How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 29&30

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 29&30

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

[FLASHBACK – ONE YEAR AGO]
[𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 – 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐨]

The casino floor above was alive with noise. Music thumped through the walls, chips clinked, laughter rose and fell in waves.

Down here, behind velvet doors and soundproofed corridors, none of it mattered.

Bianca stepped into the private room and locked the door behind her.

The Spanish clan leader was already on the floor.

Blood smeared the marble tiles beneath him, his breath coming out in broken, panicked gasps. One of his arms was bent at an unnatural angle, his suit ruined, his face swollen beyond recognition.

Bianca stood over him calmly, gun loose in her hand, expression cold as fuck.

“Where is it?” she asked flatly.

He coughed, dragging himself backward with shaking hands. “I–I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Bianca crouched in front of him and pressed the barrel of her gun against his cheek, forcing his head up.

“The ledger,” She said. Her voice didn’t rise. It didn’t need to. “The one detailing your offshore accounts, arms routes, and payments to foreign clans.”

His eyes darted around the room, panic flooding in. “Please—please, we already paid—”

Bianca slammed his head back against the floor.

“Wrong answer.”

He screamed, clutching at his face as blood seeped between his fingers. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he crawled away from her, leaving a dark trail behind him.

“Vault,” He sobbed. “It’s in the vault.”

Bianca rose and followed him without hurry.

He reached the wall, fumbling with trembling hands until a hidden panel slid open.

The vault door revealed itself, sleek and reinforced. He entered the code with shaking fingers, nearly collapsing when it clicked open.

Inside sat a single black folder.

Bianca reached past him and pulled it out.

She flipped it open, scanning page after page with sharp, focused eyes. Names. Transactions. Routes. Everything Romeo had suspected, and more. She smiled.

Behind her, the man began to sob openly.

“You have it,” He begged. “Please. You got what you wanted. I’ll disappear. I swear. I won’t say a word. Please forgive me.”

Bianca closed the ledger and slipped it into her jacket.

She turned slowly to face him.

“I was told to kill you,” She said calmly. “My boss’s orders.”

The man’s eyes widened in pure terror.

“No….no…please—”

A single gunshot echoed through the room, swallowed instantly by the thick walls of the casino.

Bianca didn’t flinch.

She stepped over the body, adjusted her jacket, and pressed the earpiece in her ear.

“Ledger secured,” She said quietly. “I’m heading to the back.”

Tiago’s voice came through immediately. “Path’s clear. I’m waiting outside.”

Bianca walked out without looking back,.

—

Bianca was about leaving when she came face to face with a masked man blocking her path.

“Are you going to move? Or get moved?” Bianca asked coldly.

The man tilted his head slightly.
“Hmm. I like tough girls. Pretty, tough girls.”

Bianca lunged without hesitation, her fist flying toward his face. The fight turned brutal instantly.

They exchanged heavy blows, fast and sharp, bodies colliding against walls and tables.

He was tough, really tough, the kind of raw strength she had only felt once before from Romeo, but unlike Romeo, this man’s movements were easier to read, easier to predict.

She stumbled back slightly, steadying herself.

“I can see you’re trying not to kill me,” she said, eyes locked on him. “So what do you want?”

The man reached up and removed his mask.

“My name is Derek Parker.”

Bianca’s expression hardened.
“Parker? Aren’t you the son of the Italian Mafia leader?”

“Exactly,” Derek said calmly. “I came looking for you after I found out your clan was hot on the trail of one of the Spanish Mafia leaders. I knew you’d be sent on this mission.”

“What do you want from me?” she asked.

“Liliana Sanchez,” Derek said smoothly. “Only daughter of the Sanchez family, one of the best lawyers in Spain. Your parents were murdered, and everything they owned was burned to ashes.”

Bianca clenched her fists. That name. Only two people knew her real name and her past. Rafael. And Romeo.

“You got your revenge by personally killing your parents’ assassins at sixteen,” Derek continued. “Hunted by the law, you went into hiding, surviving on the streets until Rafael Gremory found you.”

Her jaw tightened.

