Chapter 1 Betrayed By My Secret boyfriend

Melissa’s POV

“Hey, girlfriend! Happy birthday!” Chloe shouted from afar, her tiny voice tingling my ears, slicing through the noise. 

Getting to my side, she popped the party popper. And everyone screamed alongside. 

Music booming louder, my apartment—or should I say my mom's apartment shaking to its foundation. 

Well, it's my nineteenth birthday. So this is one out of her numerous gifts to me. 

At least she said this will be the last time we'll be staying here. So yeah, I can do whatever I want. 

I looked up excitedly at my friends, a smile plastered on my face. Waving back excitedly, I gently wiped off the tears that pricked my eyes. 

It was my birthday party, and I had gladly invited every one of my eligible college mates. Including my two best friends—Chloe, and Mylla. 

As they approached, I jumped excitedly. The only friends Pinewood High had given me. 

A long story cut short, we’ve been friends since high school, and now that we've all gained admission into the same college— 

We tell ourselves everything. So in my dictionary, they are now my sisters. 

“Look, Mylla bought you some birthday gifts.” Chloe smiled sheepishly, handing me hers as well. 

I threw my arms around them, hugging both of them tightly. Whispering the word “I love you.” alongside a peck.  

“Girl, that's disgusting! Get a man!” Chloe muttered playfully. 

I checked the bags, happily looking through the whole thing, grinning from ear to ear. 

But through the whole façade, I honestly don't feel too good. I had yet to see Jordan, my supposed secret boyfriend.

I placed the gifts on the ground, my smile gradually fading off into a frown.  

“Hey, girl. Smile, it's your birthday. You don't look good. Did someone—” 

“Wait! Is it about your parents' divorce?” Mylla cuts in, hijacking the word from Chloe even before she could speak. 

“It’s not,” I muttered, tears almost blurring my vision. 

I wish it were about their divorce. Mom has always been the type who cares about money. 

It wasn't a surprise that she broke up with my dad. I've been expecting it for a while. 

“If this is not about your mom…then…what is it? You can talk to us, Melissa. We are your best friends," Mylla drew me into a hug, patting my back almost immediately. 

As much as I talk to my friends about everything, I had kept my boyfriend a secret from them. 

It wasn't entirely my fault. Jordan, my supposed secret boyfriend, has requested that we stay hidden for a while. 

He said things were so complicated for him— family issues, and all. Honestly, I can't even place my hand on it or wrap my head around it. 

But regardless, I loved him. I believed every word that proceeded out of his mouth. 

When I was down, apart from my friends, Jordan showed up and lit up my world. 

Telling me everything will be fine. Showering me with love, care, and even money at large—all in secret.  

The only thing he asked for was for me not to disclose our relationship. 

So rather than pushing forward, I decided to wait for the right time. 

“I’ll officially announce you as my girlfriend on your birthday.” he smiled, gently placing a kiss on my forehead. 

“I'll claim you as mine,” he had promised and I had foolishly believed him. Smiling sheepishly, I nodded my head alongside. 

Tonight was supposed to be the best night of my life. I can't even believe I bought some lingerie for myself. 

I wanted to give him my virginity and make it the most memorable night for us. 

Jordan has always wanted to touch me—wanting to have his way with me, but I had promised to give myself to him once he proposes in front of the whole school. 

The house was fully packed with people. Lots of students from the campus, and even the hockey team stars were here. 

Some with their girlfriends, and some alone, wooing other ladies and having fun with the rest. 

“This party is really something else! It's so insane! How did you do it? Almost half of the school showed up, Melissa! Was it your mom's influence because you know you said she's dating the richest—”

“She did,” I cut Mylla short, gulping down the rest of the wine in my glass. 

“I'm sorry for yelling at you.” I quietly apologize, staring at Mylla with tears blurring my vision. 

“If you will excuse me. I need to use the bathroom ladies. I feel a bit press,” Chloe patted my back, carefully picking up her phone. 

“It’s fine,” Mylla shrugged with a smile. 

“You know you can tell me everything.” Mylla broke the silence after a while.  

