Scarlet

As Kei and I sipped our coffee, I could sense her excitement about her recent success. “So, tell me all about this new venture of yours,” I said, leaning forward with interest, “What’s been keeping you so busy?”

Kei’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, it’s been incredible! We launched a new fashion line, and the response has been overwhelming. I’ve been running around meeting with suppliers, organizing launch events—it’s been non-stop.”

I laughed. “I can imagine! You always have a way of making everything look effortless.”

She shook her head, a playful smirk on her lips. “Effortless, huh? You should see me running around in heels trying to make it all work. It’s chaos behind the scenes.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Heels and chaos—sounds like a classic Kei combination.”

Kei chuckled. “Exactly. But it’s worth it. I just wish I had more time to catch up with you.”

“You’re always on the move,” I replied with a smile. “I get it. I’m just glad we had a moment to chat. Even if it’s brief.”

She sighed, glancing at her watch. “I’m really sorry about this, Eli. I promise, next time, I’ll make it up to you. Maybe a full day of catching up, just the two of us?”

“That sounds perfect,” I said, raising my coffee cup in a toast. “To making up for lost time.”

We clinked our cups together and laughed. Kei’s phone buzzed, and she checked it quickly. “Looks like my ride is here. I really have to go.”

I gave her a quick hug. “Go on, then. I’ll be waiting for that catch-up session.”

She smiled warmly. “Thanks for understanding. And don’t forget, I owe you big time.”

As Kei hurried off, I felt a mix of happiness and nostalgia. I finished my cake and coffee, savoring the moment. As I walked out of the café, my phone rang.

“Hey, Gray,” I answered, smiling.

“Hey, Eli,” Gray’s voice was cheerful. “I’m planning something special for dinner tonight. Could you pick up a few ingredients for me?”

“Of course!” I said eagerly. “What do you need?”

He began listing items. “I need fresh bell peppers, some garlic, chicken breasts, and a couple of herbs. Oh, and don’t forget the cream—can’t cook without that.”

I nodded, jotting down the list. “Got it. I’ll get everything you need. What’s the occasion?”

Grayson laughed. “Just wanted to make tonight special. You’ve been so great, and I thought I’d surprise you.”

I grinned, feeling touched. “You don’t have to do that. But I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

“Great,” he said. “I’ll be thinking about that meal all day. Thanks, Eli.”

After we hung up, I made my way to the supermarket. I maneuvered through the aisles, gathering the ingredients. As I reached the produce section, I found myself humming along to a tune playing over the store’s speakers.

I picked up the bell peppers and garlic, then moved on to the chicken breasts. As I was selecting herbs, a friendly store employee approached. “Need any help finding anything?”

I shook my head with a smile. “I’m all set, thank you. Just picking up some items for dinner.”

The employee gave me a knowing smile. “Cooking up something special, huh?”

I laughed. “You could say that. Just trying to surprise someone.”

With the ingredients gathered, I headed to the checkout. The cashier greeted me with a warm smile. “Evening. How’s your day been?”

“Busy but good,” I replied. “Just picking up some things for a special dinner.”

“Sounds nice,” she said as she scanned the items. “Hope it turns out great.”

“I’m sure it will,” I said, paying and bagging my groceries. “Thanks!”

As I left the store, my thoughts drifted back to Grayson and the evening ahead. I felt a flutter of excitement at the prospect of a relaxing night in, enjoying a meal together.

As I pulled into the driveway of our exclusive village, the soft glow of the streetlights illuminated the neatly manicured lawns. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. Grayson’s presence always had a way of making everything seem right.

I grabbed the grocery bags and headed towards the front door. As soon as I walked in, Grayson appeared, his face lighting up when he saw me. “Hey, Eli! Let me get those for you.”

He took the bags from my hands and walked with me into the kitchen. The space was bright and welcoming, with a large island in the center and stainless steel appliances gleaming under the overhead lights.

“Thanks, Gray,” I said, smiling as he began unloading the ingredients. “You really didn’t have to go through all this trouble.”

Grayson shrugged, putting the items on the counter. “I wanted to. It’s been a long day, and I thought we could use a nice dinner to unwind.”

I watched as he put on an apron—black with a subtle, stylish design—that accentuated his already broad shoulders and fit physique. There was something incredibly attractive about him in that apron, cooking with such confidence. His movements were precise and practiced, and I found myself admiring how effortlessly he seemed to handle everything.

There he was, Grayson, looking every bit the part of a suave chef. The apron hugged his toned frame just right, emphasizing his strong shoulders and lean muscles. His focused expression as he chopped vegetables was almost mesmerizing. I couldn’t help but notice how his movements were fluid and deliberate, each slice of the knife showcasing his strength and dexterity. The way he adjusted the heat on the stove with a confident flick of his wrist made my heart race. He was incredibly handsome, and the sight of him working in the kitchen, so at ease, made him look even more irresistible.