“You were trained personally by him,” he went on, “…recruited into the Yakuza in Tokyo at twenty-one. And you’re crazy in love with your boss. Whoever that is, I don’t know his name. Who is he?”

“Romeo Dragoni,” Bianca replied flatly. “I can see you did your homework, Derek. Now what do you want from me?”

“Nothing much,” he said. “I want you to work for me.”

“And why the f+k would I do that?” Bianca snapped.

“I have future plans of conquering all Mafia clans in both Europe and Asia,” Derek said evenly. “My plans for Europe are already in motion, but I still need you.”

“So you want me to be a spy?” she asked. “For the Yakuza?”

“Exactly.”

She let out a short chuckle.
“You must be insane.”

“Think about my offer,” Derek said. “I’d even make you my woman if things go well. You’d be just as powerful.”

Bianca studied him for a moment. He handed her a call card. She took it, walked past him, then stopped.

“The name’s Bianca,” she said without looking back. “Liliana Sanchez is already dead.”

She walked away.

Outside, she met Tiago, and they got into the car.

“What took you so long?” Tiago asked.

“Nothing,” Bianca replied calmly. “Just ran into some trouble.”

_____
[𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐈 – 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞]

Bianca lay against the sheets, breath still uneven, her body heavy and warm as the aftermath of the hot s+x they just had settled over her.

Romeo stayed close in between her legs, his touch slow as he pressed kisses along her stomach, up her ribs, his hands firm, possessive and squeezing her br+sts..

Immediately, he dipped two fingers into her core.

“F+k…” Bianca breathed, her fingers curling into the sheets as she tried to steady herself.

Romeo stilled slightly.

“That Derek guy,” He said quietly. “Did he touch you?”

She let out a soft, incredulous laugh, eyes half-lidded as she looked down at him.

“You should be worried about him talking about conquering Asia, and you’re worried about whether he touched me?”

He curled his fingers inside her, drawing a sharp breath from her.

“Romeo…” she gasped, her voice breaking before she caught herself.

He lifted his head, eyes dark, searching her face. “Did he touch you? I’m talking about your body..”

“No,” She said firmly. “He didn’t.”

Only then did he pull back, shifting onto the bed beside her, staring up at the ceiling.

“So what now?” Bianca asked, rolling slightly toward him. “He really thought I’d betray you. He must be stupid.”

Romeo exhaled slowly. “We’ll let him think he’s winning. You do what he wants. He’ll be useful to us. If he ever becomes a real threat, it’ll be easier to infiltrate his empire from the inside.”

Bianca studied him, then nodded once. “Okay.”

A beat passed.

“Unless,” Romeo added, voice lower now, edged with something dangerous, “…you’re considering what he said about making you his woman.”

She turned fully toward him, her hand resting over his chest. “Of course not. I would never cheat on you.”

The tension eased just enough for him to pull her closer. Bianca’s breathing slowed as her eyes fluttered shut, exhaustion finally claiming her, trust settling like a quiet vow between them.

Romeo stayed awake a moment longer.

He turned on his side and looked at her where she lay sprawled across the bed, lashes resting softly against her cheeks, breathing slow and deep.

He waited, counted the rise and fall of her chest, until he was certain sleep had fully claimed her.

Only then did his hand lift.

His fingers slid into her hair gently, carefully, as if she were something fragile, brushing loose strands away from her face.

His thumb hovered for a second before resting against her lips, tracing the curve as his jaw tightened.

“Liliana…” he muttered under his breath, the name tasting like a sin he wasn’t supposed to remember.

His gaze hardened, conflicted, dark.

“Just what should I do with you?” he whispered, more to himself than to her.

Silence answered him.

“I can’t possibly have feelings for you,” he went on, voice low and strained. “That’s impossible.”

The word rang hollow even to him.

“F+k,” he hissed suddenly, dragging his hand back and raking it through his hair as if trying to tear the thoughts from his head.

He swung his legs off the bed, standing abruptly, needing distance, needing air.

Without looking back at her, he headed straight for the bathroom, shutting the door behind him harder than necessary.