And that was entirely true. There are things I get to tell Mylla…most of them unknown to Chloe.

It just happens that amongst the three of us, I trusted Mylla most. 

I don't know why…But I can't help it. Maybe because she's pure in heart and much mature when it comes to advice.  

“Mylla…” I paused.

In the heat of the moment, I broke down in tears. Narrating everything that has gone down between me and Jordan. 

“My goodness, Melissa! Why didn't you say something?” She snapped, causing more tears to roll down my cheeks. 

My eyes swerved back at the clock, and it was a few minutes past 10 p.m. 

“Where is he?” 

“He said he wanted to get a girlfriend ring for me and some flowers. That he will be here by ten.” I teared up again. 

Mylla quickly wiped my tears, rolling her eyes in frustration. “He had better not fuck up. Didn't you say he was going to go public with you tonight?” 

“Yes, he promised.” 

But deep down within me, something wasn't right. I feel so weird, and uncomfortable. Tonight isn't just sitting well with me. 

I've called him. Texted him, but he wouldn't just pick up or even reply. 

Just then—“Where's Chloe? I think we are going to cut the cake anytime from now.” Mylla asked, her eyes darting from one person to another. 

I wiped the rest of my tears, gently standing on my feet as I looked around before it struck me. “She said she needed to visit the restroom.” 

“Let me go get her. You know Chloe doesn't like to be left out of things like this.” Mylla smirked. 

“Don’t worry. I'll do that. After all, it's my house. I don't like you stressing, and you know that.” I smiled, while Mylla patted my back playfully. 

Quickly, I made my way upstairs. It was much quieter as the sounds of music could be heard faintly the further I went. 

A few doors were closed, but I could hear some voices coming out from there.

Just then, I heard laughter, one that echoed loudly. I recognized it immediately. It sounded just like Chloe’s.

I froze. I thought she went to the restroom? What's she doing here?

Then I heard another familiar voice—

“Jordan?” I rolled my eyes in disbelief. 

It's not possible. He couldn't have been here without letting me know. 

It had better be my imagination..

I froze again upon reaching the door. Placing my ears to it, I heard a moaning sound I couldn't believe. 

It was Chloe moaning. No way I was going to take her voice for another!

My heart raced faster. Knowing fully well I heard Jordan's voice---adrenaline coursing through my veins. 

I didn't even bother to think about anything. I just pushed the door open out of anger and curiosity. 

There they were. My best friend Chloe—someone I called my sister in bed with my boyfriend, Jordan. 

Both of them naked, under the sheets. Giggling, moaning, laughing and acting all weird. 

I watched Jordan thrust into her harder, kissing her neck like they've been lovers for years. 

My heart skipped. 

I felt a bit dizzy for a moment, my lips trembling, and my legs faltered. 

Jordan's eyes widened when he saw me. “Melissa…” he muttered but I wouldn't even listen. 

I ran as fast as my legs could carry. Racing down the stairs, with tears falling down my face. 

I pushed past the crowd, Mylla’s voice dropping on dead ears. 

My chest rose and fell, my breath hitched. I ran as fast as I could. I had no slightest idea of where I was going. 

I just needed some space to think. And as the cold breeze seeped into my skin, more tears fell from my eyes. 

I tripped on a stone nearby, and crashed to the floor.  Grabbing the hem of my gown, blood oozing out of my knees. I screamed into the silent night. 

Memories came crashing back. Every moment we had. Every peck, kiss, fun—all for what? 

How dare he?! How could he?! 

He couldn't pick anyone but my best friend? 

I sat on the street, crying my eyes out. It wasn't just the betrayal that hurt, but the humiliation that came afterwards. 

My best friend! The audacity. 

“I'm such a fool!” I cried out, hitting my chest every second with tears spilling out. I've been so gullible all along. 

“Melissa, you are such a fool!” I cried out, my voice echoing into thin air. 

Suddenly, a masculine voice echoed from behind. 

“Maybe you are not a fool, Melissa Taylor. You just gave your heart to a coldhearted playboy like Jordan Brookes.”