Elona’s POV
I was eager about the invitation to the club, more like I was nervous about going. Usually, I would have Cris with me or rather I would be by her side. But this is not the case. I would meet more models, and hopefully, I can make more friends, not that I need them. I was trying to get through my school day and I ignored Cris about whatever she was talking about. Probably excited shit about Maggie and Tristan. I drowned them out as I focused on my schoolwork. She had already twisted that knife in my heart yesterday about Maggie. I want to block it all out and become even stronger.
My father was away for work purposes and would only be back in the morning. I know that he cares about me, and it seems that his work is getting busier. I have to make peace with it. Soon I will be in my own career and not see my father much. I stood at the cupboard in my bedroom just staring at the dresses that I needed to choose for the club tonight. I’m not even sure if Spooky will be there, since he is also part of the Dakota Agency now.
There was a knock on the front door and I went downstairs to see who it could be. It cannot be my father, and I’m not expecting anyone, so it could only mean Spooky or Cris. I opened the door and my lips parted, breath hitching. Tristan held my gaze, but there was something else in those forest green eyes, they were sadder, full of sympathy and guilt. I swallowed.
“W-What can I help you with?” I asked.
He was standing with his hands in his jeans pockets. Was he working from home again? He took in my appearance briefly. I wasn’t dressed up, but I had on dark blue jeans and a cropped top that showed off a little skin on my belly. His eyes found mine again and he took a deep breath.
“Um… I need my jacket if you still have it,” he stated.
“No, I don’t have it anymore. I burned it,” I said, with a straight face.
He nodded, looking anywhere else but at me. “I deserve that, I guess.”
“I was kidding.”
“Funny,” he said, deadpanned.
“I will get it for you,” I turned around and went upstairs to get his jacket.
When I reached my bedroom, I went straight to my cupboard and reached towards the top shelf where his jacket had been folded and hidden away. His scent enveloped me and I brought the jacket closer to my nose, inhaling the scent more, because, after this, I would no longer have his scent around me. Before that lump could form in my throat, I took a deep breath. I moved towards my drawer and then took the gifts that he left for me. One thing that remains of him that I am keeping is his handkerchief and then I went downstairs.
He was standing inside, but not anywhere further inside the lounge. As I walked down the stairs, he watched me, but the look in his eyes was never unwavering. He should be guilty, yet it was difficult to see him here. I stood in front of him, handing the jacket to him.
“Thank you,” he said softly as he took it from me. I held out the little box with the bracelets and necklace inside. “You can keep those, I made them especially for you. I’m sorry that it wasn’t how I wanted you to see it… but I want you to keep it,” he said, taking the box from me as he draped the jacket over his arm, opened the box, and took out a bracelet. He placed the box on the little cabinet beside the door and held his hand out to me.
His eyes penetrating mine, I reached out to him as he took my hand, the electricity still there made me long for him even more, and I swallowed the lump that formed. I watched as he put the bracelet on my wrist, and he did the same with the rest, except for the necklace. I looked up at him as he was already looking at me, his eyes darker now.
“Never forget that you’re strong. You are not alone in facing this. You are brave, and I admire you.” he said as I held his gaze. My heart broke once more as we shared something together that had been lost. A secret that I would keep since we are no longer together. If only he knew about it. “Um…” he let go gently of my hand, “I have to go,” he lingered. As if he was fighting with himself to leave.
“I think you should. I’m sure you have things to do,” I said.
He nodded, “Thanks,” he said, and then he walked to the door but came to a stop, turning around to face me, “Are you going on some sort of outing later with Dakota Agency?” he asked.
“I might be, I’m not sure,” I lied. “If this is to protect me from anything, you don’t need to do that. I am perfectly fine taking care of myself. You left me, remember, so focus on your own life. Leave me out of it. You made your choice and I would rather face the world on my own than to constantly see you again. This right here is already enough, Maggie needs you, so be there for her and your baby, something that we will never get to have in this lifetime.” I said with annoyance.
“I just wanted to make sure since Eric would be there too. You have someone that will be by your side. I won’t be there out of respect. Enjoy your time. And… if things were different, we would’ve had that life together,” he held my gaze before he turned around and walked out of the house.
I stood rooted to my spot, letting out a breath. I looked at the seven bracelets on my arm. I don’t want to take them off. But I cannot be reminded of what we had and the hurt that he caused. These are coming off tonight when I go to the club. My phone chimed in my pocket and I took it out.
Mr. Luca: Photoshoot at the club. Dress for the occasion. 7 pm. Socializing will be right thereafter.
Spooky: Just letting you know that I will be going to the club with Dakota Agency… if you’re going.
At least I will be around Spooky, someone to talk easily to. I don’t know the other models yet, so having Spooky around will make things easier for me. Hopefully, I can have fun too, and just not worry about Tristan and his life.