ALREADY IN TROUBLE
966 Words
CHAPTER TWO
Ann’s POV
That Sunday, just after returning from church, I sat quietly in my room, sipping hot tea when my phone rang. It was Angel.
“Ann, get dressed. Meet me at the Cherry Hotel by 5 p.m.,” she said excitedly. “I want you to finally meet Clinton.”
“I’ll be there,” I replied immediately, curiosity already building inside me.
The moment the call ended, I stared at my phone for a few seconds, my thoughts drifting.
So this was him. The guy who had managed to do what no one else could, the one who captured Angel’s attention completely.
For some reason, I suddenly felt nervous.
Shaking it off, I stood up and walked to my closet.
My heart began to beat faster as I scanned through my clothes, pushing hangers aside one after the other. Nothing felt right.
Too simple. Too dull. Too much.
Finally, my eyes settled on a long red gown with slits on both sides.
I pulled it out slowly.
It was beautiful… no doubt about that.
But also bold.
After putting it on, I stood in front of the mirror, turning slightly from side to side.
The dress hugged my body perfectly, bringing out my curves, while the neckline revealed more than I was used to.
I hesitated.
“Isn’t this too much?” I muttered under my breath.
For a moment, I considered changing, but a quick glance at the pile of unironed clothes behind me reminded me I didn’t have many options.
Letting out a soft sigh, I decided to make it work.
I reached for my long, thirty-two-inch bone-straight hair and carefully styled it forward, allowing it to fall over my shoulders and partially cover my cleavage.
“That’s better,” I whispered.
Not perfect… but manageable.
I kept my makeup simple—just a light touch of lip gloss. I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard.
Even though, deep down… maybe I was.
A quick glance at the time made my heart skip.
Past 4 p.m.
“God…” I muttered, rushing the rest of my preparation.
I grabbed my heels, slipped them on, and hurried out of the house.
By the time I arrived at the Cherry Hotel, the place was already lively.
Soft music filled the air, and the low hum of conversations blended with occasional laughter.
My eyes scanned the room until they landed on Angel.
She looked stunning.
Her short black gown hugged her figure perfectly, and her makeup was flawless.
But more than that, it was the way she carried herself, the confidence, the happiness, that stood out.
She spotted me almost immediately and waved.
I smiled and walked toward her.
“Look at you,” I said as I got closer. “You’re glowing.”
She laughed. “Stop it.”
“No, seriously,” I added. “I’ve never seen you like this before.”
Her smile softened.
“I told you… he’s different.”
Before I could respond, she turned slightly.
“Ann, meet Clinton.”
And at that moment… everything changed.
He stood up slowly, and for a brief second, I forgot how to breathe.
Clinton was tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly attractive in a perfectly fitted black suit.
His dark curly hair framed his face neatly, but it was his piercing blue eyes that held me still. Almost like they could see straight through me.I forced myself to move, extending my hand.
“Hi, I’m Ann,” I said softly, offering a polite smile.
He took my hand. His grip was firm, his touch warm… and strangely comforting.
“Clinton,” he replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Something about the way he said it made my chest tighten. Heat rushed to my cheeks.
“You don’t look bad yourself,” I said, a small smile slipping through.
His smile deepened slightly, and for a moment, neither of us looked away.
“Okay....,” Angel suddenly cut in, laughing. “That’s enough of the compliments. I’m starving. What are we ordering?”
We both pulled away almost immediately.
I sat down, picking up the menu, pretending to focus on it.
But my mind wasn’t there. Not even close.
Because I could feel it. His gaze.
Even without looking directly at him, I was aware of it—like a quiet pressure I couldn’t ignore.
And when I finally gave in and glanced up…
He was already looking at me.
Our eyes met.
For a second… maybe two… everything else faded. Then I quickly looked away.
My heart began to pound harder against my chest.
What is wrong with me?
I tried to focus on Angel as she talked excitedly about something. Probably about Clinton, but her voice sounded distant.
Every now and then, I would feel it again.
That gaze. That pull.
And each time, it became harder to ignore.
Was I imagining it? Or was something really there?
The thought made me uneasy… Very uneasy.
“I’ll be right back,” I said quickly, standing up before either of them could question me.
Inside the restroom, I placed both hands on the sink and stared at my reflection.
My breathing was uneven. My thoughts scattered.
“Okay, Ann… that’s enough,” I whispered.
“This is not you.”
I closed my eyes briefly, trying to steady myself.
“That’s your best friend’s boyfriend.”
The words felt heavy, wrong, but necessary.
I took a deep breath, gripping the sink tighter.
“You’re imagining things. There’s nothing there.”
But even as I said it… I knew I didn’t believe it.
Because deep down… Something had already begun.
And I knew I was already in trouble.
- Writer
