Unexpected

SOFIA’S P.O.V.

“Sancho, why?”

My eyes started to heat up, and I felt like any second my tears would fall. He let out a heavy sigh before meeting my gaze.

“I’m sorry. I’m tired of this.”

Those were the only words he said, and my heart instantly shattered. I already knew where this conversation was headed.

“The truth? Our relationship is boring. You know that, right? Every time I try to touch or kiss you in public, I need your permission, and sometimes you refuse because of this and that. You couldn’t even give me the happiness I want. I don’t even know why we lasted this long!” he said in frustration.

I couldn’t believe the words that came out of his mouth. It felt like this wasn’t the Sancho I knew.

Even if he didn’t tell me straight out, I knew exactly what he was referring to. And now that I heard it from him, I couldn’t stop myself from questioning my worth.

“You mean my virginity?” I replied, looking down.

“I thought you loved me.”

“Yes, I do. But if you love me too, you shouldn’t be asking me for that. And… I’m not yet ready. You know what will happen if-”

He didn’t let me finish and immediately cut me off.

“Just say you don’t trust me! Haven’t I given you everything? Isn’t that enough? We’ve been together for two years, Sofia! Two years! I’m a man, and you know what I need, what makes me happy!”

So that’s his basis? That I should just give in because of time? Is it really necessary to give your virginity just because you’ve been together for years? I know it’s natural for a man to seek pleasure, but I also have needsand that’s respect.

“I’m sorry, Sancho. I can’t surrender my virginity just to prove how much I love you. There are other ways. Haven’t you had enough of the love I’ve given you?”

“Love? Tsk. I’m totally sick of this! If you really don’t want to, then fine! It’s better if we just break up! You don’t even have time for me because of your work! Why would I stay if I can find someone better than you? I guess this is goodbye!” he said angrily before turning his back on me.

“Sancho…”

“And-”

He stopped without looking back.

“I’m sorry to tell you this.” He paused. “I actually don’t love you.”

W-what

?

The tears I’d been holding back finally fell. It was like being slapped by seven people at once. Every word from his mouth was painful, but his last words pierced me like knives.

I wanted to believe he was joking, but my mouth refused to move. I was left dumbfounded. I bit my lower lip to hold back my tears as people passing by started to look at me. How humiliating, especially since we were standing in the school hallway.

I couldn’t even move to chase after him, to stop him, to hug him. But should I really chase someone after knowing he never loved me, and only wanted something else from me?

I was completely crushed by his words. I loved him. I loved him so much! I thought he was different from other men. I thought I was safe with him.

A man who respects and values women yet in the end, I ended up with someone who only wanted to hurt me. I thought it was impossible for him to leave me, but now, my greatest fear came true.

I couldn’t stop my tears, so I just bowed my head. I felt everyone’s stares and knew they were talking about me. I wanted to be ashamed, but the pain in my chest was far heavier than any humiliation.

Who would’ve thought we’d last two years only for it to end like this? Now it just feels like I wasted my time on the wrong man. I thought we were strong and in love because of the kindness he showed all those years.

But I was wrong!

It was all an act. I was the only one who loved in this relationship. Everything he did was fake. A huge FAKE! He only stayed because of one thing, my virginity. He was waiting for the day I’d give myself to him.

Sh*t!

He had been asking for my virginity long ago, but never did it cross my mind to give it to him. Thank God I wasn’t that stupid or I would’ve surrendered it already.

Yes, I loved him so much, but that didn’t mean I should give in easily. Not because I was scared, but because I wasn’t convinced he deserved it.

And now it’s clearer than ever that he wasn’t worthy of me. Not only did I not expect our relationship to end, I also didn’t expect the revelation that he never loved me at all.

I wanted to convince myself that what he said wasn’t true, but I knew I’d only be lying to myself.

I don’t even know if I should feel regret or relief. We broke up, and I found out he had only been fooling me.

Maybe it’s better that we ended things before I ended up giving him what he wanted, only to be abandoned in the end. That would’ve been more devastating.

Just like he said, he never loved me. He only wanted my body!

“Pia, stop it. You’re so wasted.”

I felt bad for Cindy because she had been trying to stop me, but I was too stubborn. She tried to snatch the beer bottle from my hand, but I pulled it away.

