Two sides of love

Chapter one There are two sides to love — the good and the bad. The good side, I’d say, is the hardest to find. The bad side, on the other hand, always seems the easiest to fall into — it feels so perfect, even when it isn’t. The red flags are always there, waving right in front of you, but somehow you ignore them… because it feels right, even when you know it’s wrong. I fell for a man who was bad for me. You wouldn’t blame me, would you? I can’t really explain how I got so attached to him, but I did — helplessly. Maybe it was his first approach, or that disarming smile. Maybe it was his touch — the kind that awakens something deep inside you, something you didn’t know existed. Or maybe, it was his words — the way he spoke to me, twisted my thoughts, and made me forget who I was, even if just for a moment. Maybe it was all of it — the way he looked at me like I was his entire world, while I barely understood mine. The way his voice could calm every storm in my head, even when he was the cause of it. He wasn’t perfect — far from it — but he made me believe in a version of love that was wild, consuming, and dangerous. The kind that starts as a spark and ends as a wildfire. I saw the flames, I felt the heat, and still, I walked right into it. He had a habit of showing up when I least expected it. A text, a call, a sudden appearance at my door with that half-smile that always made my heart forget logic. I’d tell myself, this is the last time, and then he’d say my name in that tone — soft, low, intoxicating — and I’d melt all over again. Sometimes love doesn’t ask for permission. It doesn’t wait for you to be ready or healed. It just happens — messy, complicated, and real. And that’s how he entered my life — like a storm that never planned to leave. If only I had known how much that storm would change me….. I met Adrian at a friend’s party. I had every intention of sitting it out, but my friends dragged me along. Parties weren’t my thing. So, while everyone else laughed and danced, I slipped away to the balcony, hoping the stars would keep me company. A glass of champagne stretched out beside me, and when I turned, there he was — tall, confident, with a smile that arched all the way to his eyes. “Hi, Adrian,” he introduced himself, voice smooth like honey. For a moment, words escaped me. I just stared, trying to take in every bit of his beauty. “Hi, Bella,” I finally managed, taking the glass from him. He raised his own. “To the night?” Our glasses clinked softly, and I couldn’t help but smile as he took a sip. “So, are you here with someone?” he asked, his gaze sharp and curious. “Kinda. Came with friends,” I replied, tracing the rim of my glass nervously. “Male?” he asked, eyes following every movement I made. I chuckled softly. “No. Just female, actually.” “Oh, nice.” He took another sip, then ran his tongue slowly across his lips. My heart skipped a beat. “You in a relationship?” he asked, tilting his head. I laughed quietly. “Did I say something funny?” His smirk deepened. “Not really. Are you always this direct?” “Like what?” he asked, leaning closer. “Direct with words,” I said, trying to sound calm even as my pulse betrayed me. He grinned. “Depends. So—are you single?” “Yes,” I replied, trying not to blush. “Nice,” he said, that smirk of his sitting perfectly on his lips. “Nice? Why? You think you could stand a chance?” I teased. He leaned in slightly. “Not really. I don’t think — I know I have a chance. And I’ll get it.” His words froze me for a moment. My lips parted, but no words came. Then I smiled, biting my lower lip. “Wow.” “You don’t think so?” he teased. “Wanna make a bet?” I raised a brow. “Why would I do that?” “Then I guess you agree with me.” “Definitely not.” “Come on, or are you scared you’ll lose?” “Oh, please,” I said with a laugh. “Fine. What’s in?” “That’s the spirit.” His grin widened. “If I get my way with you, I get a date. If not, this ends here.” “Okay. Deal,” I said, crossing my arms playfully. “Should we seal that?” he asked. “Seal? How?” He took my hand gently, entwining his fingers with mine before lifting it to his lips. A soft kiss brushed my skin, and warmth flooded my cheeks. “There,” he whispered. “Sealed.” My heart raced as our eyes locked. Silence filled the space between us, heavy and thrilling. He leaned closer — so close I could feel his breath on my skin. My eyes fluttered shut, waiting... “Do you prefer a fancy date or a fun one?” Adrian asked softly. “What?” I blinked, confused. His face was still inches from mine. “Just making preparations,” he said with a smirk. “Seems I’ve already gotten my chance.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and my breath caught. I stepped back quickly, flustered. “What are you talking about?” I asked, trying to fix my hair myself. He just smiled and sipped his drink. Before I could gather my thoughts, a young woman appeared beside him, sliding her arm around his. “So this is where you’ve been,” she said sweetly. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” “Oh, did I keep you waiting?” Adrian asked, brushing his fingers along her jaw. I froze, confusion swirling in my chest. “I guess this is where we say goodbye,” he said, pulling a business card from his pocket. “Give me a call.” He winked, then walked away with her, their laughter fading into the crowd. I stood there, staring after them. My heart twisted painfully. Wasn’t it too early to feel this disappointed over a man I just met? I took a deep breath and downed the rest of my drink. “I don’t care,” I whispered to myself. But I did — more than I wanted to admit. Unfortunately, that was the first and last time we met. I never called. Maybe I was too scared to turn a flicker into something real. Or maybe deep down, I already knew — men like Adrian don’t belong to women like me. Still, for nights after that party, I found myself replaying his smile, the warmth of his hand, the way his voice wrapped around my name. It was foolish, I know. But some encounters have a way of etching themselves into your memory — short-lived yet unforgettable. I thought that was the end. But life has a funny way of bringing back the people you try to forget.