05

« Even though it hurts, ooh, you’re a dangerous love. »

Gabriella steps in again and repeats her words she sang. All the while I keep looking at Vincenzo, his gaze is so intense. And I hate to say he has me captured again.

« So, when you walk out that door, don’t you come back no more.

My heart has had enough, at the give and take and as much as I want you to stay, » I sing and raise my voice a little, unconsciously directing the words to Vincenzo.

« You’re a dangerous love, and baby you’re no good for me, darling, cause if you’re gonna love me, and leave me hanging here and I’d rather you leave, leave me lonely. » My voice has gone up, and I sing every part with a high-pitched voice.

« Even though it, hurts, hmmm, you’re a dangerous love, baby. »

It’s just the last part that I don’t sing as furious and high, and I take a step back from the mic. I watch him with slightly narrowed eyes, how Nicole leans into him while placing her hand on his chest. They’re talking to each other, but somehow his eyes remain on me.

I lick my lips as I watch them, and I become so angry at seeing his happiness. I could’ve been this happy instead of him.

It could’ve been me standing here, feeling happy while my man’s arm is wrapped around my waist.

If it wasn’t for him, if he wasn’t as selfish as he was back then I would’ve been happy. Yes, my relationship with Chris would’ve been over but I could’ve found another man. Deep down I know it’s also my fault that it went all down-hill because I decided to cheat on Chris, because I gave in. But I can’t help but also blame Vincenzo.

He’s indeed a dangerous love. But he’s my dangerous love. And I get to do with him what I want. I’ll give him a taste of his own medicine.

And I’m going to rip him apart.

I get off the stage and see that Chris and my parents already have entered the room through the curtain.

« Oh, my sweet baby girl ! You did so well, » mom squeals and wraps me in a bone-crushing hug. « Thank you, mom, » I murmur with my face being squashed between her shoulder and neck.

My dad wraps his arms around us both. « You were amazing, I’m so proud of you, » his deep voice says. « You sang it with so much emotion. Like wow, darling, » she says and both of them let go of me.

Now it’s Chris who hugs me. « I’m really proud of you, » he murmurs in my ear. « You nailed it back there. »

I chuckle and let go of him. « Thank you, » I say to all three of them, « really. I appreciate it. »

Throughout the night, I get felicitations of people saying how well I did. Every single compliment goes to my heart and I tell them how much I appreciate it.

At 11 PM, a big part of the people that have come, leave. I’m talking with Chris about his date, and the way his eyes light up makes me smile. We both hold a glass of champagne while talking and laugh about silly things.

A movement behind Chris’ catches my attention, and I look behind him to see the one and only, Vincenzo. Our eyes meet for a split second, and in that second the world around me stops spinning. His eyes move to Chris’ hand around my waist and he looks away, his jaw firmly clenched.

I grit my teeth and force myself to look away when I see how Nicole holds on to him like her life depends on him. « What’s wrong ? » Chris asks when he sees my expression.

« Asshole, three o’clock. »

Chris looks in his direction and then back at me, his eyes soft. « Do you want to go to another place ? » he asks. I press my lips together and shake my head.

« Nah, I shouldn’t show that he gets to me. »

I’m not weak anymore.

« I’m going to the restroom, » I tell Chris and put my glass away. « Alright, » he says and let’s go of me. I’m a little tipsy from all the glasses champagne I drank, but not that tipsy that I can’t walk anymore.

I go up the gigantic stairs to the restroom and enter. « Wow, » I whisper under my breath. Even the fucking toilets are beautiful.

After I did my business, I get out of the stall and halt in my tracks when I see Nicole washing her hands. I clench my fists and walk over to the sink, letting the water run.

Nicole glances twice at me. « Oh, hey ! Didn’t see you there, » she smiles. I send her a closed lipped smile that’s rather forced. I wet my hands and reach for the soap.

« You did a good job over there, » she says, « when you sang. »

You were talking the whole damn time. How would you know ?

« Thank you, » I force myself to say and send her a small, fake smile. It’s an awkward silence. « My boyfriend thinks the same way, » she says and dries her hands.

Boyfriend.

Fucking boyfriend.

I have to contain myself from attacking her and ripping her hair out. I want to laugh in her face and tell her Vincenzo isn’t the type to do the boyfriend thing and that he’s going to break her heart, but then I realize that they’ve been together for more than a year.

« Glad to hear that, » is all I say before I follow her actions by drying my hands. I feel so stupid all of a sudden. But it makes sense. Why would Vincenzo date a 18-year-old back at the time ?

All those things that he said to me were just lies. He just wanted me for my body, and I was so stupid enough to let him have his way.

« I must be going, he’s waiting for me, » she says. Her eyes shine bright with happiness, and I can’t blame her. She can call Vincenzo her boyfriend, a man that everyone wants. Too bad his personality doesn’t match his looks.

She’s so happy, and I want to be happy for her, because she has found such happiness but can’t.