𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬

Chapter 18• Glad You Did

I watch as Solyse sleeps soundly, her breathing soft and steady.

The sunlight filters through the window, casting a gentle glow to her golden skin, and for the first time in what feels like ages, I see her at peace.

I caress her cheek gently, my fingers tracing the soft curve of her face as I remember everything that happened last night. The tension and the raw emotion. It felt like a turning point.

Why didn't she say she loved me back?

The question lingers, heavy in my chest, as I replay the moment in my mind. I felt so much, and yet, when I said it, there was a pause—a hesitation.

Maybe she's still hurt, still unsure if she can trust me again after everything.

I shake the thought, refusing to let it linger any longer, and quietly leave. I decide to walk to a nearby café for us since it's close.

The cool morning breeze brushes against me as I make my way down the street.

The café is quiet, with only a few early risers sitting at tables, sipping their coffee. I step inside, the warm smell of fresh pastries and brewed coffee instantly greeting me.

As I order our usual, I hear a familiar voice behind me.

Turning slowly, I see Lila sitting at a table with a woman with blonde hair and a man with short coily hair.

They're deep in conversation, but Lila catches sight of me almost immediately. Her eyes narrow for a split second before she recovers, flashing me a smile.

I don't know if I should smile back, or run.

She walks over, her usual confidence evident in the way she carries herself. "Don't worry, I come in peace," she says with her hands gestured up.

"Oh, thank God," I say, holding my hand to my heart and letting out a playful sigh, I smile.

"I saw that whole fight you got into at the club," Lila says, her tone almost admiring. "I must say, you do have a mean right hook."

"Oh, that was nothing," I say, my tone playful, We both laugh.

"What are you doing on this side of town, anyways?" She asks, glancing around the café.

"Unless..." her voice trails off, "You and Solyse definitely made up and had sex, didn't you?"

I look around confused.

"Oh, no need to play dumb with me, Theo," Lila says with a smirk. "I'm basically a sex detector."

Her comment catches me off guard, and I can't help but chuckle despite the awkwardness. The server calls my name and hands me the food, I thank them, gathering the bag.

As I start to leave, I glance back at Lila. "Nice talking to you again on a better note."

Lila nods, a hint of understanding in her eyes. "Definitely. Take care, Theo." She says before returning back to her table. With that, I turn and head out, returning back to Solyse's apartment.

I set the bag on the marble kitchen counter, the smell of breakfast filling the room.

As I pull out the containers, on cue, Solyse comes out of the room, looking refreshed and a bit disoriented from just waking up.

She's still wearing her bonnet and in her pajamas. Her eyes light up as she sees the breakfast spread on the counter.

"Did you go out for breakfast?" she asks, her voice tinged with surprise and curiosity. She moves closer, her gaze shifting from the food to me. I nod my head, a smile tugging at my lips.

"I got your favorites," I say. Solyse's eyes brighten as she takes in the spread, and she moves to help me unpack the food.

"You really didn't have to," she says, clearly pleased. "But I'm glad you did."

I kiss her forehead and we start to dive into the food.

Making up with Theo definitely felt like a step in the right direction. The breakfast, it made my heart swell that he did that for me.

I feel so much for Theo, but when he said he loved me last night, I couldn't respond.

The weight of those words, the intensity of the moment, I kind of freaked out.

I've never had someone who accepted me for who I am and what I do. It's a rare and precious feeling, finding someone who understands and appreciates me without judgment.

"I ran into Lila at the café," Theo says. "Really? Why was she there?" I ask, curiously.

"I'm not sure, but she was with a blonde woman and a man with coily hair," Theo explains. "They just seemed to be having a casual breakfast, he shrugs.

Definitely casual alright.

I giggle at the information, knowing Lila is in a polyamorous relationship with Zion and Ava.

"What's funny?" Theo pauses from drinking his coffee, looking at me with curiosity. "Oh, nothing" I say as I continue eating my french toast.

Suddenly, I hear my phone ringing from the room. The sound interrupts our conversation, "Hold on a second," I say, getting up to retrieve it.

I look at the caller ID and see the name displayed. My heart skips a beat as I recognize who's calling.

"Who is it?" Theo asks, leaning against the doorframe with a curious look.

"Vanessa"

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Thoughts?