Chapter 34: His Turn
278 Words
Daniel stood outside on the balcony, away from the noise and the heat of the party. His knuckles were white from gripping the railing. He had seen enough.
Maria.
In Alex’s arms.
Laughing like nothing ever mattered. Like he never mattered.
“She’s playing you, bro,” Kingsley muttered beside him, sipping from his red cup. “And you’re letting her.”
Daniel didn’t reply. His jaw twitched. His silence said more than words.
Inside, Maria was still dancing. Not wild — just enough to keep eyes on her. Just enough to make Daniel burn.
But she didn’t expect what happened next.
Suddenly, the music cut off. Then the mic came on with a static buzz.
Everyone turned toward the small stage at the front of the room — where Daniel now stood, one hand holding the mic, the other shoved in his pocket.
Maria froze. Emeka nearly choked on his drink.
“I have something to say,” Daniel’s voice echoed through the room. Calm. Cold. Clear.
Maria narrowed her eyes.
“This past month has been wild. People playing games. People pretending not to care. But let’s be honest… nobody fools anyone for long.”
He looked straight at Maria.
“Some people smile, but it’s a mask. Some people laugh, but inside, they’re still bleeding.”
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
Daniel’s voice dropped a note. “So tonight, I’m done pretending.”
He dropped the mic — literally — and walked off the stage.
Maria stood rooted in place. Not because of what he said… but because of what she saw in his eyes.
Pain.
Real pain.
And maybe… something else.
Something like goodbye.
- Writer