—–
[A Week Ago]

“Romeo,” She muttered, half-amused.

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “I have something I need you to do for me.”

He brushed his lips near her ear and whispered.

“Go to Italy and meet Derek. See what information you can get about his plans in the war and try to mislead them. If you can, I’d like to get the blueprint to the map of their clan. It’ll be easier if we know the route around the island.” Romeo said.

Bianca’s smile changed instantly, darker.

“Sure,” She said smoothly. “Enjoy your trip. I’ll take care of things.”

She kissed him, slow and deliberate.

—-
[In The Bathroom]

Bianca’s legs were wrapped around Romeo’s waist as he kissed her neck, the shower raining on them.

“Once you’re with Derek, beware of one thing.” He said.

“What is it?” She asked.

“Make sure he doesn’t touch you, if he does, I’ll kill him before they war starts.” Romeo said.

She nodded weakly.

“Additionally…” he began.

She looked up at him, and their eyes locked.

“When I get back from California, let’s go on a date.” He asked.

For a moment, there was only the sound of water running. Bianca stared at him like she wasn’t sure she heard right.

Romeo reached past her and turned off the shower tap, the sudden quiet making her heartbeat loud in her ears.

“You serious?” she asked slowly. “A date. Really?”

Instead of answering, he lifted her effortlessly and carried her out of the bathroom, dropping her gently onto the bed.

She bounced slightly, startled, then laughed under her breath.

“I am your boyfriend after all,” He said, calmer now, softer. “I shouldn’t be neglecting you. And… feel free to be open with me. I’m not just your boss.”

She bit her lip, watching him like she was seeing a different side she hadn’t fully believed existed.

“Really?”

He paused, then nodded. “You don’t want to?”

He walked to the dresser, took out a hand dryer, and came back to her. Sitting beside her, he lifted her hair carefully, fingers gentle as he dried it.

“Of course I do,” she said quietly. “So you mean I can share my opinions freely with you?”

“Yes.”

“I can get mad at you. I can yell. I can nag you,” she added, testing him.

“You can even hit me if you get mad at me,” he said without missing a beat.

She laughed, shaking her head. “You’re so corny.”

He smiled faintly, still drying her hair, thumb brushing against her neck like he didn’t even realize he was doing it.

_____
[PRESENT TIME]

Derek’s hand slid to Bianca’s waist casually. “What would you like us to do first? Let’s relax a bit, shall we?”

Bianca stepped back at once.

“Boundaries, Derek. Boundaries.” She pushed lightly against his chest, just enough to make the message clear.

He chuckled, unfazed. “Fair enough. Why don’t you take a shower and relax in any room in the suite. We’ll talk over dinner.”

She nodded, already lifting her bag. Without another word, she turned and headed upstairs.

Derek stayed where he was, eyes following the slow sway of her hips as she climbed the stairs. A smirk tugged at his lips.

“This girl is the full package,” He muttered to himself. “I’m going to make her mine.”

—

Bianca shut the bedroom door behind her and locked it immediately. Her expression shifted, all softness gone.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a small device, sweeping it methodically across the walls, ceiling, corners, vents.

Green light.

“Good. No cameras.”She exhaled quietly.

She sat on the edge of the bed, pulled out her gun, and checked the magazine. Fully loaded.

She slid it back into place, grounding herself in the familiar weight.

“Alright,” she murmured. “Now I need a plan. Intel first. Then a blueprint.”

Her gaze lifted, sharp and calculating. “If there’s a blueprint of this island, I need eyes on every building. I’ll need a tour.”

She leaned back slightly, lips curving. “Think, Bianca. You’re smarter than this, I need to make this trip successful.”

Her thoughts drifted before she could stop them.

Romeo.

The corner of her mouth softened.

“A date,” She whispered, almost amused. “I still can’t believe he actually asked me out. I thought I’d be the one doing that.”

She fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

“Is he really my boyfriend?” she asked the empty room, a quiet smile breaking through.

“I haven’t let myself feel anything since my parents died. And then I met him… and I just knew he’s the one.”

She closed her eyes, letting the warmth settle in her chest for only a moment.

