CHAPTER 2 – You Will Still Be Mine
1370 Words
The clock was nearing midnight when Gavin stood in front of Ariel’s apartment door. In his hands were a box of chocolate-layered cake with the words “Happy 5th Anniversary – G & A Forever” and a bouquet of white roses—Ariel’s favorite. His face looked so full of excitement, like a child eager to give a surprise birthday gift.
Knock. Knock.
“My love, open the door, it’s me.”
A few seconds later, the door opened. Ariel appeared with a blank expression and slightly swollen eyes, though she quickly looked down, hiding them from Gavin.
“What are you doing here this late?” she asked softly, unlike her usual tone.
Gavin lifted the cake and flowers with a wide smile. “Are you seriously asking why I’m here? It’s our special night, love. Five years, Ariel. I even remember the exact time we got together—fifteen minutes before midnight. Right?”
Ariel said nothing. Her gaze was empty as she stared at the cake. She stepped back to let Gavin in.
Gavin entered, placing the flowers and cake on the table.
“You must’ve forgotten, huh? That’s okay. That’s why I came—to celebrate our anniversary. Didn’t you promise that on our fifth anniversary night, you’d give all of yourself to me? And I would do the same. Love, I know our relationship has had problems lately, but you need to know one thing—our love will still be fine.”
Ariel remained still. She sat down on the sofa, crossing her arms in front of her chest. Gavin noticed the change in her expression.
“What’s wrong, love?” he asked gently. “Why don’t you look happy? I know—you’re probably not ready yet, right? Okay, it’s alright. I’ll wait patiently again. Or... do you want to give it to me after we’re married?”
Ariel gathered her courage to look at him. Her face was cold, almost expressionless. “Gavin, I think it’s best we end this relationship.”
Silence fell. Gavin chuckled softly, thinking she was joking.
“What did you just say?”
“I’m serious. Let’s end this relationship.”
Gavin’s laughter vanished. “Why? Did I mess up again? Are you mad because I didn’t check in yesterday? Or because I couldn’t be with you last week? I can explain everything. Don’t let something so trivial end us. Love, don’t you understand me? I’m a top actor—my schedule is packed. But I always make time to send you a message.”
Ariel shook her head, trying to stay calm. “It’s not about that. It’s because I don’t love you anymore, Gavin.”
Gavin stood frozen. His eyes looked at Ariel, visibly hurt. His fists clenched, but he still tried to contain his emotion.
“You’re lying, aren’t you? You’re just trying to surprise me because it’s our anniversary?”
“Gavin, I’m serious. I’m not lying.”
Suddenly, Gavin threw the cake he had brought. The box hit the floor, the contents scattered—shattered like his heart. His emotions exploded—no longer contained. In one swift motion, Gavin pulled Ariel from the sofa and gripped her neck—not tightly, but enough to threaten.
“Ariel! You think you can leave me that easily?” his voice trembled—not just with rage, but panic.
“Gavin—let go!” Ariel clutched at the hand around her neck.
“I’ll never let go, Ariel. You’re mine. Forever! You can only leave me if you’re dead!”
Ariel didn’t respond. Her eyes glanced at Gavin’s neck, where she saw a faint red mark—like a kiss. But she pretended not to notice, acted as if she didn’t know. The only thing that escaped her lips was a bitter smile.
“You can’t force me to stay, Gavin!”
Realizing his grip was starting to hurt her, Gavin slowly loosened his hold. But his rage hadn’t settled. He leaned in, trying to kiss her.
Ariel quickly turned her face away, avoiding his lips. “Don’t touch me.”
“Why?! I’m your boyfriend! Five years, Ariel! You think I can accept your decision just like that?!”
“You’re selfish, Gavin,” Ariel said softly, but firmly. “I don’t want to see you right now. You should leave.”
Gavin stood still. His breathing grew heavy. He looked at Ariel like someone completely lost.
“I said... leave,” Ariel repeated, more sharply.
Finally, Gavin stepped back. Slowly, and without a word, he walked out of Ariel’s apartment. The door slammed shut behind him. Inside, Ariel slid down to the floor, clutching her chest that still ached.
“You can’t keep me, Gavin,” she whispered. “The red mark on your neck already proves that you and Iora have....” Ariel gripped the edge of her clothes. No matter what, she had to end this relationship.
In the early hours of the morning, Ariel was still sitting on the sofa, her breath shallow from the heaviness in her chest. Suddenly, her phone rang. A call from her future mother-in-law, Mrs. Ghina.
Ariel blinked slowly, hesitant to answer. But this was Gavin’s mother. After a few seconds, she picked up.
“Hello, Aunt Ghina.”
“Come to the house right now, Ariel!” the voice on the other end was sharp and commanding. “It’s an emergency. Now!”
Tut... tut... The call ended abruptly. Ariel bit her lower lip. Her breathing hadn’t recovered, but she knew she couldn’t refuse. With heavy steps, she grabbed a jacket and made her way to the Gionino residence.
The mansion was silent when Ariel arrived, lit only by the glow of luxurious lights from inside. As soon as she knocked, the door opened—and in the next instant, SLAAP~
A hard slap landed on her cheek. Ariel froze. Her eyes widened, her hand reflexively reaching her burning cheek. In front of her stood her future mother-in-law.
“You’ve gone too far, Ariel!” Ghina’s voice rose an octave. “Do you know my son nearly destroyed this house?! Because of you! Because you wanted to end things with him!”
Ariel lowered her head. “Aunt, I—”
“Who do you think you are, huh? You were given five years beside Gavin, welcomed into this family, and now you’re the one hurting him?” Ghina pointed at her. “Do you know what he did tonight? He drank five bottles of wine, Ariel! You know very well—Gavin can’t handle alcohol!”
Ariel stiffened. Her face instantly paled.
“He said his life is ruined because of you. Do you even realize, Ariel? Gavin is a big-time actor, he has a brilliant future. And you? You’re just an ordinary girl. You should know your place!”
Ariel closed her eyes for a moment. Her heart stung at every word. But she remained composed.
“I’m sorry, Aunt. But this isn’t about who’s worthy of whom. This is about choice. And I choose to walk away.”
“Walk away? You think relationships are toys?! You think five years of love can just be thrown away like that?!”
Ariel lifted her head, her gaze calm but resolute.
“I’ve never treated love like a toy, Aunt. It’s because I respect love that I choose to walk away.”
“So you admit you want to hurt Gavin?” Ghina’s fists clenched. “You really have no heart!”
Ariel nodded slowly. “I’m sorry, Aunt. But I have to go.”
Mrs. Ghina shook her head, her breathing erratic. “You think you can leave Gavin’s life that easily? Believe me, Ariel, Gavin won’t ever let you go.”
Ariel gave a faint, bitter smile. “Then all I can do is pray that one day Gavin will accept the truth.”
Without waiting for a response, Ariel bowed briefly, then walked out of the mansion. Her steps trembled, but she didn’t look back.
Not long after, Gavin appeared. His appearance was utterly disheveled.
“STOP, ARIEL! IF YOU DARE LEAVE ME, THEN I—”
- Writer