I was drowning in self-pity. I wanted someone to blame, but since I didn’t know what else to do, I chose to drown myself in alcohol.

“No. I’m not drunk yet. I need this so bad,” I said, gulping from the bottle.

“Tsk! Pia! Let’s go home already, it’s late. Our parents must be worried,” she scolded.

I smirked.

Her words almost made me laugh. I was enjoying this. I didn’t want to go home. I wanted to stay here longer, maybe for years, depending on how long I’d live.

“Your parents. I don’t have any, remember?” I corrected her in between sobs.

“Oh, right. I forgot. Sorry.”

Suddenly, a phone vibrated on the table. I immediately grabbed mine, but my shoulders dropped when I realized it was Cindy’s phone, not mine.

I couldn’t understand myself. Even after the breakup, I still expected Sancho to call me, take back what he said earlier, and tell me it was all a prank. But until now, his name never popped up on my screen. Disappointment again.

It was exhausting. Maybe everything he said was true. And every time I remembered his words, I just wanted to go deaf or die.

“Jason is calling. I’ll answer this outside. Wait for me here, okay? Don’t go anywhere,” Cindy said before leaving.

I ignored her.

Right now, I felt strangely proud of myself. Imagine crying for hours while drinking, wiping endless tears, and yet still not feeling tired. My eyes were probably swollen, but who cares? I wanted to cry as much as I wanted!

Honestly, I wasn’t used to hard liquor, but I badly needed it. I never thought Sancho could hurt me this badly. I just wanted to drink myself numb, at least for tonight.

Even if his reason for leaving me was that shallow, even if he never loved me, I couldn’t stop loving him. I loved him so damn much.

Maybe for him, it was so easy. But for me? It was so hard. I couldn’t avoid the pain. I felt so wrecked inside. Who wouldn’t? If I could just rip my heart out to stop the pain, I would. But I couldn’t. It’s not that easy. Nothing is easy when you’re in pain.

They say alcohol takes away sadness and pain. For now, this would be my comfort. At least for a moment, it would make me forget his words that cut me like knives.

I lifted the beer bottle again, but no drops came out. I shook it, even turned it upside down, but it was empty. Just like how he’s now gone from my life.

Sigh!

“Hi Miss. Wanna dance?”

That was all it took for me to get annoyed at the guy offering. I was in the middle of my drama, and he dared to butt in!

“No thanks! I want alcohol, so get lost!”

I shoved him away and walked toward the counter to grab more beer.

DRAKE’S P.O.V.

After work, I went straight to the bar we usually hang out at. When I got there, everyone was already complete, and of course, all of them had women by their side. Nothing new.

“There are so many girls here, bro. Maybe you’ll finally pick one. You’re the only one without a partner,” Bricks teased with a smug grin.

“They’re not my type,” I answered, taking a sip of whiskey.

“Ows??” they all reacted at once.

“Don’t forget, I don’t flirt that easy. I’m not like you guys,” I shot back sarcastically.

I wasn’t the type to just go for anyone. Health is wealth. Even if I enjoyed myself, I still played safe.

“What if you never find the one you want? You’ll just end up going home drained and dead,” Raven said, laughing.

“I’ll tell you this, I’ve never walked out of here without scoring. But tonight? I’m craving for someone who can actually challenge me,” I said, then downed my whiskey.

These easy-to-get women were boring. Overused, too forward, and sometimes practically offering themselves. It’s true what they say, it’s more thrilling when at first she doesn’t want you, but when you finally break down her walls, she turns out wild. That’s rewarding.

Everyone knew why people came to bars not just to drink or party, but to look for sex. Almost every girl here wanted the same thing. Easy access. One-night stands. They knew what we men wanted.

“Speaking of challenge, I’ve got something in mind so our friend here doesn’t get bored,” Bryant said.

Tch! I’m not bored!

“What kind of nonsense this time?” James asked, laughing.

“Let’s have a game. Whoever finishes their beer last will get a dare. No excuses, whatever it is, he has to do it. Game?”

“I thought it was squid game… but I think it’s fun. I’m in,” Bricks agreed.

“Me too,” Raven added.

“Alright, majority says yes, so let’s start.” Bryant grabbed two buckets of whiskey from the waiter.

