—Wait, what?!—Saval and Semiel said at the same time.
—What are you talking about, Antonella?—Saval asked, shocked.
—Oh, you know, sweetheart. My answer to your confession.
—You b*tch, what the hell are you trying to pull?—Semiel shouted, his anger boiling over.
—Ara, calm down, Semiel. This is between sweet little Saval and me. If you keep pushing, well… some things might come to light. You get what I mean, right?
—Tch—Semiel scoffed, grinding his teeth at her not-so-subtle threat. He knew exactly what she was implying. If he kept fighting her, she would expose his feelings for Saval.
But… I already decided. This ends here. I don't care anymore.
—Wait, Semiel. Let her talk.
—But Saval, I just wanted to tell you that—
—I said wait. I want to hear what she has to say first.
—Fine—Semiel didn't understand what Saval was thinking, but he held back.
If that woman tries to manipulate him again, I swear I'll just scream it out loud.
—I've been thinking about it—Antonella continued—and I think... I finally understand. You matter to me, Saval. And I don't want to keep ignoring it.
—Antonella, what are you trying to say?—Saval asked, confused.
—I want us to be together. But… there's something you need to understand. I don't want Semiel in the middle of this. I don't want you seeing him anymore.
—What are you saying?
—I'm saying I want to be with you, but not if Semiel is still around. I don't like how he keeps meddling, how he's always trying to turn you against me. It's exhausting, Saval. He's always there, always looking for a way to make me the villain. If you really want this to work, then he can't be a part of your life anymore.
...
I can't believe it. She actually accepted my confession.
No, Saval, get a grip. You know she's not the same person she used to be. Don't you remember what Dante told you? You need to see her for who she really is now.
But…
I've always dreamed of this moment. Finally being with her. Would I sacrifice Semiel for it?
No.
Something about this feels wrong.
—Antonella, if you accepted my confession, then why did you meet up with Semiel? Why did you kiss him?—Saval questioned, his voice sharp.
—Saval, I told you, he kissed me out of nowhere! I couldn't do anything about it. Please, understand me. I finally realized that I want to be with you.
—What the f*ck did you just say, Antonella?
Semiel.
He had stayed silent, listening, only because Saval asked him to. But now, his voice sliced through the tension like a knife.
—Semiel, this isn't your conversation—Antonella responded, her tone laced with forced calm.
—Like I give a damn—he shot back, his voice filled with barely restrained fury—. So this was your plan, huh? Cut me off from Saval so you could keep manipulating him like always? How original.
—I'm not manipulating anyone— Antonella replied with a sigh, as if she were exhausted from explaining herself. —I'm just making it clear what I need to feel okay. I shouldn't have to put up with someone who only wants to ruin what we have.
—Wait, Semiel.
—Wait for what, Saval? You know she's not being honest.
—Why would you say that?
He's right. I know it deep down, but… what if she really has changed? What if she's back to being the Antonella I used to know? No, I can't think like that. Semiel is my friend. But what if he's wrong? What if he really does like Antonella and that's why he kissed her?
—Saval, I love you…
—Saval, she's lying.
—You have to believe me, Saval. I finally see that the way you've cared for me has always been real. And besides…—Antonella's voice softened—you stole my first kiss.
—Saval, she's using you. There's no way she actually wants to be with you.
—Shut up, Semiel! Stop getting between Saval and me!
—The one who should shut up is you, you manipulative b*tch.
…
I couldn't listen to them anymore. My mind was a mess. What do I do?
Semiel is my friend, and I know Antonella has done this before—manipulating someone. I saw it happen, but I chose to ignore it back then because, to me, she was the most important person in the world. And now, I have the chance to be with her, but… it wouldn't be the same Antonella I once loved.
I have to end this. Now.
—SHUT THE HELL UP, BOTH OF YOU! I'M SICK OF THIS!—Saval's voice erupted as he slammed his desk. —You keep going on and on, talking like I'm not even here. This is over. We're not doing this over a call. Tomorrow, we'll meet at the park, and that's it. End of discussion.
Saval said his piece and hung up.
…
—How long were you planning to keep this up?
—Oh, Semiel. Still at it? I thought you'd learned how to give up by now—Antonella responded with absolute confidence, the facade of the innocent, indignant girl vanishing in an instant.
—I'm not giving up. Saval is going to see the truth. It's only a matter of time. Tomorrow, we'll see.
—You really overestimate yourself. But go ahead. Keep trying. It's fun watching you lose, little puppy.
Semiel felt his hands tremble on the keyboard as he left the call.
For the first time, he wasn't just angry.
He was afraid.
Because if he couldn't open Saval's eyes, if Antonella won again… he would lose him. Forever.
And that was something he refused to accept.
He got to his feet.
Tomorrow, he would meet her and Saval.
He was going to end this.
End her.
Her game.
And this time, there would be no way for her to escape.