Bentley's POV
"Stop this madness. Get up!" Mother shouted, yanking me up from the chair, my arm nearly tearing from its shoulder. "We're going back."

I felt a sharp pain around my joints as she applied more pressure. "Ow! You're hurting me. Back to where?" I asked, dragging my feet.

"Home, far from Maverick City, until you come to your senses and realize why you can't be with a man," Father cut in, springing to his feet. "I won't allow my only son to disgrace this family," he grumbled coldly, heading for the door.

I froze; my pain-flooded eyes dilated for a split second, and my heartbeat seized. I'm a disgrace? I did what they told me to, and obeyed every wish and command for more than twenty-three years, yet I'm a disgrace because I want to follow my path from here.

I forcefully pulled away from her grip. She stumbled but quickly held onto the table, saving herself from falling on her face.

"Faye," Father gasped, hurrying to help her steady herself. He shot me a glare. "Bentley, pack up. Now."

"Okay, stop. I've had enough of this bullshit," I blurted out, exhausted from their irritating behavior since they got here. "Mom, Dad, I'm not a kid anymore. I can make my own life choices and love whom I want to." I glanced at them, then continued. "I'm staying. You guys should leave. I want to be alone."

They shared a look for a while before turning to leave without a word, disappointment hanging over their heads. My dad halted by the door, his head turned sideways, darting a look at me. "Someday, you're going to regret this-loving a man."

Damian's POV
It's been three days since Bentley left, but it feels like three hundred and sixty-five. What was I to do? He wouldn't reply to my messages or let me search for him. All I can do is wait and hope he returns to me.

They say a problem shared is a problem solved, so I explained everything to Mark. "Never trust straight guys... or bisexuals. One minute, they like you; the next morning, they're gone," he sighed, shaking his head.

"We didn't break up; he just needs more time," I replied.

"And how long would that 'more time' be?" he looked at me. My lips came to a pause, and I narrowed my eyes to avoid his gaze.

"Four months? Five years? Heck, ten!" he exclaimed, enlarging his eyes and whispering, "Nobody knows." Mark gave me a knowing look, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. "While we wait, you can date me instead. If it's not an open relationship, heads up, I'm going to cheat on you-"

"I'll never date you," I sighed tiredly, rubbing my aching head. "Not in the mood. Besides, Bentley will come back to me; I can wait."

Mark rolled his eyes. "Boring!" he emphasized, faking a yawn. "Your commitment to one person is the reason you're heartbroken," he said, rising from the couch. "I don't want to date you either; I was just looking for a way to cheer you up."

"Ha!" Mark beamed. "Why don't I search for him on your behalf? He didn't tell me not to look for him, so I can," he shrugged.

"Thanks, but I think we should let him be. I trust my boyfriend to keep his word."

"Aww, look at you being all cute and mature; makes me wanna give Mr. Commitment a chance... or not," he grinned.

"Thanks for dropping by," I managed a weak smile, switching the topic. "How's your life?"

"Oh, the usual-contracts, runways, shoots, money, men, and..." he smiled widely. I thought I misheard when he said, "Dominic."

Mark giggled, sitting close to me-leaving no room for personal space. "Something hot and exciting happened," he whispered, coiling his body like a worm in love. I cringed, a chill running down my spine. "I don't like the look on your face; you're scaring me."

He laughed, shoving my shoulder playfully. "Stop making me laugh; I'm serious. Here's what happened."

Mark narrated everything that happened the night he met Dominic in a club-most parts were nauseating; I would've thrown up if I hadn't told him to cut down on the details.

Then it hit me. "He asked you for information about my relationship?"

"Yeah-"

"And you told him?"

"Well, yeah."

"Can't you see? He used you to get to me. Now things with Bentley are a bit shaken up," I explained, glaring at him. "All of this is partly your fault; if you'd zipped your lips, none of this would have happened."

"Hey, how was I to know he was going to use it against you?" Mark defended, his look softening as he continued. "He honestly sounded like he cares for you and just wanted your attention, just like I did."

I shook my head in disagreement. "I've told you countless times that Dominic is someone to avoid at all costs, but you went ahead and slept with him as well," I nagged like an overbearing mother.

Mark was always like this; in his eyes, everyone was a good person-he lived in this unicorn world where there were no villains, only heroes and good people. As a kid, I took it upon myself to protect him from crafty classmates who were only nice to him for their hidden agendas-getting toys, candies, and money from him.

I thought he might have gotten a bit tougher and wiser with time, but I was wrong.

"Sorry, he was too hot to resist," Mark mumbled, lowering his head.

I leaned back, a sigh slipping from my lips. "Just... go."

He sat there, staring at me with sorry eyes like a guilty puppy begging for its master's forgiveness after ripping his favorite pillow and spilling its white stuffing on the couch.

Author's note:
Hello, I want to thank everyone for reading. From Thursday, this book update schedule will have to change from daily to weekly until I'm back on holiday. 🥺😭❤️