Chapter 5
I formally submitted my resignation to the company. Melody worked at the same place, and frankly, I couldn’t stand to see her face any longer. My supervisor tried hard to keep me, but in the end, he could only ask me to stay one more month. I reluctantly agreed.
Since I didn’t have a place to stay and Franklin’s place was close to work, we began a brief cohabitation. I took the master bedroom, while he slept in the study. Franklin turned out to be an ideal roommate, frighteningly disciplined and a fantastic cook. With his regular meals, I’d even put on a bit of weight.
Recently, Jacob, who had always kept a low profile, began flaunting his new relationship on Instagram nonstop. I didn’t care to see it, so I blocked and deleted him. Five minutes after I hit delete, my phone rang–it was him. I thought about blocking him immediately, but I figured there were still some things left to say. So I answered.
He started talking in his usual self–centered tone, one sentence after another, not giving me a chance to cut in.
“Sophie, I knew you still cared–you answered right away.”
“I’m sure you saw my Instagram and got upset. I’ll give you another chance. If you come over now, I’m still willing to sleep with you.”
“Just don’t tell Melody–it’ll be our little secret. Exciting, right?”
I rolled my eyes, ready to give him a piece of my mind when Franklin’s voice called from the living room.
“Babe, come wash up for dinner!”
The volume was louder than usual, loud enough that Jacob heard it on the other end.
“Sophie, where are you right now? You really went for Franklin, didn’t you? Are you desperate? Can’t live without a man?”
that
My tone was icy, filled with contempt.
“Jacob, let me make this clear once and for all–we are over! Stop playing these little games, and stay out of my life. Goodbye,”
I hung up and immediately blocked his number. Feeling refreshed, I sat down at the table, picking up a piece of chicken to take a bite.
Franklin grinned, mimicking Jacob’s words mockingly.
“I’m never speaking to you again!”
I paused, then calmly turned the piece of chicken toward him, popping it into his mouth.
“Eat up! Babe!”
Half an hour later, there was a loud banging on the door. Franklin opened it, and Jacob. immediately threw a punch at him.
“Damn it! So you really did sleep together. Don’t you know I got sick of her ages ago-
Franklin kicked him hard, sending him sprawling to the floor, where he continued to curse.
“Sophie, tell him–tell him how many times we’ve done it! All over the house, from the kitchen to the balcony, the bedroom to the living room.”
“Franklin, I didn’t know you had a thing for used goods. Want me to tell you her most sensitive spots?”
Rage surged inside me, the shame boiling over. I kicked him, again and again, each blow fueled by all the strength I could muster. Jacob tried to fight back, but Franklin held him firmly in place until he was left bruised, panting on the floor.
Franklin finally let him go, wrapping his arm around me as we looked down at Jacob. Glancing at Jacob’s lower half, Franklin’s tone was full of pity.
“Jacob, you should get that looked at. Lucky I’m your friend–otherwise, word about your, uh, ‘problem‘ might spread.”
“I don’t care how many guys Sophie’s been with. If she wants me, that’s all that matters.
Chapter S
Thanks, brother–Sophie’s pretty happy with me. Guess a little comparison really makes a
difference.”
“No wonder she keeps saying she’s finally getting a real meal. Poor thing–what on earth did she cat for five years?”
“Sophie, you’re with me now, so I’ll make sure you never go hungry.”
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Good grief, he’d better really be talking about food.
Chapter 6
