Chapter 122 

“No way!” Sheela gasped, still trying to process what I had just said. “You mean Mr. Sterwalt is totally fine with you and Kaiden? He didn’t even flinch? 

“That’s literally what she just said,” Rubina chimed in, shoving a handful of popcorn into her mouth. We were having a girls‘ night at her place–not to watch some superhit movie, but apparently to indulge the thriller chaos that just happened in my life. You know, the one where I was almost sexually assaulted by my ex–best friend and then nearly had my hand chopped off by my ex–stepbrother. 

“TBH, I’m lowkey loving this forbidden plot,” Rubina mumbled with a full mouth. 

“I thought this night out was for my mental peace, not your entertainment,” I snapped, swiping the popcorn bowl away from her and placing it near 

Sheela instead. 

“Yeah, it is,” she replied after forcing down her half–chewed popcorn. “That’s what we’ve been doing for the last five hours. And now, I think instead of spiraling over your trauma, we should also appreciate the fact that you’re safe, and both your parents have accepted your relationship.” She reached over and gently held my hand, her eyes soft. “See, talking about your trauma is healthy. But dwelling on it too long? That’s not. We need to look at the bright side too.” 

“Bright side like what? The part where Kaiden and I have to stay five feet apart in front of the whole world?” I said dryly. 

“Yeeaaahh… but…” Rubina let go of my hand, her fingers lingering for a second before she casually slid the popcorn bowl back toward herself with a shrug. “It’s just pretend. In front of others. When it’s just you two, you can be yourselves. You can love each other openly–without guilt, without fear of disappointing anyone. Doesn’t matter if the whole world’s against you; if your parents and your friends are with you, then you’ll be okay.” 

“Yeah,” Sheela chimed in, tucking her knees under her and fiddling with the edge of her hoodie as she leaned forward, her voice steady but her brows drawn in careful thought. “It’s just six months. And Mr. Sterwalt isn’t opposing your relationship with Kaiden, he’s just asking your mom to act like a perfect couple till the election, and in that process, you and Kaiden obviously have to act like perfect siblings.” 

“I get that,” I said, exhaling slowly as I picked at a loose thread on the cushion beside me. “I do understand it. But-” I stopped mid–sentence, my focus snapping to the obnoxious, open–mouthed crunching sound Rubina was making as she munched on popcorn like it was a personal act of rebellion. I shot her a glare, narrowing my eyes in irritation before continuing, “But… five feet of distance? Don’t you think that’s his subtle way of telling me to back 

off from Kaiden?” 

I used to respect Dan. Actually, I still do. But ever since I got back from the hospital, this entire week has felt like walking through fog with knives hidden 

in the mist. I can’t help but watch my back–constantly. 

feel scared. Scared that someone might stab me–if not literally, then emotionally, mentally. Everyone feels dangerous now… everyone except my mom, Kaiden, and my friends. Only around them do I feel something close to safety. Where as, with others, I feel like if I don’t behave exactly how people want me to, they’ll hurt me. Like Barbara did. Like Ross did. 

Every time someone speaks, even casually, I find myself digging beneath their words, searching for something hidden–some clue, some secret blade they might be readying behind their back. If I stay alert, maybe I can dodge it. Maybe I can stop them before they aim and let it fly. 

“I don’t think so,” Rubina said, finally swallowing the food in her mouth. “I’ve known Dan since I was a kid. He’s a good man. I’d vh for him. He doesn’t play mind games–especially not with his family.” 

“But… he knew about Mom’s affairs. About Kaiden and me. And he still turned a blind eye. Why would he do that? If that’s not a mind game, what is?” I 

asked. 

“I get why he ignored the chaos and wants you and Kaiden to keep some distance,” Rubina said. “I’m sorry–I didn’t want to bring this up, but I have to. Her voice dipped. My skin prickled. “Queen Bee.” 

My heart dropped. 

“She exposed your and Kaiden’s relationship to all of West Sterlingo. Sure, the news got buried under the claim that the video was Al–generated and part of some political smear campaign… but let’s be real. People are still watching. And Dan–he’s running for mayor. You tell me, who will vote a mayor who can’t even ‘control‘ his family? No one.” 

She leaned forward. 

1/2 

09:26 Fri 6 Jun 0 

Chapter 122 

“He could’ve forced your mom to stay in the marriage. He could’ve broken you and Kaiden apart. Hell, if he had done that, society would him. But he didn’t. Instead, he let you all be free. He didn’t control you. He didn’t control your mom. All he asked for was six months of pretendin perfect family. And even that he asked, not ordered. That’s rare. He could’ve chosen power. But he chose to be kind? 

“I agree with Rubina,” Sheela Backed her, adjusting her legs and pulling her knees up under her chin. “I might not have known Mr. Sterwall since childhood, but I can sense he’s a good guy. But I also get it, Lucy–it’s weird to see someone react so calmly, especially after everything you’ve been through.” She then wrapped her arm around my shoulder and added, “But screw all that. Just focus on the fact that now you don’t have to hide your feelings in shame anymore. You’re free to love each other–without guilt, without fear. Sure, the world can’t know yet, but that just adds to the thrill. Trust me, the next six months? You guys are going to have the best, most intense, most reckless sex of your lives.” 

“Ew!” Rubina groaned and flung a piece of popcorn at Sheela’s forehead with laser–like precision. 

“OW!” Sheela yelped, clutching her forehead. “You’re dead to me.” 

I couldn’t help but laugh—a genuine, soft, heartfelt laugh that I hadn’t felt in weeks. 

To be continued… 

AD 

Comment 

Send gift