Chapter 5: Setting The Trap
1320 Words
May's POV 🥀
“Because I’ve got weapons you haven’t even imagined. Because I’ve watched people like them crush the good ones without mercy.”
He paused, his gaze locked on mine—steady, intense, burning.
“And because I like you, May. I always have.”
That stopped me. I studied his face. No lies. Just raw truth.
A smirk tugged at my lips. “Maybe I do need someone who can keep up.”
He raised his glass, his gaze unwavering. “You’ll find I’m quite resourceful.”
I tapped mine against his. " I’m counting on it.”
He looked like he had more to say, but a waiter interrupted with a tray of hors d’oeuvres. James gave me a brief nod, then stepped away to take a call, vanishing into the crowd.
The moment his back turned, my smile dropped.
I stared out at the glittering skyline—not in awe, but in calculation. The city sparkled like opportunity. I didn’t believe in fate.
I believed in revenge.
And tonight, the first move had been made. I would draw Daniel and Chloe into the very hell they once welcomed me into. Their fall wouldn’t be poetic justice.
It would be personal.
I had barely turned away from the balcony when I felt his presence, before I heard him.
“May,” Daniel said, voice soft.
I turned, slow and steady. There he stood—tie loosened, smile practiced, eyes full of that fake concern he wore like cologne.
“I’ve been looking everywhere,” he said. “The party’s over. You just vanished.”
“Just needed some air,” I replied, cool and even.
He searched my face. “Are you okay?”
I let the silence stretch until it started to itch. “I’m fine, Daniel.”
I glanced around—James was still nowhere to be seen. I turned back, lips curving into something resembling a smile.
“It’s been a long night. Can you take me home?”
Of course,” he said, stepping forward, offering his arm.
“Thanks,” I murmured, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow.
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Back at my apartment, Daniel stepped in behind me and slipped his hands around my waist, turning me to face him.
“Baby, I’ve missed you...I need you,” he murmured, his voice low and hungry as his lips brushed my neck—the same deceitful mouth that had been on Chloe, now daring to crave me like nothing ever happened.
"I missed you too,” I said softly, then slipped from his grip like smoke, stepping back before the revulsion on my tongue could surface.
He blinked. “What’s wrong? You seem… distant.”
I forced a smile. “Just tired. Long day.”
His eyes scanned me, suspicious. “You sure that’s all it is? You used to melt when I touched you.”
I laughed lightly, but there was no humor in it. “Yeah, well…I'm just exhausted.
He stepped closer again. Grabbing my waist. "It's okay baby. I get it. But l want you to know that I love you so much. You mean everything to me. And I just want to hold you in my arms tonight."
I gave him a smile. Hollow. Polished.
Dinner?” he offered, touching my arm again.
I stepped back instinctively. “I’m not hungry. ”
He smirked, undeterred. “Come on, May. You weren’t always this cold.”
“I had plenty at the event,” I said flatly.
His expression faltered for a fraction of a second, but before he could respond—ding-dong. The doorbell rang.
Daniel frowned. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No.”
Seizing the opportunity, I moved past him quickly. I opened the door to find a delivery guy holding a large chicken combo with spicy sauce—my favorite.
“Delivery for May?” he said, glancing at the receipt.
I blinked. “I didn’t—”
He handed me the bag with a wink. "Compliments of a friend."
He pointed to the note stuck on the box: 'Don’t let snakes stay too long. - J'.
I almost laughed. Almost.
I turned to Daniel giving him a meaningful look, holding the bag. “Looks like dinner plans got covered. You should go.
His jaw tightened. “We’re not done. What about a—”
"Please leave!"
I pushed him out and shut the door behind him without answering.
James always had impeccable timing.
I was still holding the bag, trying to pick the shattered pieces of my pride when the doorbell rang again.
I froze.
For a second, I thought Daniel had come back to try again.
But when I opened the door, it was Chloe—dressed to perfection, smiling like the night hadn’t already been long enough.
“May!” she said brightly, holding up a small, glossy gift bag. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
I stepped aside, wordless.
She walked in like she owned the place, her heels echoing off my floors, eyes scanning my apartment like it was a showroom she’d seen in a magazine.
"Chloe? It’s late."
"I know, I know—don’t hate me. I just wanted to check on you. I saw you leave the ballroom earlier… thought something might’ve happened."
"I was tired. Nothing more." I said.
“ I saw Daniel’s car outside earlier,” she said casually, tossing her hair back. “Didn’t expect to see you alone.”
I shut the door behind her. “He left.”
“I figured.” She smiled like she knew more than she was saying. “He looked... tense at the ballroom. You two alright?”
“We’re fine,” I lied, walking past her. “What do you want, Chloe?”
She clutched the bag to her chest and gasped. “You wound me! Can’t I drop by to see my Best friend?”
Friend. The word tasted like rust in my mouth.
“I brought you something,” she continued, handing me the bag with the flourish of a magician. “A little gift. A peace offering for the reunion tomorrow. I brought it to give it to you at the event, but didn't get a chance.”
I peeked inside. A pair of glimmering silver earrings nestled in soft velvet. They were pretty—classic, understated, the kind of thing Chloe would wear to pretend she was generous without giving anything real.
“They’re from a boutique in Paris,” she said with a fake modest shrug. “Limited edition. The owner’s a friend of mine.”
I turned the earrings over in my palm. They felt light. Hollow. "Paris? Wow. they must have caused a fortune"
“I thought of you when I saw them,” she added sweetly. “You’ve changed so much, May. I mean—wow. You looked incredible tonight.”e beamed.
“Thanks.”
“I just thought, you know… a little extra sparkle never hurts. Especially for a big event like this. I mean, we both know how judgmental our old classmates can be.”
There it was. The sugar-coated stab.The dig beneath the compliment.
I smiled, teeth tight. “You’re right. Some things don’t change.”
She tilted her head, not catching the sarcasm.
“Well,” she said, smoothing her coat. “I’ll let you get your beauty sleep. Just promise me you’ll wear them to the reunion, okay? Trust me—people will talk.”
I followed her to the door and opened it. “ I will.”
She giggled, kissed the air beside my cheek, and disappeared down the hallway.
Once the door shut, I looked down at the earrings again.
And smiled.
Then, without a second thought, I placed them on the dresser—and walked to my room.
Tomorrow, the real show would begin.
- Writer
