Chapter 6: Promises and Power Plays

I snapped my phone shut and shrugged, trying to keep my cool. "Nothing."

Derek’s eyes narrowed. He kept his temper in check, but I could see it simmering:

"Aubrey, you’re not still thinking about buying a plane ticket, are you? I told you, there won’t be an earthquake. Don’t you trust me? Besides, there aren’t any tickets left. Just give it up."

I just looked at him, not saying a word. For once, he softened his tone:

"Aubrey, did you forget my promise? Even if it’s the end of the world, I won’t leave you."

He used to whisper that to me in the early days, when we’d sneak out for late-night ice cream or slow-dance in the kitchen. I could almost taste those late-night McFlurries, sticky with hope. Back then, I thought he meant it. He swore he’d love me for life, called me his soulmate, even made a silly oath that if he betrayed me, he’d die a horrible death. I guess promises are cheap.

What hooked me on him at first was his sincerity. He’d call me ‘sis,’ leave sticky notes on my desk, always bringing me coffee just the way I liked. But lately, every time he mentioned I was three years older, it was like he was keeping score.

I kept my face blank and nodded. Derek, thinking I was won over, perked up and started sweet-talking:

"You have to trust me. You’re the one I love most. I only see Lillian as a sister, and I just help her out sometimes. Besides, we’re closer in age, so we have more in common. Don’t be jealous..."

He buried his head in my shoulder, arms tightening around my waist. I kept my smile steady, but inside my thoughts chased the relentless comments:

[The lead is getting gross...]

[I feel the same. Cheating and still saying ‘I love you.’ Disgusting.]

[You don’t get it. Big male leads are like this. How else would they get ahead?]

[But later, when the ex realizes she’s been tricked, she faces the earthquake alone, crying as she messages the lead for help. He ignores her and posts pictures with the love interest... Does someone like that deserve to be the lead?]

The screen flashed, and something in me snapped. I turned to Derek, voice soft but sharp:

"Derek, do you really love me?"