005

    I couldn't tear my eyes away, feeling like an intruder in this private moment. My mind raced with questions, doubts, and a profound sense of betrayal. What had happened to the childhood friend I had known? And who was the girl in his arms?

As I stood there, hidden in the shadows, I couldn't help but wonder if the chasm between Conrad and me had grown too wide to bridge, and if I was truly an outsider in this new world I had entered.

My heart pounding like a drum in my chest, I attempted to make a hasty retreat, silently cursing my curiosity for leading me into this uncomfortable situation. I took a step back, trying to blend into the shadows, but my attempt to sneak away was sabotaged by a clumsy mishap.

In my haste to escape, I inadvertently bumped into a precarious pile of plastic chairs. The deafening clatter filled the hall, reverberating off the walls, and my heart seemed to skip a beat.

Panicked, I watched as one of them approached the light switch, the sudden illumination exposing me like a deer caught in headlights. The girl who had been sharing an intimate moment with Conrad darted away, escaping into the safety of the well-lit corridors.

But Conrad remained, slowly taking a step closer to me, his piercing gaze locked onto mine. I retreated instinctively, my back pressing against the cool, unforgiving wall. His expression was a mystery, impossible to decipher.

"You know how to be at the wrong places at the wrong time," he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement that only deepened my unease.

I stammered, my voice trembling as I replied, "I...I didn't mean to intrude. I was just...lost."

His gaze was so piercing that my glasses began to steam up but their was no point in wiping them because he gave no room for me to move an inch. As my heart threatened to burst from the tension, a sudden interruption came to my rescue. A tall, strikingly handsome guy appeared, moving swiftly to stand between Conrad and me. His presence was commanding, and his dark hair and chiseled features made him appear almost otherworldly.

"I've been looking all over for you," he declared, his voice smooth and confident. He turned to me and continued, "I thought we were supposed to grab lunch together?"

I was bewildered. I had never seen this handsome stranger in my life, and yet he held my hand and led me away from the hall, leaving Conrad behind. As we walked away, my thoughts whirled with questions, and I couldn't help but wonder who this ridiculously handsome guy was. 

Liam Liasons – the name rolled off his tongue with an air of confidence as if he could read my mind. Surprised by his sudden appearance and introduction, I realized that he had indeed been sitting right in front of me, and I hadn't noticed. His striking presence seemed to have an almost magnetic pull.

"Jenna Brooks," I replied, offering my own introduction, feeling gratitude toward this handsome stranger who had come to my rescue.

Liam's demeanor shifted, his expression growing serious. He leaned in a little closer, his voice lowered. "You should stay away from Conrad," he advised, his eyes fixed on mine. "He's no good."

His words hung in the air, a warning that echoed in my mind. I nodded, thankful for his concern, and replied, "Thank you, Liam."

A playful glint danced in his eyes as he added, "I'll be around whenever you need me." His flirty smile sent a tingle down my spine, and for a moment, I was captivated by his undeniable charm.

As I returned to class, I took a seat gathering my thought but it was as if the school was bent on leaving me breathless because now, the pretty girl I had admired hours ago was wearing a smile and standing right in from of me. Her eyes, her hair, her lips and even the way she smelled was heavenly now that she was up close.

She took a seat near me and extended her hand, “Olivia Downs.” She introduced herself with a confidence that made me feel like a mere whisper in the wind. I couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity as I stood beside her.

"Jenna Brooks," I replied.

Olivia flashed a mischievous smile, and her eyes held a knowing glint. "Oh, Jenna, I've heard about you," she said, her tone casual. "You're related to Conrad, right?"

I nodded, related was a strong word but okay, "Yes, he's family."

Olivia leaned in a little closer, her voice low. "So, tell me, how hard is it to be living under the same roof as him?"

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating my response. "Well, he's not really difficult," I began, my words trailing off as Olivia burst into laughter.

Her laughter rang through the classroom, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment. Had I said something wrong?

Olivia composed herself, wiping a tear of amusement from her eye. "Oh, Jenna, you're adorable. You have no idea, do you?"

I furrowed my brow, confused by her reaction. "No idea about what?"

Olivia leaned in again, her gaze locking onto mine. "Conrad Declan," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "He's not just any guy. He's practically the king of this school. And he's a playboy, Jenna, dated almost every girl in this place."

My heart sank at her words, and I felt a swirl of emotions. Shock, disbelief, and a hint of dread. How had I been so oblivious to this side of Conrad? The Conrad I knew would never hurt a fly so how had he changed so drastically? With what I had seen earlier in the hall, I knew there was no doubt Olivia was telling the truth.

Olivia continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, "And guess what, Jenna? I'm his next target, but I'm not going to fall into Conrad's trap."

As Olivia spoke, her eyes bore into mine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense unease. Conrad next target was Olivia? The word ‘target’ had a chilling wave to it. How could Conrad consider someone a target? It was as if the more I found out about him, the more bewildered I felt.

“We should be friends, Jenna.” Olivia offered with a smile.

The thought of being friends with someone like her was out of place. Before I could answer her,  Conrad appeared from nowhere and stood in front of Olivia. I was shocked by how big his smile was when he was talking to her. Could it have killed him to smile at me in that same way?

Out of anger or jealousy, I wasn’t quite sure what the feeling was, I stood up and walked out of the room. I spent the rest of the day at the library because somehow, everyone and everything seemed to annoy me. Was it the fact that the one person I had been looking forward to meeting all these years was treating me with so much indifference? Or the fact that he would put on a big smile for everyone else except me? Or the fact that he had turned into a monster, not to exaggerate? Or the fact that…the facts were endless?

I buried my face in a book and sighed so loud that it attracted everyone’s attention to me. Great.

“Someone’s having a bad first day,” I heard the whisper coming from the desk next to mine. Then I saw that familiar smile, it was Jamie. Of course, it had to be him. Where else would you find a nerd like him?

He dropped his book on the desk, “You know, if you’re having a hard time, I can help.”

God. He’s such a sweet boy. Why couldn’t Conrad be more like him? You know, less Conrady and more Jamiely?

I smiled and reassured Jamie that I was fine before placing my head on the desk. Was I already regretting my decision to come to Houston?