The morning light filtered softly through my curtains, warming my face. I stirred, stretching across the sheets, but my hand brushed against nothing—just warmth fading away and the faint scent of Louis lingering on the pillow beside me.
"Louis?" I called out quietly, half-expecting him to answer from the bathroom. Silence.
I slipped from bed, checking the living room, the kitchen, even the guest room. Empty. A strange mix of disappointment and curiosity filled me as I returned to my bedroom—then I saw it. A folded note resting on my dressing table, my name written in his unmistakable handwriting:
"To my sweet and sexy Laranie."
My heart fluttered as I opened it.
Laranie,
Yesterday was everything I ever dreamed of. Being with you felt like becoming part of you, and I'll never forget it. I'm so lucky you chose me over Emily. But there's one thing I ask—please don't tell anyone about us yet. I have people who might twist things or hurt you through me, and I couldn't bear that. I love you too much to risk it.
I'm sorry I left without waking you. You looked too peaceful. I had to go somewhere urgent, but I'll call you later. Can't wait to see you tonight.
All my love,
Louis.
I reread the letter twice, smiling like a fool. My heart felt light, full of him. But one question tugged at me: why did he want to keep our relationship secret? I told myself it didn't matter—he loved me, and that was enough for now.
Just as I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed. The name flashing on the screen made me grin.
"Hello?" I said softly.
"Hi, beautiful," came Louis's deep, familiar voice, warm enough to melt me on the spot.
We talked for a while. He explained he had rushed off to attend a friend's mother's funeral that morning and would later visit his grandparents upcountry. His voice carried both apology and affection, and by the time we said goodbye, I could almost feel his smile through the phone.
But just as I set my phone down, it rang again. Jeremy.
I hesitated before answering. Jeremy—my best friend, my secret comfort since high school—rarely called this early.
"Hey, Jeremy?"
"Morning, Lara," he said, his tone light and cheerful. "How are you today?"
"I'm fine… You sound unusually happy," I teased.
He laughed. "I'll explain if you let me take you out. Deal?"
I smiled. "Okay, deal."
"Perfect. I'll pick you up at nine."
A glance at the clock—8:30. Great. Thirty minutes to shower, dress, do my makeup, eat, and tidy the house. I rushed through everything, finally settling on a short yellow dress and white sneakers, simple but cute. Just as I swallowed the last bite of toast, a knock came at the door.
Jeremy stood there, dazzling in a blue shirt and black-and-white trousers, his usual boyish grin lighting up his face.
"Hi," he said, wrapping me in a warm hug.
"Hey yourself," I replied, laughing.
"Ready for the surprise?"
"I'm intrigued."
We drove to the beach first, spending hours talking, laughing, and reminiscing about our high school memories. The sound of waves, the smell of sea salt, and Jeremy's easy laughter made the day feel effortless. Later, he took me to a fun park where we devoured cotton candy and screamed through rides until the sun began to set.
Just when I thought the day was over, Jeremy turned the car toward Evermoor Park.
"Jeremy, why are we here?"
He only smiled. "Shh… you'll see. Close your eyes."
I hesitated but obeyed. He took my hand, leading me along a path as soft music began playing in the distance. When he finally stopped, his voice was low and full of anticipation.
"Okay—open them."
My breath caught. A blanket was spread beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, candles flickering gently in the breeze, a small band playing slow, romantic music. A chilled bottle of wine sat in a bucket of ice beside two glasses.
"Jeremy… this is beautiful," I whispered.
He smiled. "I set it up just for you."
We sat together, sipping wine and laughing under the stars. For a while, I forgot about everything else—forgot about Louis, the confusion, the secrecy. It was just Jeremy and me, two hearts that had always known each other.
Then his voice grew quiet. "Laranie, there's something I need to tell you."
I turned to him, my heart suddenly pounding.
"I love you," he said. "I've loved you since the first day of high school. I just never knew how to tell you. You were my best friend, and I didn't want to lose you—but now I can't keep it in any longer."
"Jeremy…" I breathed, stunned.
He took a deep breath. "I'm leaving for France in five weeks. I'll be gone a long time, and before I go, I need you to know how I feel. I don't want to leave without knowing if there's a chance for us. So, Laranie Reeves, will you be my girlfriend?"
The world seemed to stop. My heart raced—Louis's face flashed in my mind, then Jeremy's kind eyes, the one person who had always been there for me. I was standing between two hearts, two promises, and two very different versions of love.
And I had no idea which one to choose.