake is looking for me right now. I can even imagine his brows frowning because I am not answering his calls, or maybe he already saw my phone at the side table?
I just hope that right now, he will call the police again just like he always does before when I don't go home because I'm drunk. But, what would he say to the police? That I am kidnapped at Annika's bar? It will surely hurt the bar’s reputation and will decrease the stock price! Oh no, why is this happening to me? Is this because I am a spoiled brat?!
I just massaged my forehead in annoyance, since I don’t really know what to do now. Goodness, I hate my life.
I looked at the trees as I continued walking. The elegance of the blue leaves started to give me the chills... as if I had seen them before.
But wait, is there a tree in this world with blue leaves? I don't think so, but, why am I seeing this right now? Am I dreaming?
"No, stupid," I answered myself as I confirmed to myself that I was not dreaming.
If I am dreaming, why is it so vivid? Am I lucid dreaming? I can even remember anything. I can even see the little details. I can even feel my foot hurting. Aside from that, I don't have the skill to lucid dream. I heard that lucid dreaming requires some skill before you can actually do it. I am not sure about the facts, but I'm certain that I am not dreaming.
According to my observation, the people here don't mind the blue leaves. It means that blue leaves are normal in this park. But this is really the first time in my life that I have seen blue leaves. I can’t even remember if I have seen artificial trees in the past.
May I have your milk tea?
"What the heck?" I stopped walking for a second as I held my head because of the sudden memory.
It's weird, why did I suddenly remember the story that I was reading before? I've finished reading it for a long time already.
To be exact, it was not finished. I think that the author decided to stop the story because it gained more dislikes than likes. More hate than love. More criticism than appreciation.
Maybe it's because of the unique plot? Is it because the protagonist is a mistress? I shook my head subconsciously when I started to remember the negative comments that the story had before. I don't even know why people love to ruin other people's lives.
Who gave them permission to bash someone just because the author wrote a plot that is uncommon for the readers? As if the author forced them to read the story... but she didn't, right?
If they don’t want the story, then just leave it. It's just nonsense to leave bashful comments on the story. It just makes them look pathetic.
That story was a bop for me, anyway. I felt so thrilled since I can choose what will happen to the character, who is a mistress. I don’t even know if I can call her a mistress, though. It's just a pity because she just wanted to love someone, but unfortunately, it’s not the guy that she should love, because no matter what happens, it will still be wrongful in the end.
However, I still pitied Camilla, the female character, but other people judged her without even thinking about what she’s feeling at the moment.
"You love the empyreal tree, don't you?"
"I love you just like how you love them."
"Oh!" I exclaimed as I suddenly remembered the other parts of the story. My pointed finger is also pointed at the sky.
It was Sam's line, if I'm not mistaken. He's also one of the main protagonists in the story. He's Camilla's forbidden boyfriend. It's just so amazing that I can remember the lines and some of the scenes now, even though I have read them for like... two years already?
"Hi!" I almost had a heart attack when a kid showed up in front of me. "May I have your milk tea? Please, give it to me. Just so you see, I am really hungry."
I looked at the kid who was even putting his pouty eyes in front of me. He's wearing a plain white shirt, blue pants, and red rubber shoes. He looks messy though because of the chocolate scattered all over his mouth. He's holding a chocolate ice cream in his right hand, and yet he still wants my milk tea?
"Have mercy on a cute little child like me, please."
"I am sorry, but I don't even know where this milk tea came from," I honestly answered. "If you want, I can buy you another one—"
I stopped talking, not because I am too ambitious to say that I will buy another milk tea even if I don't have one dollar in my pocket, but because I realized who this kid in front of me was.
It looks like I toasted my glass with her, but not necessarily since I am here on the stage while she is sitting below it. She’s just a few meters away from me, so I can see her amused expression while watching me.
She gladly drank the shot that she was holding. Annika, this bitch, even raised her eyebrows at me because she knew that I was already drunk. Well, it’s partly her fault. She made me drink different kinds of wine, vodka, and beer because she loves it when I get drunk.
I frowned at her because now, she’s looking at me like I’m a clown who’s entertaining her boring and colorless life. Well, I’m too gorgeous to be a clown!
I was so close to hitting her but I suddenly fucking remembered that it was her birthday. I need to be kind, even just for this day to this girl who is now twenty-five years old but still hasn’t matured even for a single bit.
She still has her sneaky links!
“Ah,” I hissed. It feels like I’m going to vomit my intestines anytime. My head is also spinning and I just wanted to lie down right here, right now, and sleep.
Fuck alcohol. Just fuck. It drains the shit out of me.
And, why am I standing here in front of the crowd, anyway? And I am even holding a mic, giving my shitty speech to Annika? How shitty my life can be just because I am wasted, huh?
