Feigning innocence, Kyle leaned in. "Maisie, you’re not still upset about that big surprise Desar threw for Elize last week, are you?” He smirked, clearly enjoying himself.
Elize chimed in, flashing me an apologetic look that didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m so sorry, Maisie. I was in a tough spot, and Desar just wanted to cheer me up with a little… gesture. Isn’t that right, Desar?" Her voice was soft, the words sugar-coated with false humility.
Desar barely looked at me, and his tone was dismissive as he replied, "It was just a few fireworks, Maisie. No big deal." He sounded almost bored, as though the whole situation was trivial.
I held his gaze, masking the pain that twisted inside me.
"You’re right, Desar. The fireworks were quite the show. Do keep it up." With a calm smile, I picked up my bag, refusing to let them see me falter. “I just remembered I have unfinished work. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
As I turned to leave, I caught the look Elize shot me, a subtle, triumphant smile as though she’d claimed something valuable. A part of me felt crushed, but another part knew it was pointless to keep fighting for someone who couldn’t see how much they were hurting me.
Outside, the cool night air hit my face, clearing away the lingering warmth of the restaurant and the stifling reminder of what once was.
The streets buzzed around me, full of couples strolling hand-in-hand, laughing softly, wrapped in each other’s worlds. Once, Desar and I had been like that, inseparable, both of us sharing dreams, secrets, and promises.
Now, memories of those moments weighed heavily on me, yet I didn’t want to be seen as weak. I slowed my pace, a painful pang in my chest as I thought of all the small gestures Desar used to make, the way he would pull me closer or reach for my hand.
An ice cream truck parked nearby caught my eye, and on impulse, I decided to get one. As I took the first bite, a wave of memories flooded back.
It was when Desar laughed at my weakness for ice cream, teasing me, "You know it’ll just give you a stomachache later." But he would still indulge me, watching with that gentle smile. I shook the thought away, forcing myself to focus on the present.