Chapter 1 Our anniversary

Madison's POV

It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I woke up feeling a sense of contentment, I reached for my phone on the night stand and check today's date and time.

As I stretched in bed, a smile played on my lips. I woke up very late because I was up all night planning our two years anniversary. Xavier has been the best boyfriend anyone could ever ask for and I am grateful for him.

Today was the day I had been eagerly anticipating. First, I would surprise my boyfriend, Xavier, with a special homemade breakfast. I had planned this for months so no way I wasn't going to make it flop.

Without hesitation, I got out of bed and made my way to the kitchen, ready to whip up a delicious feast for my man. The scent of sizzling bacon and brewing coffee filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. As I set the table with care, excitement coursed through me. I imagined the look of surprise and delight on Xavier's face when he walked into the kitchen.

"Something is cooking," My bestie, Violet said, the moment she entered the kitchen.

Violet and I have lived together since our college days and are more like sisters now.

"Remove your eyes, it's for my beloved," I giggled.

"You mean our beloved?" Violet teased.

"Mine, go get yours," I chuckled and playfully pushed her away from the kitchen.

"Whatever, whenever," Violet laughed and left the kitchen with some snacks in her hands.

An hour later, the food was ready, and everything was set. I eagerly awaited Xavier's arrival because he was supposed to come to my place, checking my phone from time to time to make sure he had messaged me about his delay but there was nothing. I put off my phone then put it on again in case it was my wifi.

But as minutes turned into hours, a flicker of doubt began to creep into my mind. It was unlike him to be late without notifying me, and my initial excitement gradually gave way to a gnawing sense of unease.

Unable to shake off the growing sense of unease, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I grabbed my car keys and headed to Xavier's apartment, hoping to surprise him there but a bigger part of me hoped he was okay. As I pulled up in front of the building, my heart raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

I made my way up the stairs to his apartment, my footsteps echoing in the silence. As I reached the door, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Without thinking, I inserted the key Xavier had given me into the lock and turned the knob.

But what I saw shattered my world in an instant, it was something no woman would ever dream of seeing, The scene before me was something straight out of a nightmare. There, in the living room, I saw Xavier locked in an intimate embrace with another woman. Shocked and heartbroken, I stood frozen, unable to comprehend the betrayal unfolding before my eyes.

"Xavier! what the actual fuck," I yelled, my breath caught up in my throat.

the blonde lady picked up the bedsheet to cover her body and Xavier wore his underwear while I stared at both of them in disgust.

Xavier's face became pale, "it's not what you think," that was the first word I heard for Xavier's mouth. was he trying to gaslight me?

As the initial shock subsided, "You bastard from the burning pit of hell," anger surged through my veins as I picked up a pillow and threw it at him.

"Madi listen," Xavier tried to explain as he avoided the pillow from hitting him.

"Why? why!" I yelled at Ryan and the woman, whose name I didn't even know.

"How could you?" Tears welled up in my eyes as I demanded an explanation, my voice shaking with a mixture of anger and pain.

it took Everything in me not to lose my home training and hit him or the blonde girl with something harder.

The truth had been laid bare, and there was no going back. The person I trusted with my heart had betrayed me in the most devastating way and on the day of our anniversary.

"Why today of all days?" I ran out of his house in so much pain.

"Madison please wait," I heard Xavier called out to me but I ignored him.

I got into my car and drove all the way to my apartment with tears, anger , pain and so much emotion I couldn't comprehend all on my own.

I entered the house lost In my own world tears filled my eyes, my makeup and my day in ruin.

"Madison, are you okay?" My best friend asked, getting up from the couch, she walked towards me, hugged me in her arms.

"Violet" I sobbed loudly

"Madison,it's alright, whatever it is, it's alright" Violet tried to reassure me.

"Xavier cheated" I sobbed louder.

"That bastard did what!" Violet yelled and I explained the whole thing I had witnessed to her.

