Page 85 of I Despise You

Epilogue

IT NEVER CEASES TOamaze me how fast time flies. Chase and I met exactly six years ago, and we were competitors. Enemies, even. And now, we’ve just moved into our apartment together, our love stronger than ever.

“Sit down,” Chase says to me when I enter the kitchen. “And close your eyes.”

“Why?” I take a seat at the table.

“It’s a surprise.”

“Okay.” I close my eyes, fighting the urge to smile. I don’t know what he’s come up with now, but I can’t wait to see it.

As soon as I graduated from the Richerville University, I got a job at a real estate company, and it’s been going so great I hope I’ll get a promotion soon.

Chase befriended some guys at the University, and he found out that he’s really good at baking, so he and his friends opened a bakery, which has become a really popular place. They have a waitlist and everything.

“Can I open my eyes?” I ask.

“Don’t be so impatient.” He laughs.

“Okay. I’ll try not to be.” I hear him move around and place something in front of me. It smells so good I’m already salivating.

“You can open your eyes.”

I obey and let out a small gasp. It’s a delicious-looking chocolate cake. My favorite, actually. There are two figurines on the top, and they look like they’re arguing.

Happy enemy-versary, the text says.

“Oh, my god! I love it!” I grin. “I can’t believe you remember the day we met for the first time.”

“How could I ever forget? The moment I saw you, there was something that drove me crazy about you.”

“Am I still driving you crazy?” I tease.

“Always. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Something rustles, and I furrow my brow.

“I have something else for you. Well, for us.” He glances over his shoulder.

“What is it?”

“Give me a sec.” He rushes through the door, and a few moments later, a golden retriever puppy runs through the door toward me. It jumps on my leg, and I pick it up, caressing its head.

“Do you like her?” Chase asks from the door. “You’ve been talking about wanting a puppy all the time, so I thought it’s time we get one.”

“She’s beautiful! What’s her name?” I cuddle the puppy.

“I thought we could name her together.”

“Aw. A new member of our family. And so cute!” I lift the puppy and she licks my nose. “Aww, you’re just so cute. Yes, you are. What do you think about Bella? She’s so gorgeous.”

He tilts his head. “Yeah, I like it.”

I put Bella down and get up so I can give Chase a hug. As he wraps his arms around me, Bella jumps around us, making us both laugh.

I look deep into Chase’s eyes, and I know we’ve never been happier. My lips find his, and as he kisses me, I know that our love will last forever.