49BRIARWOOD SCHOOL** Isabella had just finished arranging her books in her locker when she turned around, only to find herself face-to-face with Elijah."Isabella, I need to talk to you," Elijah said, his eyes filled with remorse.She rolled her eyes, attempting to walk past him, but he blocked her path."I know I was a jerk, but I really need to talk to you. Please," he pleaded, grabbing both her hands. "I miss you... I miss us," he added hopefully."Us?" Isabella raised an eyebrow. "Was there ever an 'us'?""I know I messed things up, but—""You're with Valeria now, and I'm with your buddy, Ace. Do you even have common sense?" Isabella’s tone sharpened, her irritation growing."I—""If Ace finds out about this, he’ll never forgive you. Honestly, I didn’t expect this from you, Elijah. Thank God nothing happened between us." She shook her head, walking away. Before leaving completely, she turned back to give him one last incredulous look.Elijah rolled his eyes and began to leave w
50Camila stared at Lucia, speechless. "Love?" she repeated. Alejandro could never love her. They hadn't married for love, and the thought troubled her. What if this was all part of his revenge? A cruel way to make her feel something, only to remind her of what she did years ago.Her chest tightened at the thought. "I don't think it's love. We just had sex, that's all," she mumbled."Keep lying to yourself. You’re both in love with each other, but neither of you wants to admit it. Are you seriously trying to tell me that after all this time with Alejandro, you don’t feel anything for him?" Lucia moved closer, eyeing her curiously.Camila blinked. "We’ve just grown closer, that’s all.""Fine," Lucia said, folding her arms. "Tell me what happened after last night.""He went for a morning run, and I woke up late. He wrote me a letter asking me to meet him downstairs, and," she smiled at the memory, "he tried to cook pancakes. They were terrible, and he almost beat himself up over it for
51Camila was brushing her teeth, gazing at her reflection in the mirror, when Alejandro came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She didn’t flinch or acknowledge him, continuing to brush her teeth in silence."How are you feeling this morning?" he asked softly.She remained silent, causing him to sigh."If I told you where I was last night, you'd never believe me," he muttered.Camila spat the toothpaste from her mouth, turned, and folded her arms beneath her chest, fixing him with a serious look. "Where were you? I waited all night, but you never showed up. Then suddenly, I wake up to find you sleeping next to me," she said, her tone sharp."At least tell me you ate something," Alejandro pleaded, his expression softening."I don’t have much of an appetite when I’m worried about someone," Camila replied, rolling her eyes as she washed her face. She left the bathroom, but Alejandro followed closely behind."You must be hungry. What do you feel like eating this morning
52 Lucia checked the map on her phone before stopping her car in front of a small, old building. "I can't believe I'm doing this," she mumbled as she stepped out.She wasn’t particularly surprised by her actions—this was her pattern, doing foolish things in the name of love. She reached an apartment door and stared at the picture on her phone once more before knocking."Geez, so hard," she muttered, glancing at her bruised knuckles, then knocked again.When the door opened, her heart nearly skipped a beat. It was him—George Williams. He looked even better than she remembered, though he was still wearing the same hoodie from the last time she'd seen him."You might not remember me," she started."I do, and I’m wondering what you’re doing here. How did you find out where I live?" he asked, his words coming out in a rush."George Williams," she said, pointing at him."How do you know my name? I knew you were weird the moment I laid eyes on you. Something’s definitely off!" His eyes narr
53Alejandro stared at Camila, speechless, for a few seconds as she returned his gaze with an innocent look. She deliberately ignored the hardness pressing against his shorts and focused on his empty hand."You didn’t get my fork," she cooed."We’re leaving," Alejandro said firmly."But I’m not done eating," Camila mumbled."Oh, you’ll eat all right," he replied darkly. "You’ll eat real good."He scanned the room, searching for the waiter."I’m not going anywhere, Alejandro." Camila stubbornly crossed her legs, but Alejandro was unfazed. He scribbled a check and left it on the table for the waiter."I said I’m not done eating!" Camila repeated, her defiance growing. Without warning, Alejandro lifted her effortlessly and threw her over his shoulder.Her eyes widened in shock."Put me down this instant!" She kicked her feet in protest, but Alejandro held her securely. She wasn’t heavy, so it was no effort for him as he carried her out to his car.He gently placed her in the passenger se
54"Shh," Alejandro pressed a kiss to her forehead. "It’s okay. You should get some sleep."Camila nodded, snuggling into his chest, and soon drifted off. Alejandro stayed beside her, his mind swirling with thoughts. After a while, he gently untangled himself from her, covered her properly, and slipped into some shorts.He grabbed his laptop and logged into his company’s site to check on things.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••NEXT MORNING•••••••It was exactly 8 a.m. when George arrived at the address Lucia had given him. The gate was larger than the one at his own home, making him hesitate about whether to knock or walk in.A security guard approached him. "May I help you?""My name is George William. Lucia gave me this address and told me to come today," George explained, though the guard looked skeptical."I have her number if you want me to call her," George said, fumbling for his phone."It’s fine. Wait here. I’ll confirm." The guard disappeared inside and spoke with other security
55Elijah wiped the blood dripping from his nose, glaring at Ace. Without hesitation, they lunged at each other, fists flying in a messy brawl.“What the hell is going on? We’ve got a game show in a few minutes! Cut the crap!” Jeff, along with the rest of the Cyber Boys, rushed to break them apart.“Your captain is a two-faced snake! He likes boys and girls! I’m warning you, Elijah—stay away from Isabella!” Ace spat, pointing furiously. Alan held him back, making sure he didn’t lose his temper completely.“That’s enough, Ace. We’ve got a game to win in a few minutes. Go freshen up,” Alan said sternly, dragging Ace away.Easton tried to calm Elijah, but Elijah angrily shook off his hand and stormed off. Isabella stood frozen, Ace's accusation about Elijah liking boys spinning in her head. Who could it be, and why was Elijah even involved with her and Valeria?••••“Ladies and gentlemen, we are live at the Esports Edge! Let’s gear up for the competition starting in less than 30 seconds.
56 ALEJANDRO'S PLACE***Camila slipped on one of Alejandro’s oversized T-shirts, a new morning routine ever since they spent their first night together.“Good morning,” she greeted as she entered the living room.“Morning, love bite,” Alejandro responded, walking over with a cup of coffee. He handed it to her, then placed a soft kiss on her forehead.“Love bite?” Camila laughed, confused.“I’ve decided not to call you Camila anymore. ‘Love bite’ suits you better. I can’t get enough of your neck, and I love leaving my mark,” he teased with a grin.Camila chuckled and sipped her coffee. “This is really good. You’re getting better at this.”“I’m a man of many talents. As long as it keeps that smile on your face, I’ll keep it up,” Alejandro winked."You're so cheesy," Camila tried to hide the blush creeping up her face, but it was no use. Her cheeks were as red as ripe tomatoes."My father's birthday is next week. When are we leaving Mexico?" She quickly changed the topic."I was just ab