10| rubberband

DIANE

Present time

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Despite everything I had said, I was back in his life.

A lot happened since the incident at the hospital like when he recovered and as soon as he got the chance, he found me. I don't know how but he did. He explained everything to me,  word for word, telling me the brunette wasn't his girlfriend.

Of course, I didn't trust him until the brunette's visits became more frequent and I could feel her jealousy every time I was around.

She pulled me into an empty room, her eyes blazing with fury. "He's mine," she spat, her voice low and venomous. I forced myself to stay calm, to not react. "I couldn't care less," I said, my voice steady. But she could see through my facade, and her grip on my wrist tightened.

"You should,"

"Listen, Julia or whatever your name is-"

"It's Yulia," Her Russian accent was thick and evident. I shrugged and said, "Again, I couldn't care less."

"You don't know who I am, you don't know who he is, only I do,"

"You think you're so tough?" She snarled, her nails digging into my wrist. "You're nothing but a little girl playing at being a big shot. You have no idea what you're getting into." I could feel my heart racing, adrenaline coursing through my veins. But I wasn't about to let her intimidate me.

"I've seen worse, sweetheart," I said, my voice cool and collected. "And you know what? I love it. I love the thrill, the danger. It's what keeps me going." And with that, I pulled my wrist free and walked away.

A lot happened after that, my eyes were opened and it was clear she was just an obsessive woman wanting to get her hands on something that never belonged to her- that never wanted her. 

Despite her efforts to separate us, the days went on with Isaak and I getting closer each day. I don't know where Mr. Grinch had gone but I liked the human side of him. I couldn't help but wonder where the cold and distant man I had met had gone, replaced by someone warm and charming.

I knew that letting myself get close to him was a risk, but I couldn't bring myself to stay away. Every time I looked into his eyes, I felt like I was falling into a bottomless abyss, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to be saved.

"I love you," His voice echoed. "She'll never be you." His words were like a beautiful melody that I'd replay every day of my life but one day the record broke.

I knew the Russian wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted and she was successful as my eyes landed on her hands that were over his.

I couldn't believe it. Not that I saw him- but that he was getting married to the same girl he never wanted- what made it worse is that I happened to planning this wedding. I nearly scoffed, I wouldn't be surprised if the Russian had anything to do with it

The look in his eyes said it all as he couldn't keep his eyes off me. They were holding hands. My heart dropped. I felt like someone had punched me in the gut. Everything around me seemed to fade away, and all I could see was them, their hands intertwined. It was like a knife twisting on my left side.  But I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. It was like a nagging thought in the back of my mind, a feeling of unease that wouldn't go away.

I just hoped whatever it was, it was strong enough to put out the fire inside me. composed myself and walked over to the happy couple, plastering a smile that barely reached my eyes.

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I S A A K

The moment I laid eyes on her, it was like a bolt of lightning struck my heart. All of the feelings I had tried so hard to bury came rushing back to the surface, and I felt them with such intensity that it was almost painful. My left side felt like it was on fire, and I could barely breathe. It was like being hit by a wave of emotion that I had no control over. And the strangest thing was, I didn't want to control it. I wanted to feel it all, to let it wash over me.

"Good evening,"

"Good evening," Yulia grinned, greeting her with air kisses. Her dislike for Yulia was evident and vice versa. My expression remained stoic and I scrutinized her, taking in her features.

Her eyes were once bright and clear, but now they were dull and vacant. They seemed to have lost their sparkle, their life. Her blonde curls were shorter than before, and they hung in soft waves around her face. Her pearl earrings dangled from her lobes, their sparkle seeming dull and faded. She was wearing a beige dress that hugged her curves. However, the only thing that remained untouched was her magnetic aura.

"I'm pretty sure you know my fiancé?" Yulia looked at Diane, raising an eyebrow. Diane shook her head, signaling no. "You don't?"

"Trust me, I don't." She lied and tilted her head to the side with a knowing look.  "No trust me, you won't forget this face," Yulia added. "I think I prefer that," She muttered but Yulia didn't seem to catch it. The brunette reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm but I pulled my hand back. I could feel her eyes on me, watching my every move but I couldn't be bothered to care. 

Her face flushed in embarrassment as she turned to see who Diane noticed this and she was met with a condescending smirk from Diane, who seemed to relish in her embarrassment. Yulia's eyes narrowed as her eyes flashed with anger.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the silence, shattering the tension. "Yulia, we're here!" The voice belonged to one of Yulia's friends.  "Honey, they're here," she said like she was expecting me to say something. "Do you mind if I go?" She looked up at me, her champagne glass still full.

"I couldn't care less," I replied, my tone indifferent. I couldn't find it in myself to care, not about her or her friends or anything else. She hesitated before walking off to her friends.

My hand gently but firmly grasped Diane's wrist, pulling her towards the exit. She tried to pull away, but my grip was firm. I guided her through the crowd, ignoring her protests. Once we were outside, I released her arm.

"Seven years later and you still haven't changed," She stared at me, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before it was gone again, hidden behind her cool façade.

"Look who's counting,"

"I never forgot anything away," she said, her tone nonchalant. "You know that."

"That's not the only thing you never forgot," I said, my gaze fixed on the black rubber band around her wrist.

It was the same one she'd been wearing all those years ago, the same one I'd bought her. "You kept the rubber band."

"I kept it and so what? Did you keep your promise?"

I scoffed,  shaking my head in disbelief.  "That's what we're doing now? Is that why you're here?"

"Get over your Rivera," She looked at me with disgust. "You know, maybe you should ask your beloved wife why I was assigned to you guys,"

She shook her head, pushing me and I grew frustrated. "Dammit Diane, you never listen. You just come up with whatever conclusion fits your story but it is not true,"

"So you're getting married?" She raised her eyebrow.  "That's what I thought,"

"Screw you, Isaak." There was a flicker of pain in her eyes, but it was gone in an instant, replaced by a cold, steely look. I couldn't read her anymore, and I hated that. I had turned into this angry, irrational person.

The sight was just a reminder of the person I pushed away, I cared so much for and I had done it in the worst possible way.

I stood there, the silence between us thick and heavy.

"I don't love her," She exhaled like she had been holding in her breath. My words didn't seem to phase her like she had expected it. "So why are you marrying her?"

My jaw clenched.  No one could know about it. It was a secret we were sworn to keep, an arrangement made between our families in the interest of business and prosperity. We were two individuals, bound together by obligation.

"Go home Diane,"

She gave a mirthless laugh. "Please, don't hurt her, Isaak," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "No one deserves to be treated like that. I know what it's like to be pushed away because you made me experience that. I know better than anyone how much that can hurt." She looked at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"I hope you're happy with your marriage because I'm done being the other woman in your life. I'm done playing second fiddle to someone else."

And with that, she turned and walked away