And this bitch has this facial expression like she’s really entertained because of me. She looks so happy while looking at me. That annoying smile didn’t leave her lips until now. Maybe she thinks that I’m crazy? I raised my eyebrows at that thought. I know that I'm not. Again, I am gorgeous.
We are celebrating Annika’s 25th birthday at her bar named Kiss The Cheek. This bar is large and it can handle a huge capacity of people. Aside from that, it looks expensive because of the black and white interior.
I am the one who chose that color because I am her best friend, and also, a major shareholder of her bar. I have the right!
Anyway, she did her best to maintain and expand this business. I was the witness to how she balanced her studies and her business before, on how she promoted her business even if her family said that her passion, which is drinking alcohol and being a partygoer, cannot make money. She proved something to them by not giving up on her business.
You can earn money by doing your passion.
That is exactly what Anika said before in her interview in a magazine.
And now, here we are! She’s one of the most successful businesswomen in town! I should be envious of her, but I can’t. First of all, I am filthy rich. I even have more money than she does. I am a fucking heiress but I just chose not to brag about it, because why would I? It’s all about work and I don’t like it.
Second, it’s because she doesn’t have a boyfriend, and I have.
I have the most lovable and caring boyfriend and soon to be my husband, who is now climbing up onto the stage, probably to carry me into my room that Annika reserved for the both of us, since I am really, really drunk.
There is no sense that I will deny that I’m drunk because I really am. It even feels like the world is spinning right now, just how my life turned upside down when I met Drake.
I laughed at that thought, and I saw in my peripheral vision that Drake chuckled because of that.
“You’re drunk, baby,” Drake said, smirking, as he tried to grab the mic that I am holding here on stage. “Let me hold that for you.”
“Okay,” I said as I gave him the mic, being sleepy now.
After placing the mic on the table, Drake carried me in a bridal-style position before he walked down the stairs. He probably knew that I couldn’t walk anymore, or even if I could, I knew that I could bring this party into a major disaster.
I was just glad that he carried me. Annika laughed at the sight that she was seeing.
“You’re weak, girl,” she started to tease me, laughing a bit. “Only twelve bottles and now you’re drunk? Grow up, bitch! Come on, it’s 2025 now and you’re still weak.”
“Oh, come on, fuck you and stop babbling,” I shot back as I gave her a dirty finger and a finger heart afterward. I don’t even know why I did that. I just felt the need to do it.
Again, she laughed. Now she really thinks that I’m a clown, huh?
“Happy birthday, bitch—“
I didn’t even know what happened, but I wasn't able to finish my greeting because I fell on the floor.
Suddenly, I wasn't able to feel Drake’s grip on me anymore.
“Now, what the fuck was that," I complained as I tried to stand up and get rid of the dirt on my red braless top.
My back and butt hurt! I suddenly became sober because of that. Fuck alcohol but also, fuck Drake for letting me fall.
“Drake, can you please carry me properly—"
I wasn't able to finish my sentence when I noticed that there was something wrong going on here. When I looked around, that’s the time I realized that I was not in the bar anymore.
"What the hell?" I scoffed.
But, where am I? Why am I here in a… children’s park? I assume that this is a children’s park because there are so many kids playing with their parents.
Am I dreaming?
I wish I were, but I am not.
"NO, YOU CAN DO THIS, DRIA. Don't lose hope, okay? Don't lose your fucking hope and just keep on walking," I hysterically tell myself that phrase while walking.
I am getting tired now, but I am still walking aimlessly. I don't even know where I'm going because I don't even know where I am. It feels like I am walking on an endless road full of trees with blue leaves. It makes me frustrated and nervous at the same time, but I am Dria. I know that I can do something about this.
There are people playing around and minding their own business but it feels like they can't see me, or are they busy communicating with other people? Didn't they find me weird because I am wearing a red braless top, a black leather mini-skirt, and high-heeled boots in a children's park right now?
Not to mention that I am also wearing black lipstick because, as far as I remember, I have been getting wasted since I drank too much at Annika’s birthday party, but where the heck am I? Did someone kidnap me while I was sleeping in our room or what? But if anyone did, why did they leave me in a children's park? Seriously?
But, I clearly remembered that Drake was carrying me before I got here. Did I pass out after that?
“Why can’t I remember anything?” I hissed as I kicked the small stones while walking. I envy those small stones because they’re not lost, and I am!
Aside from that, I don't even have money as of now. I am broke because I don’t have my wallet with me. Maybe that kidnapper was regretting it because he kidnapped me. Maybe that’s also the reason why he left me here. Hah! Serves him right!
