Renting Billionaire Boyfriend

Best Friend - Chapter 6

Content Warning:This chapter has a suicide attempt scene, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a trusted individual or professional support for help. Remember, you are not alone.

**Raisel – POV**

I woke up with a pounding headache, squinting against the sunlight streaming through the windows. Alaric was busy adjusting the drapes, flooding the room with blinding light. “Morning, Raisins,” he greeted me.

“My head hurts,” I groan, my eyes slowly adjusting to the brightness. The aroma of coffee and breakfast filled the air, and I spotted Lora, the maid who always brought me delicious food.

“You’re drooling,” Soren remarked, an amused glint in his eyes, clearly entertained by my lack of decorum. I didn’t care. Rolling my eyes, I reached for the coffee, but Soren stopped me, pointing to the ginger tea instead. He took the coffee mug for himself, and I growled in frustration.

“I need coffee,” I whined.

“Ginger tea, scrambled eggs, and toast are better for a hangover,” he said sternly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Normally, I wouldn’t let a man tell me what to do, but maybe it was just the hangover making me compliant.

“What are you planning for revenge?” Soren’s question caught me off guard.

“What do you mean? Do you have something planned?” I asked, blinking at him.

“I do, but I want to hear what you’re thinking first. Do you have something specific in mind?” His voice turned dark, and a chill ran down my spine as if something sinister simmered beneath his calm exterior.

“I… I don’t have a specific plan. I just want him to feel helpless and humiliated, like he made me feel,” I whispered, rubbing my temples as the headache persisted. Soren placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and handed me an aspirin, which I accepted gratefully with a glass of water.

“I know it sounds strange,” I confessed. “I should be plotting revenge, but I’m torn. Part of me wants to forgive him and move on, but the other part—”

Soren interrupted. “You should go with the second option. Revenge is best.”

“I didn’t even finish my sentence.”

“I know you well enough,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“What should we do? Alaric is getting married to Davina,” I said, my voice catching with emotion. It felt like a nightmare, but over the past month, the reality had slowly sunk in. I promised myself I would never fall in love again. Marrying and sacrificing myself for someone else was the most foolish thing I’d ever done.

“Hey,” Soren’s voice was gentle as his warm hands cupped my cheeks, wiping away my tears. His eyes darkened with a mix of seriousness and fury. “I’ll make him pay dearly.”

“Why are you doing so much for me, Soren?” I whispered. Besides Hazel, no one had ever truly had my back. Soren was my best friend, but he left college abruptly, transferring to London without saying goodbye.

“Because you’re my best friend, Raisin,” he said with a warm smile. Damn, his smile was charming, accentuating his sharp jaw. No wonder he’s a ladies’ man now, no longer the geek with glasses, nerdy clothes, and greasy hair.

“You left without saying goodbye, and you showed up when I needed your help the most,” I said, trying not to sound too bitter, but it had been on my mind for a month.

“I’m sorry. I had issues with my family, you know that. My timing is bad, I suppose, and it’s all just a coincidence. Don’t be suspicious of me,” he replied. I nodded, feeling embarrassed for doubting him. His father was strict, and his stepmother treated him poorly, favoring her own son for the family business over Soren, the rightful heir as the eldest Dalton son.

“I’m sorry for not staying in touch,” he whispered, his regret evident. I won’t lie—I was hurt. He was my best friend, and he left without a word.

“I thought you hated me for dating Alaric. You always warned me to stay away from him. I should’ve listened to you. When you left without telling me, I found out from a teacher at school. I even went to your house, but the guards turned me away at the gate,” I sighed, tears welling up again. Soren took my hand, gently stroking it in comfort.

“I could never hate you, Raisin. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that not saying goodbye would hurt you so much. I was inconsiderate,” he said softly, caressing my cheek. I hugged him. I knew he wasn’t the hugging type—he hated people touching him—but he didn’t pull away this time. His scent, a spicy mix of fresh meadows, was soothing. I pulled back, not wanting to overstep, but he didn’t seem irritated like he used to be. Instead, he wore a calm smile.

“I’m glad you never hated me,” I said, smiling.

“I never could, even if I tried,” he replied, his tone tinged with emotion. Before I could ask what he meant, his phone rang. My own phone chimed with a notification—Alaric had changed his relationship status to engage Davina. The picture of them kissing made my stomach turn. Did he ever really love me? I had to accept that his feelings were a lie, that my love was always one-sided. If he truly loved me, he wouldn’t have moved on so easily from our long relationship. Why am I the only one who’s a wreck? I hate this feeling. I want it to disappear. I wish I could move on as easily as he did. I wiped away my tears and put my phone aside.

I walked into the bathroom, staring at the sleeping pills and taking the bunch in my palm. My hands shook as tears streamed down my face. Looking at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the dull, pained expression staring back at me. No, I can’t be a coward. Something inside me urged me to fight these feelings. Suddenly, a large hand grabbed mine, knocking the pills out of my grasp. Soren’s eyes were filled with worry, his hands trembling.

“What were you thinking, Raisel?” he asked quietly. “You’re not a quitter.” He pulled me into a tight hug, his body shaking with fear. His embrace felt like he was holding onto dear life.

I can’t quit. I’m a fighter.