Nick's POV
Isabella and I arrived at the party, hand in hand, the epitome of young love. The air buzzed with music and laughter, and we were immediately swept into the joyous atmosphere. We went over to wish Julian a happy birthday. "Hey bro." I said taking a bottle from a drank Julian. "Hey broooo… heyyy Isabewa " he mumbled as he hugged her. "Happy birthday Julian. " Isabella wished him. Just then Lina joined us. "Hey you two, I'll steal Julian for a minute." She said as she pulled him away, scolding him as they disappeared into the crowd. "Do you want to dance?" I asked taking Isabella's hand and pulled her to the dance floor. "I didn't say yes.." she whined. "Buh you didn't reply either. So i chose my own answer which is yes." I said making her giggle. We danced, talked, and mingled with friends. I talked to Leo and his new catch and Ryan as well. Ryan went over to Isabella and chatted with her. "Have you told her about the bet thing?" Leo asked as we stared at Isabella and Ryan talking . "Not yet bro. I have planned on telling her several times but it just doesn't … I don't know.." I said and sighed. "Try and talk to her, she'll understand better rather than anyone else telling her." He said patting my shoulder. "Who's gonna tell her? We're only the ones who know." I told him. "Alright but keep an eye on Julian. He's spilling secrets a lot these days. He told Diana my ex that, I fucked her twin sister. He was drank at that time so I let it pass and secondly I'm no more with her. " he narrated. " Okay!So let's talk about your new girl huh?" I said winking at him. "She's nice though " I added making him glare at me.
Isabella's POV
Everything was going on well at the party. Ryan was making me laugh . I took chances to glance over at Nick and our eyes lock for a while before I blush and look away. "I'll be right back." Ryan said as he got up and left. I took a sip of my cocktail and scanned the crowd for Nick but he was already heading to the kitchen with Leo. Fueled by too much liquor, Julian stumbled to my side. "I don't know whyyy youuu fell for that bet." He said with a nervous glance. "What are you talking about?" I asked confused. "Youuu and Nick's love come thwrough because of ah bet." He said drankinrgly punching the air. "I don't get what you're saying?" I asked again. "You remember the night he approached youuuuu, it was because we made a bet on youuu. He was suppose to make you fall for him and look you're head over hills." He mumbled and took my cocktail and gulped.I was tongue-tied with the revelation : Nick's affection for me had been nothing more than a cruel bet. The revelation hit me like a physical blow, the warmth of the night replaced by a chilling wave of betrayal. Tears welled up in my eyes as the reality of the situation sunk in, the vibrant party around me fading into a blur of noise and faces. "It can't be." I muttered.As the initial shock began to wear off, Alicia emerged beside me.Her eyes gleamed with a vindictive satisfaction. "Don't look so surprised, Isabella," she sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "You were always so naive." I just stared at her. "So you knew?" I whispered. "I accidentally heard them so I decided to record their entire convo since it'll be in handy soon." She replied.With a triumphant flourish, Alicia produced her phone and played a recording. The audio was clear: Nick's voice, confirming the bet, his words laced with the casual disregard that now felt like a personal attack. The recording ended, and a heavy silence fell between us, broken only by my ragged breaths. The festive music seemed to mock my pain, and the faces of the partygoers blurred into a cruel audience, witnessing my humiliation. My heart ached, the betrayal cutting deeper than any physical wound. I felt exposed, vulnerable, and utterly alone. I looked at a drank Julian before realizing Nick was already standing there pushing Alicia aside. "Babe it's not what you're thinking. I admit I accepted the bet but I fell madly in love with you." Nick said. He continued talking and explaining as he took a step toward me. "Ryan help me here!" Nick cried. "So you knew?" I finally got the courage to speak. "Bella.." Ryan started. "Shut the fuck up." I shouted and turned and fled, pushing through the crowd, desperate to escape the suffocating reality.
Nick's POV
Realizing the gravity of the situation, i ran after her. " Babe. Please I planned on telling you. I'm sorry." I followed her. "Don't babe me!" She glared at me and turned to leave when I grabbed her arm, but Isabella, her voice raw with pain and anger, screamed at me " Leave me alone. "Tears streamed down her face as she shook off my touch and ran towards the door , leaving me standing alone, the weight of my actions crushing me.Consumed by regret, I couldn't bear the thought of Isabella's pain. I turned to run after her when I felt someone hold me. It was Alicia. "She's gone,let her go. I'm here. I don't care whether you love me or not.." she didn't finish as I pulled my hand from her grip, gripping her shoulders in the process and squeeze her. "Stay away from me. I don't want you." I said in gritted teeth and shook her. She fell on the floor. I didn't give her second glance and made my way out.
I raced to her apartment , hoping to salvage what i had destroyed. I knocked on the door, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and remorse, and when it opened, i was met not by Isabella, but by her friend, Winnie. Winnie's face was a mask of fury. She stood firm, blocking my path, " What do you want here " she asked with a voice laced with ice "Let me see her please." I begged. "Leave!" She simply said "Isabella! Isabella. I'm sorry." I ignored her and shouted. "She doesn't want anything to do with you and you're not welcomed." She declared and shut the door. Defeated and heartbroken, I understood the message. I turned and walked away, the weight of my actions settling heavily upon me, the image of Isabella's tear-stained face burned into my memory.