Games Unfold

Soren – POV

Hazel and Raisel were sleeping in my guest room after finishing a tub of ice cream. I looked out at the night city skyline from my window, sipping a drink from my glass. I hate how things have turned out for Raisel; she looked so broken and humiliated. She never deserved such treatment—she’s a kind soul and a good woman. Raisel has been my best friend, the one who stood by me through thick and thin in college, and when I was bullied, she was the one to stick by my side and stand up for me. She gave me the courage to get through the dark times and slowly regain my self-esteem. I was the freak nerd of the college, the topper but not the popular guy like Alaric, who was the basketball team’s captain and managed to capture Raisel’s heart. I was happy she found love and moved to London.

“Soren,” Hazel called, and I turned to look at her. She was giving me a stern gaze. “Why are you here in London?”

“Not happy to see me, Hazel?” I asked.

She frowned. Hazel, Raisel’s best friend, treats Raisel like a sister. Hazel and I don’t see eye to eye. Our Ideas never match. Hazel Believes have some ulterior motives towards Raisel, but I have no bad intentions for Raisel.

“For work,” I replied.

“Don’t give me that bullshit,” Hazel said sharply. “You’re here for something else.”

“What would that be?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at Hazel.

“How did you attend a charity event when you never show up?” Hazel challenged.

“Are you in love with me? Keeping track of me?” I teased. Hazel cringed at my remark.

“Don’t act smart. I know you’re here to capture Raisel’s heart. You act like a best friend and find a way to seize her innocent heart,” Hazel accused. “Just like Alaric did, and he tore her heart to pieces. I want to go right now and tear him apart, but I can’t. I promised to let Raisel take her revenge.”

“I’m not here to seize Raisel’s heart,” I clarified. “I’m here on a business trip, and Alaric invited me to this event. I had no idea he was planning to humiliate her.” I despise that asshole for doing such a thing.

“Wait, you’re right. This charity event featured half of the things from Warden company. No wonder it was Alaric. Why didn’t I think of that before?” Hazel mused. “What could Alaric gain by humiliating Raisel?”

“Maybe he never loved her or could and do anything for Davina wishes for,” I began. “Alaric’s project and Davina’s name are in the news because of their love story and drama, making Raisel a scapegoat in this dirty political game. I believe”

“Wait, Warden company is getting deals because of the drama at the charity event,” Hazel interjected, scanning the articles. “People are sick. They can do anything for fame, even create a scandal that ruins someone badly. Isn’t Raisel innocent in all this but your announcing being her boyfriend made Raisel Image a gold digger” she frowned.

“I have a plan, but it also depends on Raisel,” I said.

“Your acting as her boyfriend is only adding drama to the scene, and let me tell you, your company is not looking good from the articles dating Raisel, who is being called a gold digger as soon as you announce you’re her boyfriend. Shoot, I should have managed to reach on time and save Raisel if my ex hadn’t blocked my path,” Hazel hissed.

“I think there’s more at play here, and Alaric isn’t done with Raisel. He’ll make sure she gets attacked. I need to be her boyfriend so he backs down,” I asserted.

“Are you saying Raisel is weak and needs your help? Without your stupid plan, she can’t survive?” Hazel challenged angrily.

“Raisel is not a weak woman. She stood with me against tough bullies and helped pull me out of the dark side of life. Her weakness is her love for Alaric, who misuses it,” I explained.

“You’re right about that,” Hazel conceded just as Raisel walked in and overheard everything. Tears filled her eyes. “I am weak against the love of Alaric, but I have you and Hazel at my side as my family,” Raisel choked out, her emotions overwhelming her. Hazel hugged her, and I gave her an understanding nod; I’m not much of a hugger.

After Hazel had to leave for work, I noticed Raisel wearing my t-shirt, looking vulnerable yet like a goddess. “Soren,” her sweet voice snapped me out of my reverie.

“Are you sure you want us to act as girlfriend and boyfriend? It doesn’t make much sense,” Raisel questioned.

“Believe me, I have your best intentions in mind,” I assured her. Raisel nodded and signed a contract where we agreed to act as boyfriend and girlfriend for a year until Alaric and his company crumbled.

“I trust you, Soren. Don’t break my trust,” she said earnestly.

“I won’t,” I affirmed. I knew what I had in store for Raisel was much bigger. Get ready to fall in love, Raisel. I will work out of the friend zone you’ve put me in for years. I will win your heart.​