Something forbidden
1020 Words
Outside, Nina was leaving the university laughing softly to herself, when a familiar figure appeared.
Nate waved from beside his car.
“Nate?” she asked, surprised.
“Emily told me to pick you up,” he said.
“You didn’t have to. I could’ve taken a taxi.”
“I didn’t mind. I was nearby anyway.”
Just then, Alina walked out and spotted them. Nate waved at her, and she returned it with a small smile before walking away.
Tom was still chatting with the group of girls. When he saw Alina coming, he turned to them.
“Girls, I’ve got to get back to work,” he said politely, then opened the car door for her.
“Seriously… those girls,” Alina muttered as she got in.
“Where to?” Tom asked.
“The filming studio,” she replied.
Meanwhile, Nina had arrived at the news studio with Emily.
“Wow, it’s even bigger than I imagined,” she said, looking around in awe.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you to my colleagues,” Emily said with a warm smile.
“So? How was your first day at university?”
“Really great,” Nina replied, eyes still wide with excitement.
Ryan was playing basketball n the school gym. The ball echoed every time it hit the floor or the backboard. Suddenly, the door opened, and Daisy stepped in. The moment she saw him, she froze and turned to leave.
“Don’t be shy, beautiful,” Ryan called, spinning the ball on his finger.
“Didn’t expect anyone to be here?”
“I thought the gym was empty,” Daisy said.
“You play basketball?” he asked, amused.
“Yeah.”
“You think you can take me?”
“Wanna see?” she smirked.
They began playing. Daisy moved fast, confidently. She stole the ball, turned, and scored.
Ryan blinked in surprise.
“See?” she laughed, light and carefree.
Just then, Mila walked in and saw them.
“What’s going on here?” she snapped.
“I was just leaving,” Daisy said quickly.
Mila grabbed her arm.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“Mila, leave her alone,” Ryan interrupted.
Daisy slipped away.
“I’ll be waiting for a rematch!” Ryan called after her.
Mila turned furiously.
“You’re still talking to her? Are you serious?”
“Mila, what do you want from me?” Ryan said, exasperated.
“Your clingy attitude is pushing me away. Just let me go. You’re not my girlfriend anymore.”
“So now I’m the bad guy?” Mila’s voice cracked.
Ryan didn’t reply. He walked away, leaving her standing in silence.
That same evening, Nate was at a formal business dinner. As it ended and people began leaving, he turned—and froze.
Sophie.
“Sophie?” he asked, stunned.
“Nate?” she smiled.
“Wow… you haven’t changed a bit.”
“You, on the other hand… you’ve changed,” he said softly.
“For better or worse?” she teased.
“Better. Definitely better.”
“Sit with me for a drink. If you’ve got time.”
Nate hesitated, then took a seat. She signaled the waiter.
“I heard you got married. Honestly, I didn’t expect that from you,” she said.
“Back in uni, you were such a flirt. I thought you’d never settle down. Your wife must really have your heart.”
“She does,” Nate replied.
“Well… I hope you’re not still mad at me,” Nate said.
“We were so young,But… I’ve loved met anyone like you, Nate.”
She reached across the table and touched his hand. Nate stared down, unsure.
Meanwhile, Nina was home alone. The silence filled the villa. Out of curiosity, she walked into Nate and Emily’s bedroom. There, on a chair, was Nate’s suit jacket from earlier.
She stepped closer and—hesitated—then picked it up and smelled it.
“It smells… so good,” she whispered.
A wave of guilt rushed over her. She hurried out of the room.
“Nina, what are you doing?” she muttered to herself.
As she rushed down the hallway, one of the maids saw her.
“Miss Nina, do you need something?”
“No, no. I’m fine,” Nina said quickly.
“Just… when Emily comes home, tell her I went to bed.”
She vanished into her room.
Sophie had barely stepped outside when Nate followed her.
“Sophie,” he called after her.
“Are you heading back to New York?”
“Yes… why?” she asked, turning to face him.
Nate stepped closer. There was hesitation in his eyes—but also something burning underneath. Without saying a word, he kissed her.
Sophie froze, stunned by the unexpected gesture. But deep down… she had been waiting for that kiss. She slowly reached for his hand.
“Just one night,” she whispered.
“Let me spend one last night with you. No one ever has to know.”
Meanwhile, in her bedroom, Alina sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her new phone. She had saved a new number—Tom’s.
But not under her real name.
She had gotten a second phone just for this… just to talk to him freely, without the walls of work, status, or expectations between them. She didn’t even fully understand why she was doing it. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was something else.
Her thumb hovered over the screen.
She tapped the call button.
Across town, in a small, modest flat, Tom was cleaning up when his phone buzzed. The screen showed a number he didn’t recognize.
He answered.
“Hello? Who is this?”
There was silence.
Alina froze. Her mind raced. Should she hang up and forget this stupid idea ever happened? Or… should she say something? Should she continue the conversation with the one person who saw her not as a celebrity—but as a person?
The line remained quiet.
Her heart pounded.
- Writer