Violet held me tightly, offering her comfort as I poured out my heartbroken feelings and the betrayal I had just witnessed. She listened attentively.

"He cheated and today of all days, why did he do that?" I said in between tears.

"I can't believe he would do this to you, Madison," Violet said, her voice filled with empathy and anger on my behalf.

"You deserve so much better than someone who would betray your trust like that, he is a fucking arsehole."

"I know I deserve so much better but I still want Xavier," I cried more.

"I know baby, it isn't easy," Violet said, her eyes held pity for me.

"What do I do now, Violet?" I asked, my voice choked with sadness. "How do I heal my heart, it's broken?" I pointed at my chest.

"Should I send men out for him?" Violet said playfully making a small smile play at the corner of my lips.

Violet held my hand and looked at me with unwavering support. "First and foremost, we need to teach that bastard a lesson for messing with you," she said.

"Then after that, you need to move on from him to another hotter man, but for real, you know what I mean right, smoking hot," I could see the love in Violet's eyes.

I nodded my head and a small smile appeared on my face.

"Remember, Madison," Violet said, her voice filled with conviction,

"you are the strongest lady I Know that's deserving of all the love and happiness. This pain will pass, and you, my dear will find love but with a much hotter and handsome man,"

I tried to keep the smile on my face but couldn't, just on que, tears streamed down my face, I found solace in the love of Violet.

Violet picked up her phone to inform our other friends of my situation, she had a long talk with them, including cussing Xavier out then she looked at me.

"What ?" I asked her.

"I don't think you are down for it," she said, putting the phone on mute so the others wouldn't be able to hear our conversation.

"What's that?" I asked again.

"Our friends wanted to hang at a bar tonight, are you down for a drink? If you aren't then it's cool okay," Violet asked.

To be honest I didn't feel like going but I didn't want Violet to be left out because of me. I just have to endure and attend, I will just drink and forget him anyway.

Reluctantly, I mustered the strength to agree to Violet's invitation. I knew deep down that going out with friends could provide a much-needed distraction and a chance to let loose for a while.

"Alright, Violet," I said with a sigh. "Let's go to the bar. But I can't guarantee I will stay for long."

Violet gave me a sympathetic smile and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"I understand, Madison. We're here for you no matter what. Take your time and do whatever feels right for you."

After the call ended, we both got ready, despite the breakup, I had to look my best, if I want to make Xavier jealous. We headed out to meet our friends at the bar.

When we got to the bar, the atmosphere was lively, with music pulsating and people chatting animatedly. As we joined the group, I put on a brave face and of course a fake smile determined to make the most of the evening despite my heartache.

Tonight, I am going to remove Xavier from my mind.

Throughout the night, my friends surrounded me with love and support. They kept the conversation light and fun, trying their best to make me laugh and forget, even if temporarily, the pain I was going through. We shared past events, gossiped about everything, danced, and clinked glasses in a toast to new beginnings.

Violet, especially, stayed by my side, offering a shoulder to lean on whenever I needed it. She would occasionally catch my eye, silently checking if I was still doing okay. Her presence alone provided a sense of comfort in a room filled with strangers but it wasn't what I needed.

As the night progressed at the bar, the mix of emotions, alcohol, and the company of friends began to blur together. I found myself indulging in the drinks a little more than I had initially planned, hoping to numb the pain that still lingered in my heart.

Feeling a little light-headed, I decided to step outside for some fresh air. I found inner peace in the cool night breeze, allowing it to clear my mind, even if just momentarily. As I leaned against the wall, the events of the day still playing on my mind, a voice broke through my thoughts.

Mind if I join you?" a deep voice asked.

Startled, I turned to see a smoking handsome and hot stranger standing beside me or maybe it was the alcohol. He had a warm smile that reached his eyes, and there was something comforting about his presence. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should engage with a stranger while in such a vulnerable state. But something about his demeanor put me at ease.

"Sure," I replied, a slight slur in my words.

"I could use some company."