41

Vivian's POV

I couldn't shake off the feeling of awkwardness that lingered long after the incident at the supermarket. Nate's behavior had left me feeling stunned and confused. I didn't know how to process the mix of emotions that swirled inside me, anger, fear, and curiosity. Why did he act so possessive and jealous?

To avoid confronting those feelings, I did what came naturally, avoiding Nate.

I stayed stuck in my room, choosing to go down only when I was sure he wasn't around. My luck lasted for a while until I lucked out when he appeared in front of me, a silly smirk on his face showing his amusement.

“How long are you going to avoid me for, Vivian?” he asked with an unusual slur to his voice.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I met his gaze, unsure of how to respond. “I'm not avoiding you,” I lied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Nate raised an eyebrow, his smirk spreading into a smile. “Oh really? Because it does feel like you're going out of your way to avoid me, Vivian.”

I shrugged,