Page 29 of In a Perfect World

“About whatever you want,” I told her.“We can talk about whatever you want.”

“Kairo-”

“Don’t tell me that this is wrong, Triana,” I said, interrupting her.“I already know that, but I don’t care.I don’t care, and I’d do it again.”

I watched her shoulders sag in defeat, and I knew that she needed a break from life right now.She was already going through a lot, and I hadn’t helped matters by what I’d just done, but I hadn’t been lying when I’d said that I’d do it again.

“Just...call me when you get home, okay?”I told her.“We...it’ll be okay, baby.”

She didn’t look like she believed me, but she also didn’t argue with me.Instead, she just started walking, and I followed her until I legally couldn’t anymore.

Chapter 15

Triana~

I was such a mess that I had no choice but to call Sonia to tell her everything.Not only was I still reeling from what my parents had done, but Kairo kissing me had changed everything, even if it wasn’t supposed to have.No matter what, Kairo and I couldn’t have a future together, so I wasn’t sure what would come of that kiss, if anything.Nonetheless, what I did know?I’d never been kissed like that before, and I could still feel him on my lips.

Still, when I’d gotten home, I had immediately called Sonia, then had sent Kairo a text, telling him that I was home, but that I also needed a moment, to which he had graciously granted me.I also hadn’t heard from my brother, but he’d find out that I’d been fired soon enough.In fact, I was kind of surprised that my parents weren’t already harassing him about the situation.

When a knock sounded on my front door, I raced to answer it, and when I saw Sonia standing on the other side, I couldn’t stop my eyes from immediately watering.I’d never felt this overwhelmed before, and I was just so damn happy to see her.

“What’s going on?”she asked as I stepped aside to let her in.

“My parents fired me,” I blurted, making her eyes widen with shock.

“What?”

I let out an exhausted sigh as we both made our way over to the couch, both of us needing to get comfortable for this.Since it wasn’t usual for me to drink at home, I didn’t have anything strong enough for this conversation, and I really should have stopped at the store on my way home earlier.

After we both got comfortable, I told her what happened.“They fired me after work today because I still refuse to marry Romelio.My father said that I didn’t deserve to benefit from our family if I wasn’t going to put our family first.He basically called me selfish, then disowned me.”

“That’s bullshit, Triana,” she bit out, always on my side.“You’ve always worked your ass off for your parents and their business.”

“Apparently, that doesn’t matter,” I replied dryly, wiping my eyes.“All they care about is how I’m ruining their good name by refusing to honor their arrangement.”

Sonia leaned back against the couch, her face looking as incredulous as I felt.“I...I don’t know what to say,” she stammered.“I mean...this is fucking wild, Triana.No one engages in arranged marriages anymore, and even if they did, disowning you seems rather...oh, I don’t know, insane.”