HOW IT BE, imagines

05. when he cheats (3)

Y/N's POV

Saturday night had started out like any other - Nate and I planned to go out to dinner. I'd already showered the night before, so I just needed to find something to wear. I picked out something fancy but not over the top - a soft, smokey eye with nude lips and my hair straightened, sleek and shiny. I grabbed my small handbag with the essentials, feeling calm, excited for our night.

The clock read 7:50. Nate was supposed to pick me up at 8, so I had a little time to spare. I went downstairs, ready to wait for him.

A knock at the door startled me - it was Nate, looking sharp in his outfit.

"Hey babe, you're early," I smiled.

"Yeah. You ready?" He asked.

I nodded, stepping outside, but he suddenly blocked my way.

"Can I use your bathroom real quick before we go?" he asked.

I chuckled, handing him the key. "It's on the door. Lock up. I'll be in the car."

I watched him go upstairs before climbing into his black Mustang and waiting.

My phone buzzed, then his. I tried not to be nosy, but I picked up his phone when it lit up.

From: 405-259-1042
Hey baby, when can I see you again? Last night was amazing 😘😘

My breath caught. My fingers trembled. Before I could even think, I heard the front door slam and Nate heading my way.

I set his phone down and pretended to scroll on Instagram when he got in.

He handed me my keys, and we drove to the restaurant.

We held hands walking inside, but the text stayed lodged in my chest, a quiet weight I couldn't shake.

"Are you okay, baby?" Nate asked, brow furrowed.

I smiled, shaking my head. "Yeah, just hungry." I squeezed his hand, trying to push away the knot in my stomach.

Dinner passed in small talk and polite smiles, but I was distracted.

When I said I needed the bathroom, Nate nodded and called the waitress for the check.

Inside the bathroom, my heart stopped when I overheard voices.

Two girls - one blonde, one brunette - chatting in the stalls.

"Girl, you would not believe this. He's so cute and sweet, and he's so good in bed," the blonde giggled.

"What was his name again?" the brunette asked.

"Nate. But he loves when I call him daddy," the blonde laughed.

I sank into the stall, tears falling silently.

Why? Why would Nate do this? He knew my past - the betrayals, the broken trust. And now this.

I wiped my makeup quickly, forcing a fake smile, then walked back out.

Nate was waiting by the car, and the silence between us was heavy.

Back at home, I took a quick shower to wash away the hurt.

Later, Nate sat on the bed, phone in hand, waiting.

When he left to shower, I noticed his phone on the nightstand.

The texts made my chest tighten even more.

To: 405-259-1042
Hey lil mama 😍 I'm busy right now but I'll definitely get back to you ;)

From: 405-259-1042
Okay daddy 😏 can't wait for part 2 👅

To: 405-259-1042
Alright baby girl, see you soon I have to go 🤤

Tears fell on his phone screen as I unlocked it.

He came out of the bathroom, eyes wide.

"Why?" I whispered.

He looked everywhere but at me.

"God damn it, Nate! Answer me!" I yelled, standing.

"I-I don't know," he stammered, finally meeting my gaze.

I laughed bitterly, the sound breaking me.

"You're probably confused why I'm laughing, huh? At dinner, when I went to the bathroom, I heard those girls talking about last night. They were talking about you, Nate. Saying you're sweet and good in bed. She said you love when she calls you daddy."

Tears streaked down my face as I spoke.

He said nothing.

"We've been through every obstacle together. How could you do this?" I sighed, wiping my tears.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. It just happened," he rushed out.

"Please don't come near me," I whispered, holding up a hand.

His face crumpled with hurt, but mine was breaking.

"Nate, get dressed and leave. I can't do this anymore. Who knows how many other times this happened?"

His eyes begged me not to let go.

"No, baby, I'll change. I'll be all yours. Please, I'm sorry," he pleaded.

"I don't think I can risk it again. You were supposed to be my peace, Nate. But you broke me. Now I have to put myself back together."

He gathered his things quietly and left.

I sat on the bed, head in my hands, tears still falling.

The door closed behind him, and silence settled in.

No matter how much it hurt, I knew sleep was the only escape.