I’m the kind of woman who gets plenty of men’s attention. But the one man I wanted it from most seemed uninterested. There’s Brielle, buzzing around him like a bee to honey. So, I promised my granny’s inheritance for a date that could surprise me. Soon, a long line of men formed outside my door.
“My name’s Odette,” I often said, flashing a smile that could stop traffic.
Everyone knew me. Men practically tripped over their feet to get my attention. Everyone noticed me.
Well, everyone except Monroe.
Monroe, my enigmatic neighbor, was different. Where others were loud and eager, he was calm, collected, and almost… mysterious.
“Morning, Monroe!”
Every morning, I called out to him, hoping today would be the day he’d finally stop and chat. But all I ever got was a nod or a brief smile
“Why do you even bother?” Brielle sneered. She lived two houses down and made it her life’s mission to outshine me.
“He’s not interested.”
I’d shrug, pretending her words didn’t sting. “Maybe he just likes a challenge.”
But Brielle had this way of getting under my skin. She was always competing with me—best garden, best parties, and of course, best at capturing Monroe’s attention.
One day, as I was trimming my roses, I overheard her laughing with Monroe in her garden.
“Monroe, you simply have to come over for dinner sometime,” Brielle was saying, her voice dripping with charm.
She leaned in, touching his arm lightly, her laughter ringing out like a victory bell.
My grip tightened on the shears.
“Enjoying yourself?” I called over, trying to keep my voice light, though the sight made my blood boil.
“Oh, Odette, didn’t see you there. Just having a little chat with Monroe.” Brielle glanced back, a smug smile playing on her lips.
Monroe nodded politely, his calm demeanor as infuriating as ever. I couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Something drastic. I need to do something drastic,” I muttered to myself as soon as they were out of earshot.
That night, I sat at my desk, tapping a pen against my chin. My thoughts kept drifting back to Monroe and the way he’d barely noticed me, despite all my efforts.
An idea struck me! It was bold, maybe a bit crazy, but exactly what I needed.