NOT INNOCENT
1247 Words
Chapter Three
Ann’s POV
I walked back to the table, forcing my expression to remain calm, as though nothing had happened.
“Ann,” Angel called softly, her eyes searching my face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” I replied quickly. “I just went to the restroom.”
She studied me for a moment before smiling. “Alright. Come, have your seat.
We already ordered, but you can still choose something.”
I nodded and picked up the menu, even though I wasn’t starving.
“Chicken and chips,” I said quietly.
Before I could settle properly, Clinton spoke.
“So, you two have been friends for five years?”
I looked up. “Yes, we have.”
Angel smiled proudly. “Ann is everything anyone could ask for.
She’s loyal, trustworthy… the kind of friend everyone needs.”
Her words made my chest tighten.
I felt uneasy.
Why is she saying this now?
“Ann… isn’t it true?” Angel nudged me lightly.
I forced a smile. “Yes… it is.”
She frowned slightly. “You seem distracted. Is anything the matter?”
“Everything is fine,” I said quickly, picking up my drink just to avoid her gaze.
But the truth was… I couldn’t even concentrate.
“Ouch!” Angel suddenly exclaimed as her drink spilled on her dress.
“Oh baby, be careful,” Clinton said immediately, grabbing a tissue to help her clean up.
“Thank you,” she said, laughing softly. “Let me just go to the restroom.”
As she stood up and walked away, my heart dropped.
Oh! No… don't leave me here, "I muttered".
The moment she went, an uncomfortable silence fell between us.
I adjusted myself slightly, suddenly aware of how close he was.
“Are you okay?” Clinton asked softly.
“Yes… I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile.
“The food is nice,” I added quickly.
He smiled. “Yeah, it is.”
For a brief moment, neither of us said anything.
Then he spoke again.
“So… what did you study?”
“Biochemistry,” I replied. “I graduated with a 2:1.”
Immediately, I regretted adding the last part.
Why did I say that? He only asked what I had studied.
“That’s impressive,” he said. “You must be really smart.”
I smiled lightly. “Thank you.”
“So where do you work?” he asked.
“I work in a private hospital. In the lab section.”
“Oh,” he chuckled. “So you’re one of those people that take blood and threaten us with needles?”
I let out a small laugh, but my focus wasn’t fully there.
I was watching him. The way he smiled.
The way his laughter came so easily.
Why is his smile so distracting?
I quickly looked away before he noticed.
“So… what do you do?” I asked.
He leaned back slightly. “I’m a business person.”
I nodded, waiting.
“I own Clinton clothing, a luxury fashion brand, I am into real estate investment, and I also sell cars,” he continued. “I run a dance academy too… and recently, I started a gadget business.”
I didn’t even realize when the word slipped out.
“Wow.”
He laughed softly. “Why are you surprised?”
“Because I’ve never seen someone this young doing so much,” I admitted.
“Well,” he said with a small shrug, “I’m a goal-driven person. I don’t stop until I achieve what I want.”
Something about the way he said it felt intense.
“I’m 27, by the way,” he added.
I nodded slowly.
“What about your family?” I asked.
“I only have one sister. She’s currently doing her master’s in Boston, while my parents live in Miami.”
He paused briefly before adding, “I’m planning to build my own hotel soon. And houses for sale. That’s my next goal.”
I smiled. “I believe you can do it.”
He held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary.“Thank you,” he replied.
For a while, we kept talking. Not just small talk, but real conversation.
He asked about my work, and I found myself explaining more than I usually would, about long hours in the lab, difficult days, and how exhausting it could be.
“That sounds stressful,” he said, his eyes fixed on me.
“It is,” I admitted. “But I like what I do.”
He nodded. “That’s what matters.”
Then he told me about how he started his first business, how things weren’t always easy, and how many times he almost gave up.
“I don’t look like it now,” he said with a soft laugh, “but I struggled a lot.”
“You don’t look like someone who struggles,” I said before I could stop myself.
He raised an eyebrow slightly. “And what do I look like?”
I hesitated.
“Someone who always gets what he wants,” I replied quietly.
For a moment, he didn’t say anything. He just looked at me.
And the way he looked at me… made my heart beat faster.
“Oh, sorry for taking so long!” Angel said as she returned. The tension broke instantly.
“Baby,” she said playfully, turning to Clinton. “Did you miss me?”
“Yes, I did,” he replied, leaning in to give her a soft kiss.
“You guys are not alone,” I said quickly, looking away.
Angel laughed. “Don’t be jealous.”
“I’m not,” I replied immediately.
She turned back to Clinton. “Do you have any single friends? My Ann here is single, and I don’t want her to feel lonely.”
“Angel…” I cut in. “Please, not now.”
“You should move on,” she insisted. “You can’t stay like this forever.”
“I’m still healing,” I said firmly.
Clinton spoke softly, “Babe, don’t force her. Let her take her time.”
Angel sighed. “I’m just concerned about her.” I forced a small smile.
I checked the time.“Wow… it’s past 8 p.m.”
I picked up my bag. “I need to go. I have work tomorrow.”
“Should we drop you off?” Angel asked.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll take a taxi.”
“Are you sure?” Clinton asked.
I looked at him, and instantly, my heart began to race again.
“Yes,” I nodded quickly.
He stood up and extended his hand.
“It was nice meeting you, Ann.” I placed my hand in his briefly.
“Same here,” I replied, pulling away almost immediately.
Angel hugged me. “Call me when you get home.”
“I will,” I said before walking away.
As I stepped out of the hotel and into the cool night air, I finally let out the breath I didn’t realize I had been holding.
Why was my heart beating this fast over my best friend’s boyfriend?
I tried to convince myself it was nothing.
But deep down…
I knew the way Clinton looked at me wasn’t innocent.
And the worst part?
A part of me didn’t want it to be.
- Writer