"Karma is a bitch. My foot is already hurting," I murmured as I stopped walking to massage my left foot. “Fuck this life.”
I am walking for I can't remember how long already, but it feels like I can't find a taxi for me to go back to the club. Is there even a taxi here? Or is this park really large? Do I need to have my own car to get out of this area?
Seriously, where am I? This is the first time that I have been here. I have no idea about this place, or about the blue leaves.
I wish that I could call Annika or even Drake, but like my wallet, I don’t have my phone right now. The only thing that I have right now is... milk tea?
Now, what? I can't believe that something weird is happening to me. Not to mention that it made me sober right after I came here! What a way to reduce my hangover in just a snap!
What do I do next?
CHAPTER 2: THE BLUE LEAF
I don't know if I should be happy about it, or should I sulk about it. I want to see that kidnaper right now so I can give him a punch. Just one punch... or maybe two will be enough.
That kidnapper has the guts to give me milk tea? It's strawberry, which is my favorite flavor, but I am not gonna drink it even if I'm d.amn thirsty, because who knows if this beverage has poison in it? I am only twenty-four and I am getting married. I don't want to die. I don't even know why I am still holding it, but I can't find a trash can to throw it into.
Since this is a children's park, I can't dispose of this carelessly. Some kids might be able to drink it and die because of my carelessness. I may be a rich bitch, but I value life because I have to.
However, I know that I am not sure if someone really kidnapped me or what, but who can I blame at this point? I badly wanted to blame someone because I was so frustrated. And just remembering the situation I am in right now, I pulled the strands of my hair even though it hurts.
S.hit, I am sure that Drake is looking for me right now. I can even imagine his brows frowning because I am not answering his calls, or maybe he already saw my phone at the side table?
I just hope that right now, he will call the police again just like he always does before when I don't go home because I'm drunk. But, what would he say to the police? That I am kidnapped at Annika's bar? It will surely hurt the bar’s reputation and will decrease the stock price! Oh no, why is this happening to me? Is this because I am a spoiled brat?!
I just massaged my forehead in annoyance, since I don’t really know what to do now. Goodness, I hate my life.
I looked at the trees as I continued walking. The elegance of the blue leaves started to give me the chills... as if I had seen them before.
But wait, is there a tree in this world with blue leaves? I don't think so, but, why am I seeing this right now? Am I dreaming?
"No, stupid," I answered myself as I confirmed to myself that I was not dreaming.
If I am dreaming, why is it so vivid? Am I lucid dreaming? I can even remember anything. I can even see the little details. I can even feel my foot hurting. Aside from that, I don't have the skill to lucid dream. I heard that lucid dreaming requires some skill before you can actually do it. I am not sure about the facts, but I'm certain that I am not dreaming.
According to my observation, the people here don't mind the blue leaves. It means that blue leaves are normal in this park. But this is really the first time in my life that I have seen blue leaves. I can’t even remember if I have seen artificial trees in the past.
May I have your milk tea?
"What the heck?" I stopped walking for a second as I held my head because of the sudden memory.
It's weird, why did I suddenly remember the story that I was reading before? I've finished reading it for a long time already.
To be exact, it was not finished. I think that the author decided to stop the story because it gained more dislikes than likes. More hate than love. More criticism than appreciation.
Maybe it's because of the unique plot? Is it because the protagonist is a mistress? I shook my head subconsciously when I started to remember the negative comments that the story had before. I don't even know why people love to ruin other people's lives.
Who gave them permission to bash someone just because the author wrote a plot that is uncommon for the readers? As if the author forced them to read the story... but she didn't, right?
If they don’t want the story, then just leave it. It's just nonsense to leave bashful comments on the story. It just makes them look pathetic.
That story was a bop for me, anyway. I felt so thrilled since I can choose what will happen to the character, who is a mistress. I don’t even know if I can call her a mistress, though. It's just a pity because she just wanted to love someone, but unfortunately, it’s not the guy that she should love, because no matter what happens, it will still be wrongful in the end.
However, I still pitied Camilla, the female character, but other people judged her without even thinking about what she’s feeling at the moment.
"You love the empyreal tree, don't you?"
"I love you just like how you love them."
"Oh!" I exclaimed as I suddenly remembered the other parts of the story. My pointed finger is also pointed at the sky.
It was Sam's line, if I'm not mistaken. He's also one of the main protagonists in the story. He's Camilla's forbidden boyfriend. It's just so amazing that I can remember the lines and some of the scenes now, even though I have read them for like... two years already?
"Hi!" I almost had a heart attack when a kid showed up in front of me. "May I have your milk tea? Please, give it to me. Just so you see, I am really hungry."
