I watch Eros walk away from the little cafe he took Juliet to this morning as he cusses and shouts into his phone, to some bitch named Ciara or whatever prissy name it was. I’m sitting on a bench just across the street, with a newspaper in hand in hopes I just look like another person out trying to enjoy a beautiful day.
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My gaze shifts from Eros to the entrance of the cafe, where Juliet sits, her demeanor tense and her eyes darting around anxiously. Despite her attempts to appear composed, there’s a flicker of uncertainty in her expression, a hint of unease that belies her usual confidence. Her smile, though still present, lacks its usual sparkle, no radiance to it, no sunshine. I’ve been watching her for years, from the corridors of our high school to the crowded halls of college, always just a step behind, a silent observer of her life.
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But now, things are different. Now, she’s with Eros, and my stomach twists with jealousy and rage. How dare he lay claim to her? How dare he bask in her presence, when it should be me by her side? I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palm as I struggle to contain the torrent of emotions swirling inside me. It’s not fair, when she’s been mine from the start,
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I’ve seen her go through so much, witnessed the way she dared to get engaged to Lance despite his abusive nature. It made my blood boil to see her endure such mistreatment, to see her suffer at the hands of someone who claimed to love her. I hated Lance for what he did to her, for the way he tore her down and left her shattered and broken. But now, now that she’s free from his toxic grip, now that it won’t break her heart to lose him, I can finally rid her life of him once and for all.
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It’s infuriating to think that she might see Eros as her savior, that she might believe he’s the one who will protect her and keep her safe. But deep down, I know that I’m the one who truly cares for her, the one who has been watching over her all this time, waiting for the opportunity to sweep her off her feet and show her what real love feels like. Every time she looks at Eros with admiration or gratitude, it feels like a knife twisting in my gut, a reminder of the distance between us. But I refuse to let jealousy consume me; instead, it fuels my determination to win her heart.
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As I sit on the bench across the street, hidden behind the facade of a casual observer, I watch her through the window of the cafe. She sits alone now, her gaze flickering between her empty plate and the bustling street outside. I can sense her unease, the subtle tension in her posture betraying her inner turmoil. Perhaps she suspects that I’m watching her, or maybe it’s the absence of Eros that leaves her feeling vulnerable.
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As much as I despise Eros for leaving her alone, part of me understands his absence. He has his own demons to face, his own battles to fight, his own business to run and the war that’s brewing between him and the Mascaros. And perhaps, in his own twisted way, he believes he’s doing what’s best for her. But I know better. I know that she deserves someone who will always be there for her, someone who will never abandon her when she needs them most. Someone that will put her above everything else in the world without a second thought. And I’m determined to be that person, no matter the cost.
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So as I watch her from afar, a plan begins to form in my mind. A plan to show her that she doesn’t need Eros to protect her, that she has someone else who will always have her back. And when the time is right, when she least expects it, I’ll step out of the shadows and into her life, ready to be the hero she truly deserves.
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My heart quickens with anticipation as I see her wave a server over to pay for both of their meals. There’s a hint of frustration in her movements, a subtle indication that she’s not entirely pleased with the situation. She shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of their meal alone, but it seems that Eros has left her with no choice. She gestures over to his untouched plate and give the girl a soft, gentle smile, with that little sprinkle of sunshine she carries with her.
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As she settles the bill and gathers her things, there’s a sense of determination in her demeanor. It’s clear that she won’t let Eros’s absence dampen her spirits or derail her plans for the day. She’s a woman accustomed to handling life’s curve balls with grace and resilience, and I find myself admiring her strength in the face of adversity. She lost this little bit of bite with Lance, and it broke me watching her lose herself.
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As I watch Juliet step out into the bustling city streets, her graceful figure navigating the crowds with confidence, I can’t help but feel a rush of admiration mixed with a tinge of frustration. The disappointment of seeing her left alone gnaws at me, but I find solace in the quiet strength she exudes, her head held high and her shoulders squared. It’s as if she carries the weight of the world with her, yet refuses to let it weigh her down.
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With a determined resolve, I fold up my newspaper and begin to follow her, keeping a careful distance to avoid drawing attention. My heart races with anticipation as I trail behind her, my eyes fixed on her every movement. I know where she’s headed, or at least where I expect her to be heading – to the quaint little bookshop that holds a special place in my heart, just as she does. So I veer away from her and take a short cut to make it there before her. I pull out my phone, and watch Juliet slowly make her way to the shop on the little map I have tracking her.
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As I slip into the cozy interior of the quaint little bookshop, a sense of familiarity washes over me like a warm embrace. The shelves lining the walls are filled with books of every genre imaginable, their spines neatly aligned as if standing at attention. The air is infused with the comforting scent of old paper and ink, a scent that never fails to soothe my soul and calm my mind.
