Semua Bab FATED REJECTION: BOUNDED BY LOVE, DIVIDED BY FATE: Bab 41 - Bab 50

Avery's POVThe day dragged on, and the weight of indecision hung like a shroud over me. I could not concentrate in class, and even Amelia's witty remarks could not drag me out of my head. Every silent second was filled with Jameson's words, his eyes, and his promise.By the time I trudged back to the dorm after my final class, I was worn out. Amelia was nowhere around, allowing me to wallow in my mind. I crashed onto my bed and stared at the phone resting on my nightstand. His goodnight text was still fresh in my mind. I picked up my phone despite thinking it wasn't a good idea.My finger just hovered over his name, deciding whether to message him or not. No, I thought, shaking my head. He said he’d wait. I need to sort through my feelings first. But before I could put my phone down, an incoming call made it buzz. Unknown Number. My heartbeat raced suddenly at having to consider that. For a second, I thought about letting it ring out and go to voicemail, but curiosity took over.

Avery's POVThe wind clawed at me as I walked across the campus, each gust feeling as if it wanted to peel away the delicate cover of composure I clung to. The sensation of being watched had not faded. It was like a shadow, creeping into every movement of mine. I tugged my jacket tighter around me, trying to avoid the crawling feeling on my skin.Strolling by my side now, blissfully ignorant of the turbulence inside me, would be Amelia. Her blond tresses whipped all around her face as she continued her tale. "So, I was thinking pizza with the extra cheese and that weird garlic drizzle you always make fun of for lunch today."I had to force the smile, as the mind was that far away. "Sounds good."Amelia halted mid-step, concern displacing her expression. She took hold of my arm, making sure I was looking at her. "Okay, what’s going on with you? You’re acting weird since yesterday. Spill.""I'm fine," I lied, albeit unconvincingly.She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing me as if she could

Jameson POVThe chill of the night air clung to my skin as Avery and I trekked across campus toward my apartment. She was quiet, too quiet, and even though it worried me, I knew better than to push her; after all, she had gone through quite a lot today, and this was pushing the last thing she needed. After reaching my place, I unlocked the door and ushered her in. "Sit down," I said softly. She obliged, sinking onto the couch. Arms wrapped around her body close, and either the sight of my room or the sense of being there seemed to scare her. The tension in her whole posture was palpable. I squatted in front of her, looking her in the eyes and saying, "You're safe here," my assurance ringing solemn and bright like the sun in the clear sky. She nodded but did not say anything; her body still frozen with discomfort. "I'll make some tea," I offered, "Perhaps it will help you find some peace". While the kettle was boiling, I searched through the cabinet for the chamomile tea. The on

Avery’s POVJameson’s apartment was cozy and sheltering from the bitter chill of the night, but it offered little solace from the storm raging in my mind. I clutched the mug of chamomile tea, allowing the faint floral aromas to fill the air around me, but the knot in my stomach refused to loosen.Jameson was sitting a few short feet away, his steady presence reassuring me. His questions earlier had been tender but electric: “be gentle on yourself, that's no longer a burden that you carry alone.” Someone was out for me, AND IT WASN'T random. That thought was like a splinter lodged deep in my mind, impossible to ignore and even harder to remove."I suppose I should go," I finally said, breaking the long silence.Jameson frowned. "Go where?""Back to my house. I can't stay here forever.""You’re not safe there," he told me firmly. "Not until we find out who’s behind all this."Sighing, I set the mug on the coffee table. "But what if I'm putting you in danger by being here? Whoever this i

Jameson’s POVLisa's confession had turned everything upside down. It was no longer just a puzzle; the pieces didn't match the way it was supposed to be, and now, there was a bigger picture which I couldn't see clearly. "Whom did you contact?" I demanded now.Lisa just shook her head. The trembling voice said: "I don't know their name. Everything was anonymous-calls, encrypted emails, cash drops. They didn't want me to know."Raymond crossed his arms, his expression skeptical, "And so you just went along with it?"Lisa glared at him. "You don't understand. These people are not just dangerous. They are above danger. They know everything about you, your weaknesses, your loved ones. They don't ask for favors; they give orders. Refusing is impossible."My mind raced with sifting through what she said. A little bit too much for Avery, or even me, to swallow. This was bigger, much bigger than calculated."Why Avery?" I asked coldly. "Why catch her in the crossfire?"They didn't tell me why