I looked at the kid who was even putting his pouty eyes in front of me. He's wearing a plain white shirt, blue pants, and red rubber shoes. He looks messy though because of the chocolate scattered all over his mouth. He's holding a chocolate ice cream in his right hand, and yet he still wants my milk tea?
"Have mercy on a cute little child like me, please."
"I am sorry, but I don't even know where this milk tea came from," I honestly answered. "If you want, I can buy you another one—"
I stopped talking, not because I am too ambitious to say that I will buy another milk tea even if I don't have one dollar in my pocket, but because I realized who this kid in front of me was.
Is it...
"Andrei?"
"Andrei!"
"Andrei?"
"Andrei!"
I was gonna ask the kid if his name was Andrei because this scene is uncannily familiar, but I stopped when someone approached him.
I vividly remember it.
This is the first scene in the story. This is even what Andrei looks like. Plain white shirt, blue pants, red rubber shoes... This is what he wore in the first chapter.
Same as his dad. I suddenly remembered that they were wearing the same color t-shirt on that day.
"Andrei, when did I ever teach you to be greedy?"
"Sam?" I asked, unconsciously. I don't even know why I asked that!
"Do you know me?" he asked back, confusion was written all over his face.
And as he locked his eyes into mine, I felt something strange in my body. And in the blink of an eye, he was gone out of my sight.
That’s the time I realized that I am not in the children's park anymore.
Suddenly, it seems that all of my memories are fading except for what happened in the park. What is happening? Why does it feel like I am going back in time? The feeling makes me wanna vomit, to be honest. What the heck.
THERE WERE LOUD NOISES. It was loud to the point that it gave me a headache. I scrunched my nose and I don't even know why I did that.
"Welcome to the world, Alexandria Crane! Are you done daydreaming? I've been talking to you many times already!"
"Ah, Annika, do you know that your voice is so loud? And stop calling me by my full name. You know how much I hate it," I said while scratching my ear. It was hard to adjust since I was in the park earlier. "Anyway, how did I get here?"
I had to ask that because as far as I remember, I am in a... children's park. How did I get there, anyway?
"What do you mean how did you get here? You're already here? Like, what?" She asked back, confused.
"I was in the children's park earlier—" I was going to explain but she flicked my forehead. "It hurts! How dare you!"
I desperately wanted to hit her back but I suddenly remembered that it was her birthday. I need to be kind, even for just this day… Wait, why does it feel like it's déjà vu?
Maybe I’m crazy? Wait, is it her birthday? Did I remember it right? Why does it feel like I already lose track of time? But, oh. Maybe it's her birthday today. That's what my memory says, so I should trust myself.
She’s now twenty-three years old, and I am so proud of her for owning a prestigious bar like this at a young age. I know for sure that she’s going to be more successful in the succeeding years. I am one of her major shareholders and her number one supporter, so of course, it would!
"Anyway, happy birthday, bitch. You’re twenty-three now, so where's my gift?"
"Here," she said and she flicked my forehead again. "Fuck you. Will you stop daydreaming, or maybe you're just drunk? It's not my freaking birthday! Did you set your greetings three months in advance?"
I suddenly wasn't able to answer, not because I was drunk, but because I am certain that it wasn't a dream.
"Now, I am sure that you're drunk," she said as she patted my back a bit. "Sober up, girl! I'll just hook up with that hottie out there, and you can have a wild sex with Drake later, okay? I bet he's fantasizing about you by now. Bye!"
How great. She didn't even let me speak. In the blink of an eye, she was already making out with that random guy, as usual. Why should I be so surprised about that?
I vividly remember it.
This is the first scene in the story. This is even what Andrei looks like. Plain white shirt, blue pants, red rubber shoes... This is what he wore in the first chapter.
Same as his dad. I suddenly remembered that they were wearing the same color t-shirt on that day.
"Andrei, when did I ever teach you to be greedy?"
"Sam?" I asked, unconsciously. I don't even know why I asked that!
"Do you know me?" he asked back, confusion was written all over his face.
And as he locked his eyes into mine, I felt something strange in my body. And in the blink of an eye, he was gone out of my sight.
That’s the time I realized that I am not in the children's park anymore.
Suddenly, it seems that all of my memories are fading except for what happened in the park. What is happening? Why does it feel like I am going back in time? The feeling makes me wanna vomit, to be honest. What the heck.
THERE WERE LOUD NOISES. It was loud to the point that it gave me a headache. I scrunched my nose and I don't even know why I did that.
"Welcome to the world, Alexandria Crane! Are you done daydreaming? I've been talking to you many times already!"
"Ah, Annika, do you know that your voice is so loud? And stop calling me by my full name. You know how much I hate it," I said while scratching my ear. It was hard to adjust since I was in the park earlier. "Anyway, how did I get here?"
