Page 31 of All Your Lies

Only for the lights to be flipped on and reality to set in. A couple of days later, I was told I’d be marrying Marco.

From that day forward, I shoved all thoughts of Gage from my mind because it wasn’t right, and it wasn’t fair to his brother. I threw him back into the friend’s-only category, and it’s where he stayed.

And I suppose that’s where he will always remain, especially after learning he’s returned but lacks the desire to find me.

I fall back onto my pillow, too lazy to get up, only to hear something bump against my headboard. I glance upward and noticed a necklace with an Atocha Emerald at its end. Quickly, I jump up to retrieve it.

This necklace isn’t mine, but the resemblance to the one I lost in college is remarkable. I was so devastated when I couldn’t find it. It was a birthday present from my Nonna before she passed away. She was very much into stones; it was the last gift she ever gave me.

I still remember her saying the emerald is known as the stone of successful love. Not in my case, unfortunately.

My fingers run over the grooves and ridges I can almost swear were on the one I lost.

As I take it off the poster of my bed, I see a small tag toward the clasp engraved with a date:11.25.23. How odd. I inspect it, but the date isn’t ringing a bell, especially since it’s dated not too far into the future. A little less than two months or so.

I shrug and put it on anyway before grabbing my phone. Messages galore greet me.

Unknown

I see you’ve found my gift. A token of appreciation for how you came on my fingers so sweetly last night.

The color drains from my face. It wasn’t a dream.

I check the sliding glass door that’s locked before heading to the front, which is also locked.

Alexa

How the hell did you get in?

Unknown

No thank you? I have to say, your manners are terrible. First, a free dinner, and now a necklace with no appreciation? You’re going to hurt my feelings, baby.

He paid for the dinner I had with Jenna... I should have known. I’m such an idiot.

A sharp pain blossoms behind my eyes, the prelude to a migraine, and I press my fingers to my temples, attempting to soothe the agonizing pulse. All thanks to this faceless, nameless stranger whose presence is both comforting and unsettling. I ought to be ashamed for allowing a stranger to touch me repeatedly, as this is unlike my typical behavior, but I’m not. I preserved my purity for a man who deceived me and was unfaithful. While I’m not actively seeking more, the absence of the arranged marriage makes it easier to let go and see what happens.

Jenna would be pleased with the turn of events, but I don’t dare tell her. I would never hear the end of it.

Alexa

The restraining order is happening.

Unknown

We’ve already been over this, baby. You didn’t seem too upset last night.

This fucking guy. I’m at a loss for words because I truly enjoyed last night. There must be something wrong with me.

I try a new tactic.

Alexa

Why me? I’m sure there are many girls at your disposal to stalk and bother.

Unknown

None of them holds any value to me besides you.