All Chapters of My Rival My lover: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Alex’s POV Luke followed, still silent and slightly dazed, but he didn’t pull away. As we walked, I could feel the weight of Andrian’s stare burning into my back. Let him look. Let him see. I was done caring about him or what he thought of me. For all I cared about, he could rot in hell. “Hey, slow down, Alex. Why the rush?” Luke asked, pulling me back, his voice breaking through the haze of my thoughts. “We’re going to be late for class if we don’t hurry,” I replied, but even to my ears, my voice sounded off, rushed, strained. Luke grinned mischievously. “Oh, but why are your cheeks so red? Are you blushing?” I groaned, mortified. “I’m not blushing!” My words came out more defensive than I intended. I turned away quickly, clutching my bag tighter. Luke’s laughter followed me as I walked ahead, but soon enough, he caught up. “Wait for me, Alex! I was just messing with you.” But I didn’t stop for one second, I continued like I was being chased, pretending not to hear him. In c

Alex's POV The walk home felt like eternity. All throughout what I could think about was the failed audition, the humiliation, and the way the prodigy had looked at me with disgust and loath. had looked at me, as if I was nothing. I s8ghed for the hundred times since the audition. I need to stop myself from overthinking. Having nothing to do, I stared at the nearby pavement, counting the cracks. Luke was beside me , he had not said anything since our walk home after school, but his hands were firmly clutching mine, silently offering his support. I guess he wanted to give me space. His usual playfulness was gone throughout today, an effort to calm me and allow me my peace. but I could sense his glances at me, like he was trying to gauge if I’d break down any moment. I didn’t want his pity. I didn’t want anyone’s pity. This is my cross and I will carry it alone. “Alex, let’s go somewhere,” Luke said suddenly, breaking the silence. I turned to him, my brows furrowing. “What?

Alex’s POV “Mum!!” My mother was sitting on the couch, her back straight and her head turning toward me with the sharpness of a hawk. Her eyes met mine, and I froze. She had that look whenever she was upset with something. In this case, someone's. Deep shame came over me. As I suddenly became self counciouse. Has she seen? Or did she have a bad day at work?. I can't help but ask myself. She was still dressed in her work clothes, her blouse slightly wrinkled, and her hair pulled back into a neat bun. She must have just gotten home. I blamed myself for not checking for the sign of her car. The faint light from the lamp beside her illuminated her face, making the tension in her features impossible to miss. “Hi, Mom,” I said quickly, managing to keep my voice neutral and devoid of emotion despite the raging emotion in me. My palms felt clammy, and I stuffed them into my jacket pockets to hide my nerves. “Alex.” Her tone was calm but carried an edge that immediately made my stoma

Andrian’s POV The house was quiet when I arrived, the kind of silence that pressed down on you like a heavy weight. All the cleaners have retired or i will say had run to hide in their various holes. “Better for them” I murmured, feeling pity for anyone who will be unfortunate to come across me now. My father wasn’t home, thankfully, so I won't need to watch my steps because I was as angry as hell. He was probably off at one of his endless meetings or scheming sessions. I should’ve felt relieved by his absence, but the emptiness in the house matched the one gnawing at my chest. Today had come and gone, and Alex hadn’t shown up at school. I should’ve been celebrating. After all, I had done what I was supposed to. I’d humiliated him, brought him down to his lowest, just as my father wanted. The masked judge’s critique had been cruel, biting, and perfectly aimed to crush Alex’s confidence. It worked. Even more so than expected. Who should have known that music meant alot to him. It

Alex Pov Luke.His warm brown eyes widened in surprise before softening into something gentler. He steadied me with a hand on my arm, his touch calm.and gentle. And a gentle contrast to Luke of yesterday night.“Alex,” he said, his voice low and calm, but there was a hint of something in it, relief?I opened my mouth, the apology I had rehearsed since I woke up, ready to spill out. “Luke, I…”But he cut me off, his voice firm yet kind.“It’s fine,” he said, his lips curving into a soft smile. “You don’t have to explain.”I blinked, startled. “What?”“Last night,” he continued, his gaze unwavering. “I shouldn’t have pushed you. I get it, Alex. You need time, and I’m okay with that. I’m willing to wait for as long as it takes.”His words caught me off guard. The sincerity in his voice, the patience, the intensity, the understanding, and it all melted something inside me. I had expected anger, maybe even resentment. But instead, here he was, willing to stand by me, no matter how compli