Page 50 of Undisputed Chaos
But even as the questions rose, I knew the answers didn't matter.
This wasn't for anyone else. It was for him. For Adrian, who would recognize his mark around my neck and understand exactly what it meant.
Taking a deep breath, I pressed record.
"Hey flowers!" The greeting came naturally, despite my racing heart. "Today we're playing with this absolutely gorgeous vintage palette, and I'm so excited to share these dreamy colors with you."
As I moved through the tutorial, demonstrating how to apply each shade, my hand kept drifting to the ribbon, an unconscious gesture of reassurance.
"This blush palette is perfect for everyday wear," I explained, brushing the reddish-pink powder over my cheekbones. "It's soft enough for the office but can be built up for evening."
Evening.The word conjured images of Adrian and those green eyes, intense in dim lighting, tattooed hands gentle on my waist, mouth hungry against mine.
Would he take me out once we were officially together? Would he show me off, his hand possessive at the small of my back?
Or would he keep me to himself, hidden away in that industrial mansion I'd only glimpsed in the backgrounds of his photos?
Either way, I knew I’d go willingly.
When I finished filming, I spent more time than usual editing the footage. I adjusted the lighting to ensure the ribbon caught the soft glow from my ring light, subtle but unmistakable.
I added my usual filters, my usual captions. The thumbnail needed to be perfect, too. I wanted it to stop Adrian's scrolling thumb completely.
Because it wasthemoment. A turning point, a bridge between the girl I'd been and the woman I was choosing to become.
Before hitting upload, I watched the video one last time.
The girl on my screen looked like me, but more vibrant, more alive, more authentic despite the careful makeup and styled hair. The ribbon at her throat told a story that only one person would fully understand.
With a deep breath, I hit upload. The video went live at exactly 3 PM.
I set my phone down and stepped onto my balcony, watching the skyline shimmer in the afternoon sun.
Somewhere out there, Adrian was waiting, watching. Soon, he would see the ribbon at my throat and know that I had accepted his silent question.
The minutes ticked by, each one stretching longer than the last.
I imagined him watching my video, those green eyes darkening with recognition, that smile spreading across his face.
Would he call? Text? Show up at my door?
My phone sounded with a notification—a comment on my video.
Love the tutorial! That ribbon is so cute. Where is it from?
I smiled, not bothering to respond. That information wasn't for sharing. Another chime. This one a DM from someone whose opinion Ididcare about.
@CrewKicks
When did my sister start wearing ribbons? Is this a new thing?
I laughed softly, typing back.
@IslaBelleflower
Just trying something new.
The afternoon wore on, comments accumulating, likes climbing. But not a word from Adrian. My confidence began to waver.
