CH. THIRTY SIX-KISS

"Forgive me for this.."

RACHEL'S POV

He stood there, stunned, clearly not expecting me to bring up the past. His expression shifted, conflicted, like he didn’t know how to respond.

“Look, Rachel, I don’t know what you’re talking about but—" Leo started, his voice almost soft, but I cut him off before he could finish.

"But what, Leo?" I snapped, stepping closer until there were only inches between us. I could feel the heat radiating off him, my anger bubbling over like a volcano ready to erupt. My heart pounded in my chest as I glared at him, the bitterness from years of unresolved tension fueling me.

“We were friends, Leo. More than friends. But then, out of nowhere, you turned your back on me. You humiliated me in front of the entire college!” I shouted, my voice shaking as I tried to suppress the tears that threatened to spill over.

He met my gaze, his eyes darkening with something I couldn’t quite read. “Why are you acting like you’re the victim here?” he said, his tone flat, alm