Chapter 84: Getting in a fight

"Come on, she practically ignored me like I didn't even exist when we got there," Dorah said, shaking her head in disbelief. "She was like, Oh, I didn't know she was the one you went out with. What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be with him? Did he tell you he's engaged? Gosh!" She threw her hands up, her eyes wide. "I was so scared, but I just had to keep my cool and, you know... tag along." Mira raised an eyebrow, amused. "Sounds intense." "You know, I keep trying to get her to like me. Every little thing. But honestly, the more I got to know her, the more I realized she's actually amazing. She even taught me how to make cookies! Voluntarily! Then she took me to Ronald's room, though it was just to drop off his snacks. Still, it felt like we'd known each other forever. I wanted to stay longer, hang out with her more. And then, out of nowhere, she tells Ronald she likes me." Dorah smiled, cheeks flushing with excitement. "Like, gosh, I really won a jackpot, babe." "You sure did," Mira said, pulling a funny face, crossing her eyes. They both burst into laughter, the tension easing for a moment. The sound of a car engine interrupted their moment. Dorah turned her head to see Ronald's car pulling into the compound. "Oh, here comes my ride," she said, standing up and dusting off her shorts, pretending not to feel the flutter in her chest. "Your babe is here," Miranda teased, giving Dorah a knowing smirk. Dorah frowned, trying to keep a straight face. "Come on, you love this guy, and he loves you. What's stopping you? Just go for your man," Mira added with a wink. Ronald stepped out of the car, sunglasses pushed up on his head. "Hey, Mira," he greeted casually. "Hey, lover boy," Mira teased again, earning a playful smack on the head from Dorah. "Seriously?" Mira whined, rubbing the spot. Dorah only stuck out her tongue in response. "Bye, baby girl," she said as she walked towards Ronald's car, her heart pounding louder with each step. Ronald, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her and waited until she was safely inside before closing it. Mira waved dramatically as they drove off. "Get her home safely!" she called after them. "Sure thing," Ronald replied, his tone light, but Dorah noticed the tight grip he had on the steering wheel. The ride was quiet. Too quiet. The silence pressed in on them, thick and suffocating. After a few minutes, Ronald spoke up. "Have they settled their scores? I mean, Jace and Miranda?" Dorah didn't look at him. She kept her gaze glued to the window, watching streetlights blur past. "Yeah, I think so," she answered flatly, her tone cold, detached. Ronald let out a frustrated sigh. "Just let it out. I don't like this weird silence." Her head snapped toward him. "Why didn't you tell me you'd be performing with Jace at his concert? Worse still, you're leaving, and you didn't even bother to tell me?" Her voice was sharp, but beneath it was hurt. "It slipped my mind," he said, eyes on the road. "I'm sorry, okay? I just kinda forgot." "You forgot?" Her voice cracked. "Do you hear yourself, Ronald? What am I to you?" Before he could answer, his phone rang. Both of them glanced at the screen. Madison. Dorah's lips pressed into a thin line. "You're not answering that call, right?" she asked, but her heart already knew the answer. "I am," he said with a careless shrug, lifting the phone. The car's Bluetooth kicked in, and Madison's voice filled the cabin. "Hey, babe," Madison cooed. "Hey," Ronald replied, sneaking a glance at Dorah, who was now glaring daggers at him. "What are you up to?" Madison asked sweetly. "Nothing. Just driving. You're back from the party?" His voice was neutral, but Dorah could feel the tension radiating from him. "No, I just stepped away for a bit to make the call. You know, all my friends are asking why you...." "No, Maddy. I'm not in the mood for this right now. Just get to the point," he cut in, voice clipped. "Okay, fine," Madison huffed. "I just want you to get me VIP tickets for Star's concert. You'll be performing live, and I want to see you on stage. I'll be bringing my friends along too!" Her excitement grated on Dorah's nerves. Dorah gagged dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Is that all?" Ronald asked. "Yes." "Okay, fine. I'll send over the tickets. Talk to you later," he said and hung up. The silence returned, heavier this time. "Seriously?" Dorah scoffed, crossing her arms. "What now, Dorah?" he asked, irritation creeping into his tone. "You told her about your performance, but you didn't think I needed to know? Seriously, Ronald?" "I just happened to tell her, okay? Stop acting so dramatic." Her jaw clenched. "I should stop getting worked up? You ditched me for another girl!" "Ditched? You don't mean that, Dorah! She's just a friend. I just happened to mention it." "But it slipped your mind when it came to me? Who am I to you, Ronald? Who the hell am I to you? I don't seem to under...." "Shut up. Just shut the fuck up, okay?" he snapped. The car seemed to shrink, his words reverberating in the confined space. "It's not like we're even dating or anything. Why are you getting so worked up over the girl I talk to?" The blow landed. Dorah froze, her breath caught. His words echoed louder than the engine. "I..." Ronald started, but his phone no longer shielded him. There was no distraction now. "Pull over," she said quietly, her voice trembling but firm. "No, I won't," he said, gripping the wheel tighter. "Pull over, Ronald," she repeated, louder now, the hurt giving way to fury. "No. I'm driving you home. You're not getting out of this car until we get to your house." "Ronald, if you don't stop this car right now, I swear I'll open this door and jump out," she threatened, her fingers wrapping around the door handle. "No, you won't," he said, but his voice wavered. He stole a glance at her, saw the fire in her eyes. "Dare me, Ronald," she challenged, her grip tightening, making his pulse quicken. "Pull over, Ronald," she commanded again, and this time, he caved. With a frustrated growl, he steered the car to the side of the road and stopped. Before the wheels had fully stilled, Dorah yanked the door open and stepped out, slamming it behind her. The night air was cool, but the heat of the argument clung to her skin. Ronald jumped out as well. "Babe, just get back in the car. We can settle this inside." She whirled on him, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. "Leave me alone, Ronald. It's not like I'm your girlfriend, right? You shouldn't be begging me to get back in your car." He reached out to her, but she took a step back, creating a barrier between them. "Don't... please don't," she said, voice breaking as she flagged down a passing taxi. Ronald's desperation flared. He reached for her wrist, trying to hold onto something slipping away. "Let's talk this out," he pleaded, but the look she gave him made his hand fall limply to his side. A taxi slowed down, and she climbed in without looking back. Ronald stood on the roadside, helpless, watching as the taxi's taillights blurred into the darkness, taking her further away from him. And for the first time that night, silence truly settled.