As I stepped into the bustling California mall, I could already feel a sense of dread wash over me. Shopping was never my thing, and the prospect of finding the perfect dress for the upcoming ball seemed like an arduous task. Thankfully, Angelica had offered to accompany me on this shopping trip, her enthusiasm for fashion evident in every step she took.

As we perused the racks of elegant dresses, Angelica couldn't help but chatter away about the latest trends, the most flattering styles, and the perfect accessories to complete the ensemble. She had an uncanny ability to analyze outfits and envision how they would enhance my appearance, especially in front of Zane. I listened half-heartedly, nodding along as she described how a particular dress would make me look like a "meal" to him.

Unable to contain myself any longer, I playfully slapped the back of her head, scolding her for her suggestive comment. "Angelica, seriously? You've got such a perverted mind sometimes. Let's focus on finding a dress that makes me feel confident and comfortable, rather than trying to seduce Zane with my outfit."

Angelica rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish grin. "Okay, okay, you caught me. I can't help but get carried away with all this fashion talk. But seriously, Amari, you deserve to look stunning on that night. You and Zane have been dancing around your feelings for ages. It's about time you made an impression."

I sighed, realizing that she had a point. Together, Angelica and I combed through the racks, trying on various styles, colors, and fabrics. With each dress I tried on, she offered genuine feedback and encouragement. We laughed, exchanged stories, and even indulged in some impromptu dance moves in the fitting rooms. People were looking at us as if we were crazy.

By the end of the shopping spree, we had found the dress - a breathtaking midnight blue gown that hugged my curves and exuded elegance. As I stood before the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This dress would make a statement, not for the purpose of seduction, but as a testament to my own strength and confidence.

As we left the mall, bags in hand, I couldn't thank Angelica enough for her endless support and infectious enthusiasm. With a newfound sense of excitement, I couldn't wait to see Zane's reaction when I stepped into the ballroom, dressed in the gown that made me feel like a true queen.

-

As I stepped through the threshold of my home, my eyes widened in disbelief at the sight that greeted me. The living room was adorned with an extravagant display of roses, their vibrant colors filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Amongst the sea of blossoms, I noticed boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates scattered throughout, adding a touch of indulgence to the scene.

My heart skipped a beat as I noticed a small, elegantly crafted envelope nestled amidst the petals. Gingerly, I picked it up, my hands trembling with a mix of excitement and curiosity. I carefully opened the envelope, revealing a heartfelt message written in Zane's unmistakable handwriting.

"Dear sugar plum, not sure what you are doing right now but I'm losing my fucking mind over you. Sincerely, Z."

I couldn't help but burst into laughter, a mixture of surprise, amusement, and affection bubbling within me. Zane always had a flair for the dramatic, and this grand gesture was no exception. It was both endearing and overwhelming, his words resonating deep within my heart.

Unable to contain my excitement, I immediately reached for my phone and dialed Zane's number. As the line connected, I could hear the anticipation in his voice. "Did you find the surprise? What do you think?"

I couldn't help but playfully respond, "Really, Zane? You had to buy all the roses from every flower shop in Cali? You're going to put them out of business!"

He chuckled on the other end of the line, his voice filled with warmth. "One for each day since the night we stopped talking. I wanted to show you how much you mean to me, how much I've missed you."

My heart swelled with affection as his words washed over me. "You've missed me?"

"Of course. Just because we didn't talk anymore, it didn't mean I stopped caring about you. We became strangers, but you were always crossing my mind...And you probably always will."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but feel even more loved in his heartfelt confession. The notion that he had thought of me even during our time apart ignited a flicker of warmth deep within my being.

"Are you finally going to tell me the reason why you chose Savannah over me?"

There was a silence on the other side of the line. "No, not over the phone."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Why?"

Zane sighed, the weight of his words audible even through the phone. "Because it's something I need to explain in person, sugarplum. It's a complicated story, and I want to make sure I can give you the proper context and clarity."

I bit my lip, grappling with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The unanswered question had lingered between us for far too long, and now that the opportunity to finally unveil the truth seemed within reach, I yearned for closure.

"I am looking forward to the story once I am back in New York. I want to understand, Zane. I need to understand."

A soft sigh of agreement came from his end, soothing my restless thoughts. "Yes, once you are in New York. We can sit down and have a conversation. Just the two of us, no distractions."

Relief flooded through me, knowing that we were taking a step closer towards unraveling the mystery that had haunted our connection for so long. There was a sense of both trepidation and hope in the air, but I was determined to face the truth head-on.

"Alright then," I replied, my voice filled with a newfound resolve. "Anyway, I just came back from shopping with Angelica for the ball."

"Can I see the dress?" Zane asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Of course not, Shaw."

"Stupid."

"You are stupid."

"You are."

"Shut up."

"Make me."

A mischievous smile played on my lips as I retorted, "Oh, you want me to make you? Well, you better be ready, because I have a whole arsenal of tickle attacks waiting for you!"

Zane let out a playful laugh, his voice filled with anticipation. "Tickle attacks? Is that the best you've got? I've got ninja tickle-defense skills!"

"You wished! Remember that one time I tickled you and you peed on my white carpet?"

Zane groaned, "did you really have to remind me of that accident?"

"Pee-pee boy."

"Shut up, mustache girl."

I gasped dramatically, placing a hand over my heart. "Oh, the sting! The sheer brutality of that comeback! How will I ever recover from such a devastating blow? Atleast I could grow a mustache."

Zane chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "You know, one day you might regret underestimating the power of my nonexistent mustache. It's a force to be reckoned with!"

I couldn't help but join in his laughter, our playful banter creating an air of lightheartedness and joy. It was in these moments that I cherished our connection, the ease with which we could tease and jest with one another.

"Ah, Zane, you always know how to bring a smile to my face," I admitted, the warmth in my voice unmistakable.

"And you, my sugarplum, have a way of brightening up my world," he replied softly. "I'm grateful for your presence in my life. Don't you ever forget that."

-

I woke up to the pleasant surprise of my maid bringing breakfast in bed. She had prepared a delightful spread of yogurt, bread, and waffles, all neatly arranged on a tray. I thanked her profusely for her thoughtfulness and began savoring the delicious meal, enjoying the calm and comfort of my bedroom.

After breakfast, I proceeded with my usual routine, taking a refreshing shower and getting dressed in my professional attire. I felt prepared for the day ahead as I headed to work, ready to tackle the tasks that awaited me.

However, as soon as I stepped into my office, a sudden and intense stomach ache gripped me. Panic set in as I realized this was no ordinary discomfort. I hurriedly made my way to the nearest restroom, desperately seeking relief.

Inside the confines of the bathroom stall, I was met with the unfortunate reality of diarrhea. Waves of pain and discomfort coursed through my body, leaving me feeling weak and helpless. In that moment, the morning's pleasant start seemed like a distant memory.

I made a mental note to never let the maid make me breakfast, because what did she put in my food? Laxatives?

Amidst the physical distress, my phone rang, displaying Zane's name on the screen. Irritation and frustration welled up within me as I answered the call.

"Goodmorning, sugarplum," he cheerfully greeted.

"Today is not a good morning!"

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Hi guys,

How many of you have TikTok and how would you feel if I make a TikTok account and post more content of all my works? And with content I mean, characters, character aesthetic, quotes, etc.?