Agreement and separation
1250 Words
Emmanuel inhales then told her about his conversation with his elder brother, Cyrus.
*****
Flashback
A small desk lamp casts a dim glow across the room. Posters from college, a few trophies, and a photo of Emmanuel and Brianna at a beach hang crookedly on the wall.
Emmanuel sits on the edge of his bed, his phone in hand, thumb hovering over Anna’s name in his contacts.
Across the room, Cyrus,, his older brother, lounges on the beanbag, arms crossed, watching him silently.
Cyrus broke the silence “You’re just going to keep ghosting her until it’s too late? He asked
Emmanuel sighed,frustrated”I’m not ghosting her. I’m... I’m trying to figure out what to say.”
Cyrus replied him.”You’ve been trying for a week, Emman. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad are planning your engagement like it’s already done. Maybe you’ll be married by the time you figure what to say then”.
Emmanuel sighs. I didn’t ask for any of this, Cyrus. They set it all up without even asking me how I felt. And now it’s like... if I say no, I’m the bad guy. And if I tell Bree, I ruin everything we have.
Cyrus leans forward. “No, man. *Not* telling her ruins everything. She deserves to know the truth. You’re still with her, and you’re meeting someone else on the side, even if it’s not romantic—it matters.*
Emmanuel answered. “It’s not that simple”.
Cyrus nods his head in pity. “ Hey lil bro,It is. Look, if you care about her—and I know you do—don’t blindside her. She’s not just some chapter you can close quietly. You owe her a conversation.
Emmanuel asked In a low voice. ”What if I lose her?”
Cyrus takes a deep breath then answered truthfully. “You already might. But at least if you’re honest, you walk away knowing you didn’t lie to her face”.
Emmanuel finally looks up, the weight settling on his shoulders.
Emmanuel replied again in a small voice. “She’s going to hate me”.
Cyrus nodded approvingly. “Maybe. But better for her to hate the truth than love a lie”.
Coincidentally,Emmanuel’s phone buzzes—a message from Anna: “Are we okay?”He stares at it.
Cyrus peeped in to check and said to him. “Tell her. Tonight”.
Emmanuel nods, slowly. His fingers start to type.
End of flashback.
Anna tilted her head and sighed. “So that’s why you wanted us to meet here?” She asked.
He nods positively. “Yeah, I wanted privacy for us.”
Anna shrugs. “I forgive you, but we’ll go according to my plan.”
Emmanuel looks puzzled. “What plan is it my love?”. He asked her.
Anna sighs. Here it goes.
A storm brews outside — wind against the windows, distant thunder rolling. Inside, it’s quiet, dim. Anna sits cross-legged on the bed, hair tied up, wearing one of Emmanuel’s hoodies. Emmanuel stands by the window, tense, arms folded.
They’ve both had their arguments. And settled.
No more doubts.
Anna spoke quietly. “She’s not going to stop unless she thinks she’s won.” She spoke slowly this time. “What if we break up?”.
Emmanuel blinks rapidly. “…What?”
Anna chucked. “Fake it. Publicly. You let me go. I move out. We don’t see each other for a bit. Let them think they’ve won. She and her father.”
She leans in, eyes sharp but calm.
Anna continued . ”They’ll get comfortable. Drop the act. Claudia will try to take my place, and that’s when we hit back.”
Emmanuel pursed his lips. “And if they go too far?”
Anna raised her eyebrows. “Then we have everything we need to end it. On our terms.”
He stares at her for a long moment — caught between admiration and concern. “You’d really do that?“ he asked.
Anna smirked at him. “What’s a little heartbreak for the greater good?”
Emmanuel nodded his head and laughed out loud. ”You’ve been watching too many spy shows.”
Anna smiled. “You’re lucky I’m not wearing a wire right now.”
They both laugh — a short, tired burst. Then silence.
He reaches for her hand. “I hate this. Pretending I don’t love you.”
Anna puts her hand on his hand. “ Then don’t pretend with me. Just pretend with them.”
They squeeze hands. One last moment of warmth before the performance begins. “Alright. Let’s give them the show they’re begging for.”
Anna’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Dim lighting, half-finished takeout containers on the table. Anna sits cross-legged on the couch, laptop open, stress evident on her face. Her two best friends, Jasmine(bold, stylish, extroverted) and Cleo(gentle, observant), sit across from her with wine glasses in hand.
The room is cozy but tense — the air buzzing with anticipation.
Jasmine raised a brow. “Okay, Anna , you’ve been pacing, muttering, and side-eyeing your phone for an hour. Spill it before I have to guess and make it about aliens.”
Cleo sipped her wine. “You only pace like that when you’re about to do something reckless.”
Anna grinned weakly. “It’s not reckless. It’s strategic.”
Jasmine clicked her tongue. “Same thing in high heels. Let’s go.”
Anna leans forward, tone serious. “Nuel and I are going to fake a breakup.”
Both girls freeze. “ Wait, what?. I didn’t hear that right.”
Anna nods at them.”Yeah. His arranged fiancée and her father are plotting behind the scene. They’re planning something — they’re trying to ruin me, twist public opinion, and push me out. So, we’re going to give them the illusion they’ve succeeded.”
Jasmine had her mouth wide open. “You’re going full soap opera queen. I love it. Also — how can I help?”
Anna smiled triumphantly. “That’s actually why I called you both. I need eyes on Claudia . And J.j — you’re perfect for this.”
Jasmine was faux offended. “Excuse me, is that because I’m charming, shameless, or dangerously nosy?”
Anna nodded. “All of the above. I need you to “bump into” her. Befriend her. Pretend you’re one of those high-society girls who just *loves* drama and hates women like me.”
Cleo who had been quiet raised an eyebrow. “You want her to think you have enemies in your own circle?”
Anna replies. “Exactly. Let her feel comfortable. Let her brag. The more relaxed she is, the more careless she’ll become.”
Jasmine grins like she’s just been handed a mission from MI6. “I was *born* to infiltrate brunch groups and sip overpriced lattes for intel. Count me in”
Cleo was worried. ”Are you sure about this, Anna? I mean… this could get messy.”
Anna took a deep breath. “I know. But this isn’t just about Emmanuel and me anymore. They’re bound to crossing lines — professionally, personally, publicly. I have to fight smart.”
Jasmine raises her wine glass. “To fake breakups, real friendships, and espionage with a touch of lipstick.”
They all clink glasses. “Let the act begin.” Cleo responded and rested back into the chair.
- Writer