“Ready? Start!” Bryant yelled.

I gulped mine nonstop. Did they really think I’d lose? Tsk! I already had a nasty dare in mind for whoever lost.

“Done! Who’s the loser?” I asked, slamming my bottle on the table.

“Haha, it’s you, man,” James laughed, clapping as the others joined in.

What the f*ck?!

“Are you f*cking serious?” I barked.

“We beat you by about three seconds. It still counts. Which means you’re the one doing the dare!” Bricks smirked, taunting me.

“No way! That’s bullsh*t! Bryant, tell them it’s not me!” I snapped.

“It’s just a dare, dude,” he shrugged.

“Just accept that you lost, Drake. What happened to your game?” James mocked.

“Fine. What is it?” I asked, leaning back on the couch.

Like they said, it was just a dare. But if they dared me something that pissed me off, I’d make sure to get revenge later.

“See that fair-skinned girl in a white sleeveless top, sitting by the counter?” Bricks pointed, so I followed his gaze.

“Of course I see her! I’m not blind!” I retorted.

“Kiss her.”

“That’s it?” I asked.

“Yep, unless you want a harder dare.” Bricks smirked.

“Tsk! Just a piece of cake.”

I stood and walked toward her. No fuss. No complaints. Easy. I’d kissed plenty of girls here, and not one ever complained. Hell, most of them liked it.

I was sure she’d be the same. She was probably just here looking for some thrill, some heat. Kissing? That’s practically part of the entrance fee.

The closer I got, the more I noticed her body. Damn. She had an amazing figure. Probably a model. But I didn’t know her. She was new.

She sat at the counter, hair covering her face. A bottle of hard liquor sat in front of her. Tough girl.

“Hey.”

If she turned, I’d kiss her right away. But damn it ,she didn’t.

Was she drunk already? Maybe she didn’t know I was talking to her.

I hated wasting time. So I grabbed her arms, wrapped a hand around her waist, and kissed her. Damn! her lips were so soft. I wanted more, but she immediately pushed me away.

“Pervert!” she yelled furiously then slapped me hard across the face.

I wasn’t prepared for that slap. My eyes went wide, jaw dropped. Then, a smirk formed on my lips.

Aggressive. I like that!

“You know what-”

I froze mid-sentence when I saw her face.

Sh*t.

She was gorgeous. That nose. Those seductive lips. Perfect. Her cheeks were red. I couldn’t tell if it was natural or because of alcohol. But her eyes, they were swollen.

Was she crying?

“How dare you kiss me! You’re shameless! If you think I’m some cheap snack you can easily bite into, you’re wrong!” she ranted angrily before storming off.

What the f*ck did she just say? The only word I understood was “snack.”

Why the hell did she mention food?!

I smirked again.

Feisty!

I touched the cheek she slapped. Sh*t. That hurt. It was the first time a woman ever slapped me. She didn’t just slap my face, she slapped my ego.

When I returned to the table, the guys were laughing like zoo monkeys.

“You okay, bro? How’s your cheek?” Raven teased.

“F*ck off!” I snapped.

“I salute that woman,” Bryant said, even giving a salute.

“She won’t get away with this!”

“I think she just did,” Bricks laughed.

“Mark my words. I won’t go home until I get her!” I declared, chugging my whiskey.

“Desperate much? Is she the challenge you’ve been looking for?” James mocked.

“Let’s see about that,” I muttered, biting my lip.

We took more shots, but I couldn’t get her out of my head, the way she slapped me, her beauty, her fiery eyes that looked like they could burn me alive.

Damn!!

That slap wasn’t just pain. It was a wake-up call. Out of all the women I’ve met, she was the first to shake me, to bother me, to trigger me.

Feisty, unpredictable, and damn beautiful.

She wasn’t like the others. Not someone you could easily taste then toss away. She was different. And I wasn’t used to that.

I wanted her. Not because of the dare. Not even because of revenge. I wanted her because she bruised my pride, and I wanted it back.

I wanted to see how far she could be pushed. I wanted to prove that no matter how difficult she was, I could still get her.

She was the challenge I had been looking for.

So…

Challenge accepted!!

If she thought one slap would keep me away, she was wrong. I wouldn’t stop. I’d do everything, try every way… to have her.

Mark my words.