Then she sat up again.

“I should take a shower.”

______
[𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚 – 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭]

“I thought you said we were going to Paris,” Sasha said, squinting as the Uber slowed.

“Well, mom mixed it up,” Rias replied casually. “She said it’s California. This should be the resort.”

The car rolled to a stop.

They stepped out.

White sand stretched endlessly, the ocean calm and blue, palm trees swaying lazily under the sun.

“Wow,” Sasha breathed. “It’s beautiful.”

She turned to Rias. “Call your boyfriend. Let’s see where they are.”

Sasha pulled out her phone and tried calling Hunter, but the signal flickered, then died.

“Babe?”

Hunter’s voice came from behind her.

She turned instantly.

Hunter stood there, sunglasses on, relaxed.

Romeo was beside him. It looked like they had just arrived too.

“What are you two doing here?” Hunter asked.

“I’m not here for you,” Sasha replied flatly.

“Mom told me to tag along so I can spend time with you, Romeo.”Rias stepped forward, smiling.

Romeo’s eyes shifted to her briefly.

“The Romeo Dragoni.”

Another voice cut in.

They turned and Reed was approaching, Keifer beside him.

“Reed. Keifer,” Hunter said, fist-bumping them.

“Took you guys long enough,” Reed said. “Thought you weren’t coming.”

Keifer grinned and slung an arm around Romeo’s shoulders. “Miss me?”

“Hands off,” Romeo said immediately.

“No,” Keifer shot back, tightening his arm.

Reed laughed.

“So… wives? Girlfriends?” He asked.

“Sasha’s my girlfriend.” Hunter said, pulling her closer.

“Oh…hello…um..” Sasha said awkwardly.

“Reed.”

“Keifer.”

Their attention shifted to Rias.

“I’m Romeo’s…”

“Family associate,” Romeo cut in smoothly.

Hunter almost laughed.

“Alright,” Reed said. “Let’s head to the villa. I arranged for the four of us to stay together.”

Hunter and Sasha walked ahead with Reed and Keifer.

Romeo slowed.

Rias stayed back with him.

“What are you up to?” Romeo asked quietly.

“You’re in such a hurry,” she said lightly. “Relax. I’m here to have fun too.”

He scoffed, hands slipping into his pockets.

Rias stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I can’t believe you introduced me as a family associate,” she pouted.

“What else should I have called you?” he asked calmly.

“I’m your wife, Romeo.”

“Correction,” He said coolly. “Ex-wife.”

“At this rate,” she murmured, “…you shouldn’t even consider the divorce valid. I don’t.”

She rose onto her toes and leaned in.

Romeo turned his face slightly. Her lips landed on his cheek.

She smiled slowly and licked her lips.

“Come on,” she whispered. “Let me taste those lips.”

“Get off me,” he said.

“You’re not pushing me away either.”

His hand moved to her waist as pulled her closer instead. His lips brushed her ear.

“Why are you suddenly so interested in me?” He asked quietly. “Nothing happened between us. So what’s with the clinginess?”

Her breath hitched as his voice registered in her ear.

She shut her eyes.

“Your face. Your voice. Your scent,” she whispered. “Everything about you is perfect, Romeo. Who wouldn’t want you?”

He let out a low chuckle.

“We’ll be here for three days.” Her eyes opened. “Excited?”

“Don’t do anything stupid,” He said, voice dropping. “Or I might get mad and trust me—you wouldn’t like it when I do.”

He shoved her gently but firmly away and walked after the others.

Rias watched him go.

Then she chuckled to herself.

—–
[𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 1 – Poolside]

Kiss, Giselle , Rias and Sasha lounged by the pool, sunglasses on, drinks resting at the edge as the water shimmered under the sun.

“So,” Rias said casually, crossing her legs, “…you two are married? How old are you to even be married?”

Giselle laughed softly. “How old do you think I am?”

“I don’t know,” Rias tilted her head. “Twenty-four?”

“I’m twenty-seven.” Giselle said.

“What?” Sasha and Rias said at the same time.

They both turned to Kiss.