I had to ask that because as far as I remember, I am in a... children's park. How did I get there, anyway?
"What do you mean how did you get here? You're already here? Like, what?" She asked back, confused.
"I was in the children's park earlier—" I was going to explain but she flicked my forehead. "It hurts! How dare you!"
I desperately wanted to hit her back but I suddenly remembered that it was her birthday. I need to be kind, even for just this day… Wait, why does it feel like it's déjà vu?
Maybe I’m crazy? Wait, is it her birthday? Did I remember it right? Why does it feel like I already lose track of time? But, oh. Maybe it's her birthday today. That's what my memory says, so I should trust myself.
She’s now twenty-three years old, and I am so proud of her for owning a prestigious bar like this at a young age. I know for sure that she’s going to be more successful in the succeeding years. I am one of her major shareholders and her number one supporter, so of course, it would!
"Anyway, happy birthday, bitch. You’re twenty-three now, so where's my gift?"
"Here," she said and she flicked my forehead again. "Fuck you. Will you stop daydreaming, or maybe you're just drunk? It's not my freaking birthday! Did you set your greetings three months in advance?"
I suddenly wasn't able to answer, not because I was drunk, but because I am certain that it wasn't a dream.
"Now, I am sure that you're drunk," she said as she patted my back a bit. "Sober up, girl! I'll just hook up with that hottie out there, and you can have a wild sex with Drake later, okay? I bet he's fantasizing about you by now. Bye!"
How great. She didn't even let me speak. In the blink of an eye, she was already making out with that random guy, as usual. Why should I be so surprised about that?
"You really have a wild dirty mouth, don't you?!" I shouted back but she didn't answer.
Or maybe she wasn't able to answer because someone was dominating her sinful lips by now.
I shook my head in amusement and embarrassment at the same time.
I am not even focusing on Annika. I was just thinking if I am really daydreaming earlier. But no, I am certain that I am not. My foot is even hurting. I can even remember Sam and Andrei vividly.
What the hell is happening? All I can remember is Sam and Andrei, but it feels like I am missing something that I can't remember.
"Wait, what's this?" My mind suddenly came back to reality when I noticed something fell out of my shirt.
My eyes widened when I saw what it was. I picked it up and checked if I was really seeing this right, or maybe I was really drunk so I am unable to distinguish my dreams from reality. I can't even remember if I drank alcohol earlier... but, is this the confirmation that I need to know that what happened earlier was not a dream?
A blue leaf?
"ARE WE NOT GONNA ORDER MEN?" Annika asked while playfully holding the ballpen in her left hand, slightly trying to be seductive.
I admit that she looks hot while doing that because of her luscious pink lips and her blonde curly hair, but I know that she's only doing that to flirt with the other young man who's sitting next to us at our table, trying not to be caught while looking at her. And this bitch looks like she won the lottery, huh?
What a wicked woman. As far as I know, she just finished riding someone last night at the party, and now, here we are. She's even trying to expand her horizons by trying to seduce a man younger than her.
She was wearing a white sleeveless top with a deep v-neckline to show her cleavage, a simple black belt with a pearled circle in the middle, black pencil pants, and white wedge bootie shoes. It looks good on her because it complimented her hair and her pink lips.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, slightly embarrassed.
Since this coffee shop is just near my apartment, I just wore a simple black dress above the knee with a scoop neckline. I am also wearing a black pump. I was too lazy to dress up, so I guess this is fine.
I lightly shook my head. The secondhand embarrassment that I'm having right now is getting worse. When will she grow up? Jeez.
Just like she mentioned yesterday, it's her birthday in three months now. We are going to plan everything, from the venue up to the number of invitees, even if it's not yet her birthday, because who cares? We love to plan on time so that on her birthday, there will be no problem or such. I want to drink in peace. Everyone does, though.
I can't believe that I was able to forget her birthday! Maybe I have been getting forgetful these past few months because of boredom. I want something extraordinary to happen. I can't take the boredom anymore. I can get all that I want in just a snap. Where's the challenge in that?
"Don't you want it?" she said in her normal loud tone. "Having someone to suck the shit out of you feels good after being wasted. Tell Drake that he should try it with you, too," she even added casually, like we're not in a fucking coffee shop.
Annika loves club parties so much. It's not a problem since she's rich. Well, she became rich. She has her own club now and she earns a lot of money with it. Well, I am an investor there, so I also own some dividends in her club. However, my main source of income is from my parents' company. I don't care if I look like a spoiled brat bitch. I don't wanna work. I don't want to be stressed.
"Hey, bitch?" She tried to get my attention by snapping her fingers.
