I ventured out into the living room and was surprised to find the table laid with expensive china and a small feast, big enough for two. A candelabra in the middle of the table hosted three candles that shone dimly, casting a beautiful glow over the food. I suddenly felt hands on my arms and then giggled as Draco’s lips brushed against my neck. I turned in his arms and met his lips with my own. “You’re too good for me.” I whispered as his arms went around me and we kissed each other hello.

Things had been rather awkward last night. By the time Draco had finished in the shower, he had come out to find me already in bed and pretending to be asleep. I knew he must’ve been confused as it had only been nine o’clock. He knew full well I was not one to go to bed early. But he had climbed into bed nevertheless in merely his boxers and put his arm around me where he fell asleep rather quickly. I had tensed up, unmoving for around an hour. Knowing that he could possibly find out what I had done killed me inside.

I watched him walk to the door. My mind raced. I didn’t want him here because he was the cause of mine and Draco’s fight. But I wanted him here because when he had walked into the room, an odd settling feeling had washed over me. I felt safe in his presence, guarded. And I had a burning desire to talk to him, to get to know him. I groaned helplessly before saying, “Wait, Blaise; you can stay.” He turned and made his way back over to me as if he had expected me to say this. I grew angry at this but decided to let it slip as he linked his arm through mine.

My stomach lurched and I sank further into my seat, hoping he would do the sensible thing and ignore me. But even then I was thinking wishfully and I knew it was no use, because he immediately dropped all thoughts of his previous destination and strode across the room. He stopped before me, his intent gaze boring down into mine. I felt a faint red blush rise in my cheeks as I tried to stop the sickening lurches in my stomach. “Fancy meeting you here.” Blaise said as he slid into the seat opposite me.

There came a knock at the door right then, and I sat bolt upright, clutching my heart in surprise. I hurried over when the pounding continued. ‘Coming!’ I shouted impatiently. I heard off-note singing and scrunched my nose up in confusion as I worked through the dead bolt on the door. I finally wrenched it open and was shocked to see a half-unconscious Draco leaning against an uncomfortable Claudia. ‘Claudia? What . . . ?’ I reached forward to take Draco’s weight off her and helped him inside.

When I looked at the diamond ring on my finger, I remembered. It was so easy to pull off. I felt nothing as I slid it from my skin and placed it on the table in front of me. My hand felt empty, like there was a piece of it missing, but the rest of my body had no reaction. Not even my heart, which remained in its carefully broken state. There were no further tears, no palpitations. No regrets.