Chapter 3
I worked late into the night, until eleven o'clock, when most of the building had gone dark and only a few windows remained lit. It was only stepping outside and noticing the gentle snowflakes that I realized how late it truly was.
Pulling my thin coat tighter, I hailed a cab. Xavier's newest song was named "First Snow," and he once told me it was because it was snowing the day we met for the first time that year. So when he dropped to one knee on stage, I was certain he was going to propose. But my emotional tears were wasted; the person he held hands with turned out not to be me.
When I reached my apartment building, I recognized two familiar figures in the snow. Xavier was crouched, writing something, while Selena lay on his back, holding on tightly.
“Do you remember, sweetheart? Three years ago, on the first snowy night, I confessed my love to you, but you said I wasn’t your type and turned me down.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize back then what a gem you were. Now I know, and I’m going to cherish you.”
“You’ve said it, so you’re stuck with me now.”
They embraced, lost in a passionate kiss.
“Sweetheart, it’s freezing out here. Let’s go back and continue inside.”
With that, Xavier scooped Selena up and eagerly headed upstairs. I stood watching them fade from view, the snow gently erasing the warmth they left behind.
Stepping closer, I saw the snow hadn’t yet covered the words etched on the ground: "Xavier forever loves Selena."
He declared his love for her openly, yet when we were together, he was too concerned about the paparazzi to even hold my hand. In his eyes, I was insignificant compared to Selena, not even worthy of being a secret.
The cold wind bit into my skin, and it took some time before I snapped back to reality. My coat had slipped off my shoulders, leaving me chilled to the bone.
I lingered outside for almost an hour before finally heading home. Though the door was locked, the sounds inside were still audible. I had a key but chose to knock anyway.
The noise inside ceased abruptly, and a woman’s voice whispered, “Sweetheart, who’s at your door?”
“Who knows? How annoying. Sweetheart, get dressed. I’ll go see.”
When Xavier opened the door, his irritation turned to shock.
“Phoenix, what are you doing here?”
“This is my home. Why wouldn’t I be here?”
Xavier was dumbfounded, unable to find words, until the woman inside stepped forward. Wrapped only in a towel, Selena’s cheeks were flushed, and her arms relaxed around Xavier’s shoulders.
“What do you mean your home? Isn’t this Xavier’s place? Sweetheart, who is this woman making such wild claims?”
“This is my manager, Phoenix.”
Selena shot me a knowing look and extended her hand. “So you’re the one looking after my dear Xavier. Thank you for your efforts. I hope you’ll keep taking care of him.”
I ignored her and addressed Xavier directly, my voice calm and unwavering. "Xavier, if you like this place, I can move out. You can buy it at the market price."
Flustered, Xavier took my hand, but quickly let go when he felt how cold it was.
“Phoenix, you’ve got it all wrong. Selena’s an old friend. She just returned, and of course, I have to take care of her.”
I stepped back, avoiding his touch. “I understand, but I really am moving out. The house is listed with an agent. If you’re interested, buy it. If not, someone else will.”