Chapter 62: Wooing him

Milie's POV.

I was sitting in class, but not a single word from the lecture entered my head.

For the first time in my life, I was realizing that my entire life revolved around making others happy.

Where was I in all this? Why couldn't I choose myself just once?

Alan had given me the most thoughtful gift anyone had ever given me.

I wanted to celebrate it, I wanted to be happy, but I couldn't. All I felt was miserable now.

I rested my forehead on the desk, pissed at everyone, when my phone vibrated inside my bag.

I lazily pulled it out. The moment I saw the name on the screen, my heart jumped.

Alan: Hey. In college?

A smile immediately appeared on my face.

Milie: Yeah.

Milie: What's up?

A few seconds passed.

Alan: What are you doing at 5?

My heartbeat picked up.

Milie: Nothing as such.

Alan: Can we go for coffee?

I stared at the message.

“Coffee? Today? Wasn't he supposed to be with Emma for a date?"

The thought arrived instantly. Before I could overthink it further, another message appeared.

Alan: It's okay if you're busy.

My fingers immediately flew across the screen.

Milie: No!

Milie: I mean yes.

Milie: We can go.

Alan: You sure?

Milie: Of course.

Milie: Everything okay?

A long pause. Then—

Alan: Not really.

Alan: I need you.

My heart melted completely. Every worry, every insecurity, every stupid fear was gone.

Milie: Birthday boy.

Milie: Stop sounding dramatic.

Alan: Hehehe.

Alan: See you at 5?

Milie: Yeah. Cya.

I reread the conversation at least ten times before putting my phone away.

"I need you." Those three words stayed with me through the rest of the lecture.

The moment college ended, I rushed home.

I thought of telling Daxton about the coffee thing, but I didn't.

Somehow, my brain had stopped moral policing.

"Mili—"

"Later, Mom!" Mom yelled as I reached home, and didn't wait a second to run to my room.

"I have plans with Alan!" The words escaped before I could stop them.

"Oh… interesting." She smiled widely, and I squeezed my eyes shut, already regretting speaking.

Inside my room, I attacked my wardrobe.

Nothing looked right. I changed again and again, and finally threw myself on the bed, frustrated.

"What is wrong with me? Why am I thinking too much? It is only coffee. Just coffee with Alan boy."

"Ahhh…" I groaned and buried my face in a pillow when something struck me.

"Mom's clothes. The untouchable section. The section she had bought for me, and I never wore."

I smiled and dug through the bottom shelf. Finally, I found one.

A really nice white top. I put it on, opened my hair, and stared at myself.

Yet something felt off, but the doorbell rang already.

My heart stopped. "Oh… he is already here."

"Milie, Alan is here!" Dad's voice echoed through the house.

I took one final look in the mirror, put on my new shoes, and rushed downstairs.

The moment I entered the living room, Dad's eyebrows shot up. "Wow."

I immediately regretted coming downstairs. Mom was trying very hard not to laugh.

Dad wasn't even trying. "You look different today."

I wanted the floor to swallow me, but then my eyes found Alan.

And suddenly everything became worse, because he was staring, not subtly, intently.

His eyes traveled over me before quickly looking away.

A smile appeared on his lips, and my heartbeat instantly lost all rhythm.

"Bye, Uncle." He awkwardly cleared his throat. "We'll be back soon."

Dad smirked. "Enjoy."

I wanted to disappear, embarrassment washing over me slowly, but anyhow, I had to step outside.

I walked ahead, Alan followed me, and as soon as we reached the car, my steps halted.

Sammy and Emma were walking toward us.

My stomach dropped. Beside me, Alan slowed too.

"Emma? Already here?" He murmured.

"Well, well." Sammy grinned.

"What do we have here?" His eyes widened dramatically when he saw me.

"Oh my God, girl."

I groaned. "No."

"YES… Look at you."

I covered my face. "Stop."

"You wore the forbidden top."

"Sammy."

"You opened the forbidden section."

"Sammy."

"You brushed your hair." He continued.

"Sammy, stop it!"

Everyone laughed, except me.

"You two going somewhere?" Emma asked, his eyes fixed on Alan.

The knot in my chest tightened.

"Please, cancel it." Sammy casually wrapped an arm around my shoulders and looked at Alan.

"First, handle this girl." He pushed Emma towards Alan. "She is super nervous."

"...Better start your date now."

Everything inside me went silent. Emma blushed, and Alan looked confused. "It's not da—" Alan spoke, but Sammy cut him off.

“I’m sure Milie wouldn’t mind. Right, Milie?"

My chest physically hurt. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I couldn't stay there for another second.

"Yeah, I don’t." Saying, I immediately walked back.

"Milie—" Alan's voice came from behind, but I ignored it. I didn't want anyone to see me crying.

"Milie, stop!" Suddenly, his fingers wrapped around my wrist.

He came across me and saw everything.

The tears, the trembling lips, everything. His expression changed instantly.

"Hey, what happened?"

I looked away. "Nothing."

"That's a terrible lie."

I tried pulling away. He didn't let go. "Mils."

His eyes searched mine. "What happened?"

The concern in his voice almost broke me completely.

"Alan, it's nothing. Please go. Your date is waiting." I finally forced out the words.

His forehead creased. "What? Date?"

"I mean Emma." The word came out sharper than intended.

His confusion deepened, but before he could explain, I pulled my hand free and ran into the house.

Straight past Dad, straight past Mom, straight to my room.

And when the door slammed shut behind me, the tears finally flowed down.

"Why the hell am I crying?" I pressed my palms against my eyes.

"What right do I even have? Alan never promised me forever."

"I was the one who chose Daxton. I was the one who kept drawing lines between us."

Then why… Why does it feel like someone is taking him away from me?

The image of Emma standing beside him flashed before my eyes.

And my chest hurt like it had been stabbed. "This is it, Milie. Just accept it."