Dared to Kiss His Brother, Now I'm Addicted

Chapter 4

"What... what are you two doing?"

James's voice was low, tinged with panic. I instinctively stepped back from Victor, heart pounding, unsure of how to explain.

"I knew it," James sneered. "You two were already involved."

A surge of anger and hurt welled up inside me.

"What right do you have to question me? Isn't this what you wanted to see?"

James's expression shifted, a mix of guilt and defensiveness.

"Are you still hung up on that? I told you, she's just a friend!"

I scoffed.

"A friend? Is that why you were holding her so close, comforting her like that?"

Victor, looking uncomfortable, took a step back.

"I... I think I should leave."

James turned his glare toward Victor.

"Leave? You think you can just walk away from this?"

I stepped between them, facing James.

"James, calm down! This isn't about him."

His eyes darkened.

"Not about him? You were wrapped up together, and you say it's nothing?"

Frustration bubbled over.

"What about you? What's going on with that woman?" I nearly shouted.

James fell silent, a flicker of panic crossing his face. A dreadful suspicion took hold. Trembling, I grabbed his phone and entered the password. He lunged to stop me, but Victor held him back.

The screen lit up, and I navigated to the trash folder in the photo gallery. There it was, a photo of James and that woman, embracing intimately, dated a month ago. My world spun; trust shattered.

James stammered, "Ashley, I can explain..."

I couldn't bear to hear it. I pushed past them and ran out, desperate to escape. Their voices called after me, but I didn't look back.

Wandering aimlessly, tears blurred my vision. My phone buzzed repeatedly. Calls from both James and Victor. I ignored them all. Eventually, I found myself in an unfamiliar park and collapsed onto a bench, letting the cold wind numb my cheeks.

Suddenly, a warm hand rested on my shoulder. I looked up to see Victor's concerned eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently.

I shook my head, tears streaming anew. Victor sat beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, offering silent comfort.

"It's okay, I'm here," he murmured.

Looking into his eyes, a sense of calm washed over me.

"Ashley, I've liked you for a long time," Victor confessed, his voice tinged with nervousness.

"I know this might not be the right time, but I don't want to miss my chance."

Conflicting emotions swirled within me, anger and heartbreak from James's betrayal, warmth and comfort from Victor's presence.

I took a deep breath and gently pulled away.

"I need time to think."

Victor nodded, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, but he quickly masked it.

"I understand. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

I stood up, deciding to distance myself from both of them for now, to sort through my feelings.

Just then, my phone rang, an unknown number. Hesitantly, I answered.

"Hello, is this Ashley?"

A stranger's voice came through.

"I'm a friend of James. I actually like him, but it's just one-sided."

I hung up, heart heavy with confusion. Her words echoed. Was James truly being pursued, or was there more to the story?

My phone rang again, James's number. After a moment's hesitation, I answered.

"Ashley, please let me explain," James's voice was urgent, filled with regret.

"The photo was a misunderstanding. She came onto me when she was drunk."

I scoffed.

"Then why did you delete the photo?"

James faltered.

"I... I was afraid you'd misunderstand."

Pain surged anew. He had known it would hurt me.

"Ashley, I really love you. Please give me another chance," he pleaded.

I struggled to steady my emotions.

"James, I need time to think."

After hanging up, exhaustion overwhelmed me. At home, I lay in bed, thoughts racing, James's explanation, the woman's call, Victor's confession. Everything was a tangled mess.

I decided to avoid contact with both of them for a while, to find clarity.

A few days later, James sent flowers and gifts. The card read, "I'm sorry. I'll change. Please give me a chance." I stared at the bouquet of red roses, emotions churning.

James began texting frequently, showing unprecedented thoughtfulness. He stopped hosting friends for games, started learning to cook, checked in on my work and well-being daily. His efforts were sincere, but the hurt lingered.

Meanwhile, Victor sent occasional messages, checking in without mentioning his confession, offering quiet support.

I began reevaluating my feelings, pondering the kind of relationship I truly wanted.

Then, an unexpected discovery shook me. I stumbled upon a photo of Victor with an unfamiliar girl, their embrace intimate, smiles radiant. My heart sank. Was Victor's kindness just a façade?

Confusion engulfed me.

Just as I was grappling with this, James appeared outside my office building, holding flowers, kneeling on one knee, eyes filled with earnestness.

"Ashley, I know I hurt you, but please give me another chance," he implored.

Colleagues gathered, whispering in astonishment. I stood there, mortified, uncertain of what to do.