Elspeth's POV

I could hardly believe that today, my nineteenth birthday, had finally come, and my heart was pounding as I walked up to Alfie's flat. It was supposed to be a perfect day. I had devoted a lifetime to getting ready, choosing the ideal attire, and applying flawless makeup. In addition to telling me I looked great, Pippa persisted in pressuring me to approach Alfie.

She had essentially nudged me when she said, "You've been with him for months." "Elspeth, it's time. You should concentrate on Alfie and stop having dreams about a man you hardly ever talk to. It might happen tonight. Simply go for it.

I returned the smile, a little uneasy. She was not mistaken. I had a fantastic boyfriend in front of me, but I had wasted far too much time worrying about Rhys, somebody I barely knew. Perhaps it was time to give up games.

However, something didn't feel right as I stood at Alfie's door. I struggled to pinpoint the cause of my unease. Was it anxiety? Perhaps. Trying to convince myself that everything would be alright, I knocked and tried to shake it off.

The door opened, but Harriet, our boss, greeted me instead of Alf's typical smile. She seemed totally at home here, as evidenced by her well-groomed hair and composed, authoritative face. As though she had been anticipating someone, but not me, she arched an eyebrow.

"Elspeth?" she asked, sounding a little perplexed.

My heart skipped a beat. What brought her here?

"Oh, hello. Is Alfie present? Trying to speak steadily, I asked.

Harriet folded her arms across her chest and leaned against the door. "My boyfriend is Alfie. Why wouldn't he be?

The words were like a kick to the gut. Friend? That isn't possible. His girlfriend was me.

There was a problem. I pushed past Harriet without thinking, and my feet moved naturally as I entered the flat.

"What are you talking about?" My voice rising in disbelief, I demanded.

Dimly lit, the drawing room smelt of cologne and something far too personal for a casual get-together. Then I saw Alfie, lounging on the couch, looking totally at ease. When he saw me, he didn't even bat an eye. He showed no signs of guilt or shock. There was only a slack smile on his face.

"What's up, Elspeth?" As if nothing were wrong, he asked.

The rage that was building inside of me was uncontrollable. "What's up?!" I almost yelled. "Harriet just informed me that she is your girlfriend. Alfie, what the devil is happening?"

Alfie let out a sigh and combed through his untidy hair as if I were the one adding complexity. He remained unfazed, not even rising to his feet. "Look, Elspeth, I have been seeing Harriet, but I didn't anticipate it turning out this way. It's not a huge deal.

I was unable to comprehend what he was saying. He said it in such a casual manner, as though it had no bearing whatsoever. He appeared indifferent, yet the betrayal struck me deeply. Not by any means.

"No big deal?" I shook my head and repeated. "Alfie, we've been dating for months. Months.

When Alfie finally got to his feet, he had the same bored look on his face, as if the whole thing was just getting on his nerves. Indeed, perhaps things would have turned out differently if you had shown genuine interest or effort. Somebody won't wait around for you forever. Are you aware that I am a man? We have necessities.

It broke my heart. Although he could have spoken more, the impact of his words was profound. The tone was just as important as the words. The chill.

"You're holding me responsible for this?" My voice was hardly audible as I whispered. "Because I didn't share your bed with you?"

As if it were the most apparent thing in the world, Alfie shrugged. "Yes, indeed. What were you anticipating? I won't continue in a relationship that doesn't provide for my needs, especially when there's someone like Harriet who"

"You dare not complete that sentence!" With my hands shaking and tears beginning to form, I interrupted him. "Alfie, I believed you were concerned about me. I believed we had something genuine.

Alfie crossed his arms and snorted. "The only reason I stayed with you was because I believed you were loaded. People talk about you as if you were a wealthy princess. However, does your father truly care about you? Why would I continue to be in a relationship that doesn't help me?

I felt like I was slapped across the face by his words. He was discussing Father Alastair and the years he had left me behind. It was excessive. Alfie was unaware of the full extent of it. We didn't intend for him to know. However, it was blatantly obvious. In a way, he was correct. My dad wasn't there, and he only gave me money when it was convenient for him. Alfie, though? He was meant to be unique.

I muttered, "You're disgusting," my voice trembling with hurt and anger.

My hand sprang out and slapped him across the face before I could stop myself. In the tense silence between us, there was a sharp cracking sound. Alfie didn't even flinch. His eyes were cold and unconcerned as he simply stared at me.

"Well, there you go," he uttered in a mocking tone. "Princess Elspeth finally loses her temper."

I have had enough. I was unable to tolerate him. I had the impression that the apartment's walls were closing in on me. I slammed the door behind me as I turned and bounded out.

As I ran down the stairs, tears clouded my vision. I completely shattered all my preconceived notions about Alfie, us, and myself. What caused my blindness?

I required a companion. I required Pippa.

With trembling fingers, I took out my phone and dialled her number. The tears no longer mattered to me. All I needed was someone to reassure me that I wasn't insane and that I wasn't to blame for this.

"Pippa?" In between sobs, I said. "This is Alfie. He has been unfaithful to me. alongside Harriet.

After a brief period of silence, Pippa's voice filled with rage and incredulity came through. "That idiot. "Are you serious?"

Despite her inability to see me, I nodded. "He claimed that I was to blame for not sleeping with him. He claimed that my dad doesn't give a damn about me, and the only reason he stayed with me was because he believed I was wealthy.

Pippa whispered, "Oh, Elspeth," in a sympathetic tone. "That is not something you deserve. Actually, you don't. He is a jerk. It's better for you without him. It's unbelievable that he said all of that.

Her words somewhat reassured me, and I sniffed. "I don't understand," I muttered. "I believed he was interested in me."

"You certainly did. Elspeth, you're a decent person. He never valued you and is just a loser. He took advantage of you.

Just hearing her say that gave me a little sense of relief. "I'm not sure what to do." With a faltering voice, I confessed.

"Come over," Pippa demanded. "I have the ideal strategy. Together, we'll solve this."

She couldn't see it, but I nodded again after hesitating. "All right. I'll be there shortly.

I could still feel the betrayal in my chest as I hung up and began to walk to my car. However, the burden on my shoulders seemed to lessen slightly as I moved. Pippa might have been correct. Alfie might have been better off without me. Perhaps something new was about to begin.