I know that it's pretty obvious, but Annika has a hobby of making out with different men. I'm just glad that she's doing safe sex because if not, I am really going to pull her hair. I don't even know how she became my best friend. I am bitchy, but she's way too far from my personality. Is this because the opposite attracts?
"My gosh, please lower down your voice, Annika. Can't you see that we're in a coffee shop? You’re even talking about men here?" I murmured.
I am annoyed but she just laughed at me, obviously teasing me.
Some people looked at us because of her question. I am really embarrassed now. I want to leave.
It's already eight o'clock in the evening but we're still in a coffee shop. It's also rare to see that many people are studying at this time. Good students, indeed.
Hah, I'm just so lucky that I have finished college already. My goodness, I really hated studying to the point that I just wanted to drop my subjects, but my mom wouldn't lend me her credit card if I did.
Luckily, I was able to finish a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. I am not that smart but I am able to finish a degree, so I was really proud of myself at that time. But no, as I said before, I am not working. I don't wanna work. Why would I stress myself if I had my parents' credit card? I’m not dumb. They are working to support my wants and needs, right?
Right.
Hmm, I also think that my degree is one of the main influences why I am like this right now: Sassy and bitchy. My classmates loved to hate me back in college. So do I.
"No, I won't," she answered. Her voice is a little bit loud, unlike earlier. I massaged my head in frustration. I badly wanna pull her hair.
If I could just shout that I don't know her right here and leave, I would do it, but it would be more embarrassing. Ah, this girl. She's turning twenty-three on her birthday but she still acts like a baby. A spoiled brat baby.
"Who cares if we are in a coffee shop? I'm just asking if we're not gonna order men,” she said and raised her right eyebrow. “Is it a crime now?"
She playfully moved her eyebrows while looking at me, obviously teasing me. She's still holding that ballpen in her left hand. I can't help but roll my eyes.
"No, it's not a crime," I answered calmly. "But, no. We can't, and stop flirting in front of me. I'm still here."
"We can't?" she asked, not minding my warning to her. She looks cute, though. Now, I wanna pinch her pinkish cheeks.
I also wanna dye my hair blonde, but I am afraid that it will damage my hair. I have waist-length silky black hair. I don’t wanna damage my hair by dyeing it in a different color. It looks better this way because it compliments my white complexion.
"Yes, because it's your birthday. The venue is in your club, and you still want to order men? What do you think your birthday is? A party before your wedding? You don't even have a boyfriend," I roasted her before drinking my coffee.
Ah, caramel macchiato tastes so good!
"Why would you hurt me like that?" Annika asked while pretending like she was hurt by what I had just said, but in reality, she was smiling while trying to stop herself from laughing.
"Because I'm your best friend," I boasted and raised my right eyebrow.
I simply stated the fact. We've been together for years already. My words won't affect her for sure. She should have gotten used to it by now. She needs to because I don't have any plans to change my drastic attitude.
"I hate you," she said, smiling.
"I love you, too," I playfully answered and even showed her my tongue as I stood up and put my black Chanel handbag on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, but I need to go now. Maybe Drake is at the house at this time. He promised that he would spend some time with me today, finally."
"Did he text you?" she sincerely asked. "Did he reply? Are you sure?"
“Well...” I looked at my phone and there was no text. He even left my messages on reading.
"I guess he didn't?"
I nodded, getting annoyed now.
"Maybe he's tired and he's sleeping right now while waiting for me," I said.
I don’t want Annika to have a bad impression on Drake. I still want to protect his reputation even if he’s a shit sometimes. I love him, don’t get me wrong, but I’m just mad at him sometimes for making promises that he can’t fulfill. Why does he love to make promises that he can't keep, though?
Is this a promise that is made to be broken, for the third time?
"Maybe he's at work again," Annika sighed. "Just call me if he doesn't come home, okay? I can cancel all my make-out sessions just for you. Let's just drink, missy!"
She even winked at me, which made me feel disgusted and relieved at the same time. How lucky am I to have a supportive yet crazy best friend like her.
Drake is a good boyfriend. He loves me, he takes care of me, he's faithful and he's supportive of what I want to do in my life. I didn’t want to work and he supported me as much as I expected.
The only problem that I have with him is time.
We have different schedules in our lives... or him only. That makes it harder for us to see each other even at this age.
Since he thinks about our future too much, he always works overtime. I can't even see him that much, even if we're living in the same apartment. He'll sleep when he goes home, and he goes to work early, so I don’t really have the chance to see him or even talk to him.
That's the reason why I don't want to work. I want to spend my time wisely. I don't wanna be like my parents and Drake. They spend too much time on their work, to the point that they don't even care about me, or other people, at all.
