We signed out of the hospital at exactly 1:30 p.m., laughing and talking as we walked to the car. On the drive home, our conversation drifted effortlessly between jokes and memories, each laugh easing the tension of the past week.
But instead of taking me straight home, Louis pulled into his driveway.
"Where are we going?" I asked, puzzled.
"You'll see," he replied with a mischievous grin.
We stepped out of the car and headed inside. At first, everything looked normal—his furniture, his decorations, the familiar hum of his home. He shut the door behind us, grabbed two bottles of beer from the fridge, and settled onto the sofa.
I raised an eyebrow, confused. "Louis…"
"Hmm?" he murmured, taking a slow sip.
"You said you had a surprise for me," I said cautiously.
"Hmm…you want me to show it to you?"
"It's not that I want it—I'm just excited," I admitted, my curiosity growing.
"Oh, so you don't want it?"
"You said you had a surprise for me, and now you're acting like you don't care at all," I said, frustrated.
"But you still want it, right?"
I glared at him. "Ah, fuck you!" I muttered, turning away in irritation.
Before I could react further, he stood and suddenly appeared right in front of me. His crystal blue eyes locked onto mine, and I found myself speechless. I couldn't look away, lost in the depth of his gaze.
"I was just joking with you," he said softly.
"Hmm…" I replied, still upset.
"Laranie," he continued, taking my chin gently in his hand, "I just wanted to see your lovely face before showing you the surprise."
I blushed, looking away, a small smile forming on my lips.
Then, without warning, he leaned in and kissed me. My heart fluttered as he lifted me in his arms and carried me upstairs to his bedroom. He set me down and whispered, "Close your eyes."
I obeyed, the anticipation building. I heard him open a door, then guide me inside.
"Okay, open your eyes," he said.
I blinked—and my breath caught.
The room was stunning. Soft, warm white lights twinkled around the bed, which was neatly made with red sheets and a black blanket. Crystal-like raindrop lights hung from the ceiling, and gentle, romantic music floated through the air. The room was beautiful—more than I could have imagined.
"Oh…Louis, this is incredible," I breathed, eyes wide.
"It's all for you," he said, smiling.
"You didn't have to…"
"No, I wanted to. I want this moment to be unforgettable—for us."
I blushed, overwhelmed with happiness. "I love it."
"I knew you would."
He took my hand, pulling me close as we danced around the room. Heart-shaped balloons lay scattered across the floor. In that moment, I felt like a princess, with him as my knight, my protector, my everything.
As a soft song by John Splithoff began playing, Louis whispered, "Laranie, I don't want anyone but you in my life."
I replied, my voice trembling with emotion, "Louis, your love keeps me warm in the summer breeze. How deep is your love?"
He looked into my eyes, blue and unshakable. "I love you more than you could ever know. I trust you more than I trust myself."
"I trust you too, Louis."
Our lips met in a deep, passionate kiss, and for a moment, the world faded away.
But then—everything changed.
The bedroom door swung open. A familiar voice pierced the magic.
"Louis…my love, I'm back for you."
I turned to see Emily—my former best friend—entering with a suitcase. Her black leather pants, pink crop top, and ponytail made her impossible to miss. My chest tightened as my worst fears became real.
"Louis, what's going on here?" I demanded, my voice shaking.
"Laranie… I can explain," he started.
Emily stepped forward. "Laranie, we have a lot to explain. Louis and I have been dating for two years before I left for Canada. We had a fight and agreed to give our relationship space. I called him a week ago, saying I was coming back, and he should be ready for me."
I looked at Louis, stunned. "Is that true?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Yes… But when she asked for space, I came to you. I fell for you, Laranie. I really did. I wanted to tell you before she returned, which is why I made this surprise."
I couldn't believe it. "You…you told me you had a new sex doll while I was away. So…she's your real girlfriend?"
The realization hit me like a punch. Rage and betrayal flared. I slapped him across the face.
"Louis! How dare you use me like this!" I shouted, tears streaming.
"I'm sorry, I love you—I swear! Please, forgive me," he begged, kneeling. I pulled back, unable to bear his touch.
"Don't touch me!" I screamed.
"Please, Laranie… just hear me out," he said, standing, trying to approach me.
"Sorry doesn't fix this," I whispered through my tears. "Trust is broken, Louis. Forgiving is easy; forgetting is impossible. I'm done."
"I…Laranie, please don't go," he pleaded.
"Have fun with Emily. She's your real girlfriend," I said firmly, turning away. I walked out of the house and didn't look back.
By the time I reached my home, Louis was at the door, trying to follow.
"Laranie, please! I love you!"
"I said it's over. Leave!" I shouted, slamming the door.
I ran upstairs, locked my bedroom door, and collapsed on the bed, sobbing. Minutes later, a knock came at the window. Louis was there, waiting.
"Go away, Louis," I whispered.
"Please…let me in," he begged.
"No. It's too late."
"Can we just talk?"
"Tomorrow," I said firmly, though my voice shook.
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"I love you, Laranie," he said, his voice fading as I closed the window.
I sank onto my bed, exhausted. I was done with heartbreak. Jeremy had left me, and Louis had used me. I was tired of empty promises and betrayal. All I could hope for now was that Logan—Jeremy's best friend—was different.
For once, I needed someone I could truly trust.