Chapter 5: Jealousy

Weeks later, the excitement in the air was intense as Scarlett and Charlotte were invited to a bachelor's party hosted by Felix for one of his friends. The night promised indulgence in food, drinks, and music, a perfect mixture for partying.

They hailed a cab and entered the bustling bar, its vibrant atmosphere punctuated by flashing lights, music that echoed for blocks, and the strong aroma of alcohol. They indulged in multiple shots, their bodies swaying to the rhythm, the beats guiding their movements.

As the night progressed, Scarlett found herself growing drowsy. She settled down for a moment's respite, only to witness an image that stoked the flames of jealousy within her. Felix's hands encircled Charlotte's waist, their eyes locked in a shared moment of intimacy.

Each beat of the music, every step they took, fueled Scarlett's growing anger. The jealousy that engulfed her was too potent to ignore, intensified by the alcohol coursing through her veins. Unable to contain her emotions, Scarlett stumbled out of the bar, her mind clouded by a mix of alcohol and despair.

"Scarlett, wait! Where are you going?" Charlotte's voice trailed behind her, but Scarlett's determination outmatched her requests. Unbeknownst to her, the alcohol had dulled her senses, impairing her judgment. In her intoxicated state, she stepped blindly into the street, narrowly avoiding a speeding car.

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!? THAT CAR NEARLY HIT YOU! DO YOU PLAN TO DIE—" Charlotte's alarmed voice cut through the night, but Scarlett, in her reckless state, declared, "YES, I DO PLAN TO DIE! WHY DO YOU EVEN CARE? IT'S NOT LIKE WE ARE ACTUAL SISTERS! I BELONG IN THE OTHER WORLD!"

A stunned silence followed Charlotte who taken aback with her sudden outburst.

"Scarlett, you're drunk", she began softly but what came next made her eyes widen.

"Easy for you to say!" slurred Scarlett, her words carrying the unmistakable bitterness of alcohol. "You danced so lovingly with the man I love!"

As the words left her lips, Scarlett lost consciousness.

The following morning, Scarlett awoke to a throbbing headache and a fragmented memory of the previous night's events. Her recollection was blurred, her memory obscured by the haze of intoxication. She managed a weak greeting, but Charlotte's response lacked its usual warmth.

"Stay away from Felix," Charlotte's tone was stern, her gaze unwavering.

"But why?" Scarlett's confusion was evident.

"BECAUSE I LOVE HIM AND I KNOW YOU LOVE HIS AS WELL BUT STAY AWAY I DON'T WANT YOU GETTING IN THE WAY. HE IS MINE!!" Charlotte's words were sharp, an assertion of her claim on Felix.

"YOURS?! SINCE WHEN DO YOU OWN HIM? YOU THINK I WILL JUST LET YOU HAVE HIM FOR GIVING ME A HOME?!" Scarlett's response was fierce, her resolve solid.

"LET'S SEE WHOM HE CHOOSES THEN!" Charlotte's challenge hung in the air, leaving Scarlett to face with her emotions. Despite her dislike to love, something about Felix stirred a natural trust within her, a connection she couldn't ignore.