He slapped Xavier so hard that I thought he might hit the ground. “You little brat! You’ve really crossed the line this time! How dare you lay a finger on Aria? You want a beating?”
He moved to kick Xavier, but Sophia was quick to step in front of him, blocking the attack. “Uncle, Xavier was just protecting me. If anyone should take the punishment, it’s me!”
Xavier’s gaze froze his father in place. “Touch her, and I’ll make you regret it.”
Honestly, I didn’t want to get tangled up in this mess any longer.
Turning to the teacher, I asked in a raspy voice, “Can I go now?”
But the teacher was too caught up in the chaos to even notice me.
I walked out, glancing back over my shoulder. Xavier and his dad were still at it, struggling with each other, while Sophia and a few teachers desperately tried to pull them apart. The whole scene was out of control.
When I got home that night, Xavier’s mom was already waiting for me. The moment she saw me, she gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth.
“Aria, Xavier… he…” she stammered, looking horrified.
My own mom was in shock too, rushing to my side. “Did Xavier do this to you?”
I nodded, and with a deep breath, I decided to set the record straight. “Auntie, it’s clear Xavier’s done with me. If you need anything from him, you’re better off going to him directly. I’m done here.”
“Aria…” Xavier’s mom sighed, but she didn’t argue.
My dad, heartbroken over seeing me like this, wanted to storm over to Xavier’s house and demand an explanation, but I stopped him. “No, Dad. I’m leaving for abroad soon anyway. I don’t want to be involved with Xavier anymore.”
He sighed, looking torn. “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry you had to go through this.”
I shook my head, trying to reassure him. “Dad, I’m not upset.”
And I wasn’t. A little chokehold wasn’t going to break me. I still had my life and my dreams. That was enough for me.
The next day, Sophia found me before class, her face full of guilt.
“Aria, I’m really sorry. Xavier… he didn’t mean it. I’m apologizing for him.”
I cut her off, not interested in hearing more. “You don’t have to tell me all that. I’m not your audience.”
Her expression faltered, but I wasn’t in the mood for her act. She’d been doing this since our last life, pretending to be my friend while low-key bragging. I’d fallen for it before, but not anymore. Not a chance.
“If you don’t have anything else to say, I’m heading back to class.”
Sophia grabbed my wrist, looking desperate. “Please, Aria. Don’t be mad at Xavier. He didn’t mean it.”
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “Is Xavier mute now? Does he need you to speak for him? And just so you know, I’ve known him for 16 years. I understand him way better than you ever will.”
Her face paled, her eyes glossing over as she processed the fact that we were childhood friends.
Seriously? Was all that emotion necessary?
I turned around, catching Xavier standing in the shadows, his eyes still locked on me. But I pretended I didn’t notice, walking away without looking back.
Sophia rushed over to him, her voice trembling. “I tried to apologize for you, but she got angry.”
Xavier’s gaze flicked to her, and without a word, he pinched her cheek, the gesture almost casual. “Busybody.”
“What?” Sophia blinked, not understanding.
Xavier pinched harder. “Stop doing useless things. She doesn’t need your apology.”
Sophia exhaled a breath of relief, her expression softening. “Xavier, as long as you’re okay, I’ll do anything for you.”
Xavier smiled coldly and pulled her into his arms, still watching me as I walked away.