“I’m actually twenty-nine,” Kiss added calmly.

Sasha squinted at her. “You look like Keifer. Are you two related?”

“He’s my twin brother,” Kiss replied.

“Yeah,” Rias nodded slowly. “I can see the resemblance.”

Kiss leaned back on her chair. “So how’s marriage treating you? You mentioned earlier you just got divorced.”

Rias exhaled. “Yeah.”

“Was it Romeo?” Giselle asked gently.

Rias looked up, surprised. “How did you know?”

Giselle smiled. “The way you look at him. It’s obvious you like him.”

“Why did you two divorce?” Kiss asked.

“It was an arranged marriage,” Rias said. “It was a mess and I was going to try and make it work, but he wanted out.”

“Does he have another woman?” Kiss asked.

Rias went quiet.

Kiss nodded knowingly. “That silence answers everything.”

“If you really love him,” Giselle said softly, “…you can still go after him, If you believe you’re meant to be together.”

“But don’t overdo it,” Kiss added. “There was a girl once who got obsessed with my brother. He cared for her too at one point. It didn’t end well.”

“Oh,” Rias murmured.

“Just don’t force it,” Giselle said. “If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.”

Kiss turned to Sasha. “And you, you still haven’t answered my question. What’s going on between you and Hunter? Are you fighting?”

“Why would you ask that?” Rias frowned.

“We overheard them earlier,” Giselle said. “Before you and Romeo arrived at the villa.”

Rias looked at Sasha. “Is that why you didn’t want to come with me?”

Sasha sighed. “Can we not talk about it? I don’t want to talk about Hunter.”

“Sure,” Kiss said, winking playfully.

Giselle’s phone rang.

“Oh—my baby again,” she smiled as she answered. “Hello, my boy. Miss Mommy?”

She walked a few steps away, still talking.

Rias and Sasha exchanged a look.

“She has a son?” they asked together.

“He’s five,” Kiss chuckled.

——-
[𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫]

The cellar was dim and cool, bottles lined the walls, soft amber light reflecting off the glass as the boys sat around the low table, drinks already half gone.

“Why did you call her a family associate when she’s your wife?” Reed asked, swirling his drink.

“Ex-wife,” Keifer corrected calmly, taking a sip.

“I didn’t agree to marry her because I was into her or anything. It was impulse. She was a brat I wanted to teach a lesson. I got bored of her so I dumped her.” Romeo leaned back against the counter, unfazed.

“Still, she’s really pretty.”Keifer raised a brow.

“I don’t care,” Romeo replied flatly. “Besides…” He glanced at them.

“He already has a woman,” Hunter added casually.

“Oh? Really? What’s she like? Show me a picture.”Reed’s eyes lit up.

Romeo shot him a sharp look. “Are you insane? Why would I do that?”

Hunter chuckled under his breath.

Reed shrugged. “So before you got official with your woman, do you think there was ever a chance between you and Rias?”

Romeo went quiet for a moment, as he considered how to answer the question to their understanding.

“Rias is… difficult,” He said finally. “I would not get together with her for one reason.”

“What reason?” Reed asked.

“She’s not my type.” Romeo said flatly.

“So what is your type?” Keifer asked.

Without hesitation, Bianca crossed his mind.

“I like hot women,” Romeo said. “S+xy and Strong. Cold-hearted women are my specialty.”

“Rias is feisty.”Hunter smirked.

“She’s unnecessarily aggressive, hot-tempered, and stubborn,” Romeo replied.

Hunter laughed.

“Bianca is worse. Or is it because she’s only soft with you? You do know that, right?” He said.

Romeo’s gaze hardened as he slowly glared at Hunter.

“Don’t make the mistake of comparing them. Rias and Bianca aren’t in the same league. Bianca is better.”

The three of them burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Romeo snapped.

“You’re defensive. Overprotective, even. That’s new.” Hunter grinned.

“Shut up,” Romeo muttered, rolling his eyes as he grabbed his glass and walked out.

Reed watched him go. “Is he angry? Nasty temper.”