Money is not what I want, but money is always there for me, so I use my money for things that will make me happy like they want to.
Ah, why am I reminiscing about things like this? At this hour? At this moment? I shook my head as I decided to forget all of those things. Maybe he's just in a traffic jam and I am just overthinking it so much.
I walked home after that, only to find out that he was not there.
"Maybe he's working overtime again? I'm just gonna wait," I said to myself as I removed my clothes and took a cold shower.
I'll just wait for him, just like I always did. It feels like this relationship was just a waiting game, and we play it every day. I am so tired of playing it, though. But it feels like I don't have any way to stop playing this shit. I want him here beside me, but where is he? He's damn far away.
If this fucking life was a simulation game, the choice that I made of the first choice since the consequence for the other one was expensive, like it has a payment. Subconsciously, I am participating in this shitty game, and so he does.
Whether we like it or not.
Or maybe she wasn't able to answer because someone was dominating her sinful lips by now.
I shook my head in amusement and embarrassment at the same time.
I am not even focusing on Annika. I was just thinking if I am really daydreaming earlier. But no, I am certain that I am not. My foot is even hurting. I can even remember Sam and Andrei vividly.
What the hell is happening? All I can remember is Sam and Andrei, but it feels like I am missing something that I can't remember.
"Wait, what's this?" My mind suddenly came back to reality when I noticed something fell out of my shirt.
My eyes widened when I saw what it was. I picked it up and checked if I was really seeing this right, or maybe I was really drunk so I am unable to distinguish my dreams from reality. I can't even remember if I drank alcohol earlier... but, is this the confirmation that I need to know that what happened earlier was not a dream?
A blue leaf?
CHAPTER 3: THE WAITING GAME
"ARE WE NOT GONNA ORDER MEN?" Annika asked while playfully holding the ballpen in her left hand, slightly trying to be seductive.
I admit that she looks hot while doing that because of her luscious pink lips and her blonde curly hair, but I know that she's only doing that to flirt with the other young man who's sitting next to us at our table, trying not to be caught while looking at her. And this bitch looks like she won the lottery, huh?
What a wicked woman. As far as I know, she just finished riding someone last night at the party, and now, here we are. She's even trying to expand her horizons by trying to seduce a man younger than her.
She was wearing a white sleeveless top with a deep v-neckline to show her cleavage, a simple black belt with a pearled circle in the middle, black pencil pants, and white wedge bootie shoes. It looks good on her because it complimented her hair and her pink lips.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, slightly embarrassed.
Since this coffee shop is just near my apartment, I just wore a simple black dress above the knee with a scoop neckline. I am also wearing a black pump. I was too lazy to dress up, so I guess this is fine.
I lightly shook my head. The secondhand embarrassment that I'm having right now is getting worse. When will she grow up? Jeez.
Just like she mentioned yesterday, it's her birthday in three months now. We are going to plan everything, from the venue up to the number of invitees, even if it's not yet her birthday, because who cares? We love to plan on time so that on her birthday, there will be no problem or such. I want to drink in peace. Everyone does, though.
I can't believe that I was able to forget her birthday! Maybe I have been getting forgetful these past few months because of boredom. I want something extraordinary to happen. I can't take the boredom anymore. I can get all that I want in just a snap. Where's the challenge in that?
"Don't you want it?" she said in her normal loud tone. "Having someone to suck the shit out of you feels good after being wasted. Tell Drake that he should try it with you, too," she even added casually, like we're not in a fucking coffee shop.
Annika loves club parties so much. It's not a problem since she's rich. Well, she became rich. She has her own club now and she earns a lot of money with it. Well, I am an investor there, so I also own some dividends in her club. However, my main source of income is from my parents' company. I don't care if I look like a spoiled brat bitch. I don't wanna work. I don't want to be stressed.
"Hey, bitch?" She tried to get my attention by snapping her fingers.
I know that it's pretty obvious, but Annika has a hobby of making out with different men. I'm just glad that she's doing safe sex because if not, I am really going to pull her hair. I don't even know how she became my best friend. I am bitchy, but she's way too far from my personality. Is this because the opposite attracts?
"My gosh, please lower down your voice, Annika. Can't you see that we're in a coffee shop? You’re even talking about men here?" I murmured.
I am annoyed but she just laughed at me, obviously teasing me.
Some people looked at us because of her question. I am really embarrassed now. I want to leave.
It's already eight o'clock in the evening but we're still in a coffee shop. It's also rare to see that many people are studying at this time. Good students, indeed.
Hah, I'm just so lucky that I have finished college already. My goodness, I really hated studying to the point that I just wanted to drop my subjects, but my mom wouldn't lend me her credit card if I did.
