Forbidden Desire

Chapter 1

Cynthia adjusted the chair she had been dragging across the rooftop and looked at Andy with a frown.

“You barely let me know when you would be away from the city,” Cynthia said. “I was really worried about you. I called your phone several times, but it didn’t go through.”

“I’m sorry. I won’t do that again,” Andy replied quickly, her voice soft. “I promise, my love.”

She bent over a box of candles, busy arranging them with careful precision. Every movement was deliberate, as if the perfect placement of each item could somehow tame the chaos of the evening.

Cynthia could have checked on her at home if she’d tried, but Andy’s evenings and weekends were swallowed up by work, leaving little room for anything else.

The demands of her job had become a constant companion, and she threw herself into it with the kind of focus that left little energy for distraction.

Cynthia narrowed her eyes, studying her best friend. “You’ve been… different lately. Always busy. Always slipping away. Are you hiding something from me?”

“Me?” Andy asked, raising an eyebrow. “No, why would I?” She tried to sound innocent, but Cynthia knew her too well—knew the way she retreated into work when life threatened to pull her off balance.

Cynthia let out a small smile and shook her head. “Alright. Just keep at it then.”

Andy didn’t respond. She carefully adjusted a row of candlesticks, lining them up perfectly with the ribbons and flowers that framed the rooftop.

The city stretched below them, glittering as the sun dipped toward the horizon, but she barely noticed. Right now, the work—this small, controlled corner of the world—was all that mattered.

“Pass the ribbon,” Cynthia said, stretching out her hand.

They were halfway done setting up the rooftop. The party was to start at six, and the sun was already leaning west, painting the clouds in orange streaks.

The city lights below began to twinkle awake, as if they knew the wealthy crowd was about to gather here.

“Babe, it’s almost time, and we haven’t reached anywhere,”

Cynthia said, throwing her hands in the air.

“Imagine if I had done it all alone. I would have gone into depression!”

Andy burst out laughing. “What do you mean by depression? You c***k me up every time.”

“Don’t laugh, I’m serious,” Cynthia said, but her grin gave her away. “These people will soon arrive in diamonds and long gowns, and we’ll still be climbing ladders.”

Andy groaned, adjusting a line of flowers. “You sound calm now, but when the first guest walks in and sees us sweating like kitchen maids—”

“Kitchen maids?” Cynthia cut in, laughing. “Only you would come up with that. Hold the ladder steady or we’ll both be crying.”

Andy steadied it with one hand and muttered, “Ten years of friendship, and you still bully me into the hard jobs.”

“You love it.”

They shared a quick grin before diving back into the chaos. Their dresses were half-done, their hair pins falling loose, but their hands moved fast.

The rooftop buzzed with their voices, clinks of glass, and the hum of the city beneath them. It was the kind of easy teamwork that only comes after a decade of secrets, fights, and forgiveness.

“Perfect!” Andy exclaimed, clapping her hands when the last set of candles was lit.

“We made it, girl,” Cynthia said, wiping sweat from her forehead. She held up her palm, and Andy slapped it in a high-five.

“It’s exactly 6 p.m.” Andy stretched her hand toward Cynthia. “I need a candlestick. This table needs extra.”

“Miss perfectionist,” Cynthia murmured, shaking her head.

Andy tilted her head, pretending not to hear. “And you love me for it.”

Cynthia stepped back, looking at the glowing tables and ribbons. “Wow, it’s actually so nice,” she whispered. Her voice carried a little pride.

On impulse, she wrapped her arms around Andy in a hug. “Thank you so much. You really lifted a burden off my chest. You’re the best.”

Andy squeezed her back, then kissed her cheek quickly. “What are friends for?”

“Awww, my love, I owe you something…” Cynthia said, tapping her chin.

Andy raised her brows, curious.

“Ah yes! I owe you a ticket to the movie coming up next month,” Cynthia announced.

Andy’s eyes widened. “No, no, you don’t have to! You know how much that costs?”

“Everyone’s been talking about the premiere,” Cynthia said, brushing dust off her shirt. “It should be worth it.”

Andy’s eyes softened. “I love you so much, Cynthia. Thank you.”

Cynthia laughed. “Come on, you deserve more.”

They picked up the last boxes and walked toward the inner rooftop door to report to the manager.

Cynthia had only received forty percent of the payment so far, but with the decorations glowing and the rooftop ready, she was certain the rest would come.

She was right. Her phone buzzed. “Thank you, my amazing manager!” she called, smiling at the alert.

“Oh stop, I’m impressed by your work,” the man said warmly.

Andy, standing a little behind, folded her arms with a satisfied smile.

“I’ll definitely call you for more contracts next time,” the manager added.

Cynthia beamed and beckoned Andy closer. “It was actually our work, sir.”

“You both should stay for the party,” he said, glancing between them. “What do you think?”

The girls exchanged looks.

“Oh, we really appreciate it, but we have to be on our way now sir,” Cynthia said quickly.

Andy nudged her sharply, then smiled at the man. “Actually, we don’t mind staying.”

“Good. Then enjoy yourselves,” the manager said before leaving them to the rising music downstairs.

“Thank you, boss!” they called after him, laughing when he waved them off.

As the rooftop cleared, Andy leaned toward Cynthia, lowering her voice. “Come, let’s find somewhere to sit.”

They walked to a quiet corner by the glass railing, where the city stretched far beneath them in glittering lines. The first strains of jazz floated from below, mixing with the clink of glasses.

Andy touched Cynthia’s arm, her tone turning serious. “I have something to tell you.”

Cynthia tilted her head, curious. “Something important?”

Andy nodded, her smile flickering as if she was holding back.

“Then what is it?” Cynthia asked, leaning closer.

Andy’s eyes lit up with excitement, the kind that made Cynthia’s heart beat a little faster. She hesitated, then whispered, “You’ll see soon enough”.