Keifer waved it off. “Whatever. I’m just glad for this vacation. Some time alone with my precious wife.”

Hunter glanced at him. “Don’t you get quality time at home?”

“Giselle’s our company lawyer, but I prefer she works from home,” Keifer said. “I’m always at work, so she spends most of her time with our son. And when I finally get home, I still have to share her?”

Hunter smirked. “So he’s a mommy’s boy.”

“He’s worse,” Keifer groaned. “That kid thinks he’s married to Giselle. I’m his rival in his head.”

Reed laughed. “That’s your problem. Kiss and I aren’t ready for kids.”

“Yeah, shut up,” Keifer shot back.

Hunter chuckled, checking his phone. “I wonder if everyone’s arrived. I’ll have the staff prepare dinner in the villa yard.”

____🇳🇬

Romeo stood at the balcony upstairs, forearms resting against the railing as the ocean stretched endlessly beneath him.

The sun was sinking slowly, bleeding orange and gold across the water, people moving like distant shadows below.

He dragged a hand through his hair and exhaled sharply, forcing himself not to check his phone again. Calling Bianca right now was stupid.

Derek couldn’t suspect anything. One wrong move and the entire mission could collapse.

Still, his fingers were already curling around the phone.

Her contact stared back at him. Offline.

“F+k it,” he muttered, thumb pressing call before he could talk himself out of it.

No answer.

His fist tightened.

“Bianca, pick up,” he said under his breath, irritation bleeding into his voice.

The line rang again. And again.

Finally, it clicked.

“Romeo…” her voice came through, slightly breathless. “Just saw your call, I—”

“Why didn’t you pick up sooner?” he cut in.

“I was in the shower,” she replied calmly. “I’m just coming out. Didn’t we agree? You can’t call me while I’m here. It’s risky.”

“I—” He stopped himself, grip tightening on the railing.

Why did I even call her?

There was a pause. Then her voice dropped, slow and smooth. “What? You miss me?”

His throat went dry instantly. He leaned forward, fingers digging into the cold metal as if it could anchor him.

“Who said I missed you?” He shot back, too quickly.

“Alright then,” she said lightly. “Bye—”

“Don’t,” He snapped, the word torn from him before he could stop it.

The silence that followed stretched, thick and deliberate.

His voice came out lower when he spoke again, rough around the edges. “You’re right. I… miss you, Bianca.”

On the other end, she didn’t answer right away. He could almost picture it, the way she’d bite her lip, the way her eyes would soften just a fraction.

“I know,” She said finally. “We’ll see in a 3 days.”

“That’s it?” he asked. “You won’t say anything to me?”

“Like what?” she teased. “That I miss you too? Nah. I don’t think I do.”

“Bianca,” He groaned, his forehead dropping briefly against the railing.

“What?” She replied innocently. “I’m busy. I need to apply lotion to this hot body of mine before it dries.”

His breath hitched despite himself.

“Shit,” he muttered. “Are you trying to tease me? Because you know it’ll work?”

“Tease you?” she laughed softly. “I’m just talking about skincare. Don’t take it personal.”

He shut his eyes, jaw clenched, every nerve in his body aware of her absence.

“Do a good job,” He said finally. “And take care.”

“Of course,” she replied. “And no talking to girls. They’ll throw themselves at you, you know. You’re mine alone.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips despite himself.

“Go on,” he said quietly. “Hang up.”

“Okay. Bye.”

Romeo stayed there, phone pressed to his ear. The ocean roared below him, the breeze cool against his skin, but none of it mattered.

“I… love—”

He stopped.

Lowered the phone slowly.

She’d already hung up.

He stared out at the horizon again, chest tight, the ache familiar and dangerous, knowing one thing with absolute certainty.

Distance didn’t weaken what he felt for Bianca.

It only made it worse.

______
[𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨- 𝐒𝐤𝐲’𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭]

Emma was already at the condo thirty minutes before Sky arrived. He opened the door, heart racing, hoping to see her smile, but the air felt heavy, distant.

He froze after she told him what she came here for.

“Did you hear me, Sky? I want us to break up.” She said it flatly, like she was delivering a verdict.