Luckily, I was able to finish a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. I am not that smart but I am able to finish a degree, so I was really proud of myself at that time. But no, as I said before, I am not working. I don't wanna work. Why would I stress myself if I had my parents' credit card? I’m not dumb. They are working to support my wants and needs, right?
Right.
Hmm, I also think that my degree is one of the main influences why I am like this right now: Sassy and bitchy. My classmates loved to hate me back in college. So do I.
"No, I won't," she answered. Her voice is a little bit loud, unlike earlier. I massaged my head in frustration. I badly wanna pull her hair.
If I could just shout that I don't know her right here and leave, I would do it, but it would be more embarrassing. Ah, this girl. She's turning twenty-three on her birthday but she still acts like a baby. A spoiled brat baby.
"Who cares if we are in a coffee shop? I'm just asking if we're not gonna order men,” she said and raised her right eyebrow. “Is it a crime now?"
She playfully moved her eyebrows while looking at me, obviously teasing me. She's still holding that ballpen in her left hand. I can't help but roll my eyes.
"No, it's not a crime," I answered calmly. "But, no. We can't, and stop flirting in front of me. I'm still here."
"We can't?" she asked, not minding my warning to her. She looks cute, though. Now, I wanna pinch her pinkish cheeks.
I also wanna dye my hair blonde, but I am afraid that it will damage my hair. I have waist-length silky black hair. I don’t wanna damage my hair by dyeing it in a different color. It looks better this way because it compliments my white complexion.
"Yes, because it's your birthday. The venue is in your club, and you still want to order men? What do you think your birthday is? A party before your wedding? You don't even have a boyfriend," I roasted her before drinking my coffee.
Ah, caramel macchiato tastes so good!
"Why would you hurt me like that?" Annika asked while pretending like she was hurt by what I had just said, but in reality, she was smiling while trying to stop herself from laughing.
"Because I'm your best friend," I boasted and raised my right eyebrow.
I simply stated the fact. We've been together for years already. My words won't affect her for sure. She should have gotten used to it by now. She needs to because I don't have any plans to change my drastic attitude.
"I hate you," she said, smiling.
"I love you, too," I playfully answered and even showed her my tongue as I stood up and put my black Chanel handbag on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, but I need to go now. Maybe Drake is at the house at this time. He promised that he would spend some time with me today, finally."
"Did he text you?" she sincerely asked. "Did he reply? Are you sure?"
“Well...” I looked at my phone and there was no text. He even left my messages on reading.
"I guess he didn't?"
I nodded, getting annoyed now.
"Maybe he's tired and he's sleeping right now while waiting for me," I said.
I don’t want Annika to have a bad impression on Drake. I still want to protect his reputation even if he’s a shit sometimes. I love him, don’t get me wrong, but I’m just mad at him sometimes for making promises that he can’t fulfill. Why does he love to make promises that he can't keep, though?
Is this a promise that is made to be broken, for the third time?
"Maybe he's at work again," Annika sighed. "Just call me if he doesn't come home, okay? I can cancel all my make-out sessions just for you. Let's just drink, missy!"
She even winked at me, which made me feel disgusted and relieved at the same time. How lucky am I to have a supportive yet crazy best friend like her.
Drake is a good boyfriend. He loves me, he takes care of me, he's faithful and he's supportive of what I want to do in my life. I didn’t want to work and he supported me as much as I expected.
The only problem that I have with him is time.
We have different schedules in our lives... or him only. That makes it harder for us to see each other even at this age.
Since he thinks about our future too much, he always works overtime. I can't even see him that much, even if we're living in the same apartment. He'll sleep when he goes home, and he goes to work early, so I don’t really have the chance to see him or even talk to him.
That's the reason why I don't want to work. I want to spend my time wisely. I don't wanna be like my parents and Drake. They spend too much time on their work, to the point that they don't even care about me, or other people, at all.
Money is not what I want, but money is always there for me, so I use my money for things that will make me happy like they want to.
Ah, why am I reminiscing about things like this? At this hour? At this moment? I shook my head as I decided to forget all of those things. Maybe he's just in a traffic jam and I am just overthinking it so much.
I walked home after that, only to find out that he was not there.
"Maybe he's working overtime again? I'm just gonna wait," I said to myself as I removed my clothes and took a cold shower.
I'll just wait for him, just like I always did. It feels like this relationship was just a waiting game, and we play it every day. I am so tired of playing it, though. But it feels like I don't have any way to stop playing this shit. I want him here beside me, but where is he? He's damn far away.
If this fucking life was a simulation game, the choice that I made of the first choice since the consequence for the other one was expensive, like it has a payment. Subconsciously, I am participating in this shitty game, and so he does.
Whether we like it or not.
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