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I glance around the shop, my eyes scanning the familiar surroundings for any sign of Juliet. She’s not here yet, but I know she’ll come, she’s only about a block away when I check my phone. She always comes. And when she does, I’ll be ready, waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of her radiant smile and hear the soft sound of her laughter and offer her any recommendations I can.
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I straighten a stack of books on one of the tables, my mind drifts back to the first time I saw her – a shy, bookish girl with a spark of curiosity in her eyes. She had wandered into my shop one rainy afternoon, seeking refuge from the storm outside and fell in love with the store. And from that moment on, I knew she was special, strong. She was destined for everything great in this world, and destined to be mine.
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Over the years, I’ve watched her grow and blossom into the incredible woman she is today. I’ve witnessed her triumphs and her struggles, her joys and her sorrows. And through it all, I’ve remained by her side, a silent guardian in the shadows, always there to offer support and guidance when she needs it most. She might not know it’s me doing it, but I know she appreciates it. She doesn’t deserved to be tied to such a dangerous lifestyle. Shes far too beautiful for such a disgustingly ugly life.
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But lately, I can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss. There’s a darkness lurking on the horizon, threatening to engulf her in its shadow. I watch as she fights with it, as she battles with the rage and neglect that threaten to suffocate her, as she drowns under the trauma and abuse she’s endured. And no matter how hard I try to protect her, I fear that I may not be enough to keep her safe from harm. I might not even be able to save her from herself.
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In the depths of my dimly lit bookstore, where shadows dance with secrets whispered between ancient tomes, she steps in like a ray of sunlight piercing through the heavy drapes of night. She’s more than just a customer to me; she’s a beacon of light in a world consumed by darkness. With each delicate footfall, she illuminates the somber corners of my sanctuary, breathing life into the dusty pages of forgotten stories.
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Her presence is a warmth that defies the chill of winter’s grasp, a radiant glow that melts the frost clinging to my weary soul. In her smile, I find solace, a gentle caress that soothes the ache of longing that has settled deep within me. She is my sunshine, a celestial being wrapped in earthly beauty, her essence casting a golden hue upon the desolate landscape of my existence.
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As she moves through the aisles, her fingers tracing the spines of books with a reverence reserved for sacred relics, I am captivated by the grace with which she navigates the labyrinth of my world. Each step is a symphony of grace, a melody that resonates with the echoes of countless untold tales waiting to be discovered.
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In her presence, the shadows retreat, cowering in the corners as her light washes over them, banishing the darkness with a single glance. She is my sanctuary, my guiding star in a sky bereft of constellations. And in her, I find hope – hope that even in the bleakest of nights, there exists a beacon of hope, a promise of brighter days to come.
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“Hello, Juliet,” I say, my voice soft and welcoming. “It’s good to see you again. What can I help you find today?”
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“I think I want a romance book today, I want one that’ll pull me in but also make me cry.” She gives me a soft smile. “I think I need a good cry.”
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“Anything you absolutely do not want to read about? Do you want a stand alone, or a series? 1 and done, or 4 and I better have more?”
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“I think I want a stand alone. Something noncommittal.” She raises her brows at me like that’s somehow a hard request. I don’t even look when I grab the book I’ve had stored under the register, from the first.. and only romance book she’s bought from here. Lance pretty much kicked in the door at the end of the night accusing me of trying to fuck his fiancee because I gave her an adult romance book. What the fuck did he expect the contents to be? “Birthday Girl” She asks me. Hesitancy thick in her voice and I meet her gaze. She looks almost uncomfortable, and confused.
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“It’s a good book, I think you’ll like it. If not, bring it back and I’ll let you exchange it. I think you’ll like it though.
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“Thank you Cayden.” She hugs the book to her chest with one hand and pulls out her wallet with another. My name sounds like honey coming out of her mouth, so sweet and thick I want to lick it off her lips. “I’m sure I’ll be back again soon, are you still planning on adding seating in here? I would probably spend most of my days off here if you did honestly, It’s a beautiful shop you have.” She’s holding out her debit card, and a sincere smile covers her face. Of course I’m going to put seating in here, especially if I get to see you more.
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“I have to get a couple permits signed and get a quote for cost and how long it’ll take. But yes, Juliet, I fully plan on adding some seating.” I watch her, the way her lips pull up into the smallest smile, unless you had her face memorized, you’d never be able to tell. The way her chest rises and falls with her breaths and her breasts force themselves against her beautifully tight dress. I’ve never touched her before, and I’m far too aware of that in this moment.
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“Awesome, I really look forward to it Cayden.” She pays for the book and heads out the door without another thought. I occupy no space in her mind. My sunshine.
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