“Breakup? But why? Why are you doing this to me for the second time? Emma, what have I done?” His voice cracked as he reached out, holding her hands.

“Is it the scandal? Do you also believe it? Emma, the video is fake, don’t leave me, I need you right now.” He pleaded, eyes wide, heart thudding painfully.

She shoved his hands away, her fingers pressing sharply against his chest.

“Sky, I don’t really care about what is happening to you right now. Don’t you get it? I’m breaking up with you because I don’t love you.”

“What?… You… You… What do you mean? Emma, you love me.” His voice wavered, trembling as if speaking louder would make it real.

“Keep telling yourself.” She tilted her head, almost amused by his desperation.

“You’re weak, Sky. You can’t stand up for yourself. You’re arrogant, full of pride, but none of it makes you a man. I only came back to you out of pity… to entertain myself.”

“No… no… Emma, please, don’t say that. Don’t leave me.” He sank to his knees, gripping her wrists, his tears spilling freely.

She stepped back, her eyes cold. “Is that what you think of yourself? You really think you’re anything to me?”

“Are you seeing someone?” His voice broke, choking on the words, “Is… is someone turning you against me?”

Her lips curved into a cruel smirk. “Yes. I’m seeing someone. Wanna know who? Your old-time friend… Kai.”

“Kai? What do you mean you’re dating Kai?” He gasped, pain twisting his chest, the room spinning around him.

She chuckled. “Yes, he’s the guy I cheated on you with. Poor thing… your reputation, your career, everything is at stake. You’re a loser to me.”

Sky’s hands tightened on her wrists as he shook his head, tears streaming down his face.

“No… please… Emma… don’t do this… I can fix it. I can… I’ll be better… please…”

She looked down at him kneeling, begging, his body shaking with heartbreak, but her expression stayed ruthless.

“I told you… I don’t love you. Goodbye, Sky.”

And just like that, she turned and walked away. Each step echoed in his chest like a hammer against his ribs.

He stayed on his knees, staring at the empty doorway, trembling, unable to move, unable to breathe.

His hands reached out, still hoping, still clinging to the warmth that had vanished, whispering to himself over and over, Don’t leave me… please… don’t leave me…

The door clicked shut behind her, and Sky sank further, broken.

____
{Outside}

Emma slid into her car, the engine purring softly as she sank into the seat. Her fingers trembled slightly as she pulled out her phone and dialed.

“Kai,” she said, voice low. “I broke up with him.”

There was a brief pause on the other end, then Kai’s voice cut through, sharp and clipped. “Already? Good. Is he miserable?”

“Yes… he’s… completely destroyed. Exactly how we wanted.” She exhaled, her eyes flicking to the device tucked under her seat.

“I planted the explosives earlier, before he got here. The timer’s set… five minutes.”

“Perfect,” Kai replied, his tone deadly calm. “Activate it now. Then leave immediately..”

Emma nodded, her hand hovering over the switch. “Okay.”

Her thumb pressed down. The countdown began. She could imagine the faint sound ticking in her mind as she started the car.

Emma put the car in gear and sped away, leaving Sky alone inside, the clock counting down toward chaos.

—

Inside, Sky stood in the bathroom, staring at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes were red, raw from crying, his chest rising and falling heavily as he ran out of tears.

He barely recognized himself anymore.

His phone rang, piercing the quiet. He glanced at the screen. Emma? No. Nancy.

He hesitated, thumb hovering over decline, but answered anyway.

“Sky, can we meet up? Let’s talk,” Nancy’s voice was calm, steady, but it carried concern.

“I’m not in the mood,” he said lowly, voice hoarse.

“Why’s your voice like that?” she pressed. He said nothing.

“I’m at Blueray Park. It’s closed off for today, so no one’s here. I’m just around the bench area. Meet me here.” And she hung up.

Sky let the phone slip from his fingers. It clattered against the sink, but he barely noticed.

He stared at the mirror a long moment, his reflection a stranger, broken and hollow-eyed. He exhaled, heavy and ragged.