“Alright,” Gray said, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Let’s get cooking. How was your day?”

I took a seat at the kitchen island, enjoying the view of Gray as he began prepping the ingredients. “It was pretty good. I had a chance to catch up with Kei.”

Grayson raised an eyebrow as he stirred the pot on the stove. “Kei? How’s she doing?”

“She’s doing well,” I replied, watching him with a smile. “She’s been super busy with a new fashion line. She arrived just in time for a quick chat, but she had to run some errands.”

He nodded, his gaze shifting to me. “Sounds like she’s been working hard. What else did you do today?”

I leaned back, reflecting on the day. “I also got a chance to pick up some groceries for us. It was nice to do something a little different. And honestly, I just enjoyed having a little time to myself.”

He chuckled softly. “I’m glad you had a chance to relax a bit. It’s important.”

As we cooked together, the kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of the meal coming together. Gray and I chatted about our day, and I felt a deep sense of contentment. His presence, combined with the comforting rhythm of preparing a meal together, made everything feel just right.

“You know,” He said, glancing over at me with a grin, “you’re looking pretty cute in that smile of yours.”

I laughed, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “Thanks, Gray. You’re not so bad yourself, especially in that apron.”

He winked, his smile growing. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

After a few more moments, He turned to me with a curious look. “Hey, you okay? You’ve been staring at me for a while.”

I snapped back to reality, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Oh, yeah, I’m okay. Just a bit tired, I guess.”

Gray’s concern softened. “Alright, just making sure. If you need anything, just let me know.”

I nodded, grateful for his understanding. “Thanks, Gray. I’m good.”

We continued working side by side, the rhythm of our conversation and the clinking of utensils creating a comfortable atmosphere. But just as we were settling into the routine, the doorbell rang, startling both of them. Gray turned to me with a puzzled expression. “Were you expecting anyone?”

I shook my head, equally confused. “No, not that I know of.”

“Let me check,” Gray said, heading toward the front door.

I watched him walk away, my mind still lingering on the conversation with Kei. It was just as I had started to relax into the quiet of the house when I heard the sound of the door opening and muffled voices. Five minutes passed, and Gray still hadn’t returned. I got up from the kitchen table, a twinge of curiosity pulling me toward the front gate.

As I approached, I saw Gray standing there, a broad smile on his face, and a woman in his arms. They were hugging, and her laughter was light and genuine. I blinked, trying to make out the details. The woman had striking features—dark hair, sharp eyes, and an air of confidence.

When the woman pulled back, I caught her expression—a mix of confusion and annoyance as her eyes landed on me. Her demeanor was anything but welcoming.

Grayson turned to me, his smile still in place. “Eli, this is Victoria Scarlet. Vic, this is Elina, my wife.”

Scarlet’s gaze flicked between us, her smile stiff. “So, the rumors are true. Anyways, nice to meet you, Elina,” she said, her tone lacking warmth.

I forced a smile, extending my hand. “Hi, nice to meet you, too.”

Scarlet shook my hand briefly before turning her attention back to Gray. “I didn’t realize you’d be having company tonight. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Gray shook his head, looking a bit flustered. “Not at all. We were just about to start dinner. Why don’t you join us?”

Scarlet’s expression softened slightly, but there was still a hint of something unspoken in her eyes. “I’d love to. It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to catch up with you.”

As Gray led her inside, I followed, trying to process the sudden change in plans. We all settled around the dining table, and Gray made a point to include both of us in the conversation. He seemed genuinely happy to have Victoria there, reminiscing about their childhood memories.

“So, what have you been up to, Vic?” Gray asked, serving her a plate of Pisto Manchego.

“Oh, you know,” Scarlet said with a casual shrug, “the usual. Busy with work, traveling a lot. Just got home early this morning.”

I tried to keep up with their conversation, but Scarlet’s references to shared memories that I didn’t quite understand made me feel like an outsider. Grayson occasionally included me in the chat, but it was clear that Scarlet and he had a history that I wasn’t part of.

I focused on my meal, feeling a bit awkward but trying to enjoy the evening. Scarlet’s passive-aggressive remarks were subtle but noticeable, leaving me unsure how to respond. Gray, however, seemed completely unaware of the tension, engrossed in catching up with his old friend.

After dinner, I excused myself to the kitchen to clean up, giving Grayson and Scarlet a bit of space. I needed a moment to collect my thoughts. Grayson eventually joined me, his expression thoughtful.

“Are you okay?” he asked, noticing my silence.

I looked up, caught off guard by his concern. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit tired, I guess.”

He gave me a reassuring smile. “If you need anything, just let me know. I’m glad you could be here tonight, even if it was a bit unexpected.”

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. “Thanks, Gray. I appreciate it.”

But this weird feeling inside me is burning like some kind of poison—bitter and almost suffocating.