Finally, he turned, grabbed his car keys, and pulled on his mask.

The street was calm and quiet as he stepped outside, each step feeling heavier than the last. He slid into his car, started the engine, and reached for the gearshift.

Then it hit.

BOOM! 💥

The building behind him erupted in fire and chaos. Windows exploded outward in shards of glass, the walls buckled and twisted as flames licked the sky.

Smoke and heat slammed against him even from his distance, suffocating and choking, carrying the acrid stench of burning metal and wood.

Sky froze, his heart hammering so fast he could feel it in his throat. His hands clenched the steering wheel, knuckles white, as debris rained down around him.

Sparks and fragments of twisted steel scattered across the street, bouncing off parked cars and the asphalt.

Neighbors screamed, shouting, running in every direction, some pointing at the inferno, some already dialing for help.

Sirens began wailing faintly in the distance, but all Sky could hear was the deafening roar of destruction, the roar of the fire swallowing everything he had left inside that apartment.

Panic clawed at his chest. He slammed the car into gear and tore away, the tires screeching against the asphalt.

_____
[𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤]

Sky staggered through the empty park, each step heavy, like the weight of the world pressed against him.

Up ahead, Nancy sat on the bench, her silhouette still in the fading light. She stood up as he approached, folding her arms, waiting.

“You came… thought you wouldn’t,” she said softly. “Levi said you two are on good terms now… you should…”

“My apartment… it… it blew up,” Sky gasped, his voice breaking.

“What?! What happened?!” Nancy sprang forward, panic flashing in her eyes.

Without thinking, he closed the distance and pulled her into a tight hug, holding her like she was the only thing keeping him tethered to the world.

She froze, stunned by the raw urgency in his grip.

“Sky?” she whispered, unsure.

“If you hadn’t called me… Nancy… I wouldn’t be here,” he said, voice trembling. “I’d be… gone.”

He held her closer, as if trying to make up for every lost second, every mistake, every moment he had let her slip away and every moment he hurt her.

She felt the warmth of his tears seeping down his cheek onto her shoulder.

Her hands moved instinctively to his back, anchoring him. “Sky…”

He lifted his head just enough to look at her, eyes glinting with vulnerability and something deeper. His voice was low, intimate, raw.

“Nancy… thank you,” He whispered, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face.

“You saved me. Not just my life… you saved me from my miserable self.”

She shivered under the intensity of his gaze.

“I… I’ve been so lost… so angry at you, so stupid,” He murmured, pressing his forehead to hers this time.

“I shouldn’t have let you slip away from me… I shouldn’t have hurt you… but right now… right here… I need you. I need you more than I’ve ever needed anyone.”

Her breath hitched. Every part of her felt him, his desperation in the way he held her like he might let go of the world if he had to, but he wouldn’t let go of her.

“I broke up with Emma,” He said quietly.

Nancy stilled, her fingers curling slightly into his jacket.

“It ended… completely,” He went on, swallowing hard.

“She said things that should’ve destroyed me. Things that did destroy me. I thought I’d feel hollow… angry… like I was drowning.”

He let out a shaky breath, his thumb brushing absently against her wrist.

“But standing here now… looking at you… I don’t feel it anymore,” He admitted. “I don’t feel the hurt. I don’t feel that weight pressing on my chest.”

His eyes lifted to hers, vulnerable in a way she had never seen before.

“I’ve spent so long tearing myself apart,” He continued softly.

“Pushing people away. Carrying this… darkness like it’s the only thing I deserve. I’ve hurt myself more than anyone ever could.” His jaw tightened.

“I’m tired of being that version of me, Nancy. I don’t want to live like that anymore.”

“I want to love myself and learn to live those who actually love me. I just —”

Before he could say anything else, Nancy’s hands shot up, gripping his face firmly. Her expression was fierce, decisive, almost angry with emotion.

“Stop,” She said.

“Huh?” He mumbled, confused.

“F+king stop talking, Sky..!”

…..And then she pulled him down by his collar and crashed her lips against his.in a deep breath taking kiss.

Sky’s eyes widened.

.

.
.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.