Chapter 23 Misunderstandings.
The school day was almost over.
Zayden sat in the classroom, staring out the window..
We always had the heaviest workload–and the latest dismissal. The other classes had been out nearly twenty minutes
ago
Noticing Zayden still looking outside, Naomi leaned over and asked, “Zayden, are you looking for Eliza?”
No, Zayden replied flatly, turning his gaze away. Why would I be watching Eliza?
Naomi smiled like she hadn’t noticed the tension. “No need to keep looking–Eliza’s not going home anymore.”
Zayden’s band froze around his pen. “She’s moving into the dorms?”
“Yep. Naomi nodded. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her. Maybe she’s dating someone? Why else would she suddenly decide to stay on campus?”
Dating… The image of Eliza and Nolan slipping into that empty classroom flashed through Zayden’s mind. No wonder she’s been acting so distant lately. She’s moved on.
A heavy pressure settled in his chest.
He should’ve seen it coming.
Eliza hadn’t followed him around at all these past few days, and out of nowhere, she requested a transfer to Class Six. They maste been seeing each other for a while now. Now she was suddenly living on campus!
“Zayden? You okay?” Naomi asked, feigning concern.
“What else did she say?”
Naomi shook her head. “Not much. She just told me to let our parents know she’s moved into the dorms and won’t be coming home,”
Before she could finish. Zayden was already on his feet.
Startled. Naomi jumped up too. Zayden! Where are you going?”
Everyone in the room turned to look
The teacher slammed a hand on the desk. “Naomi! Sit down.”
She froze, then quietly returned to her seat, cheeks burning.
The teacher glanced at the clock and said, “Zayden already finished his test. If you haven’t, keep working”
Everyone immediately looked back down at their desks,
Out in the hallway-
Zayden strode straight to the Class Six door.
Elza was alone, working through problems in her practice book.
Zayden shoved the door open
Eliza looked up, startled, as he stormed in “Zayden?”
His voice was low and tense “You and Nolan–how far has it gone?”
She blinked. What is he even talking about?
“T’m asking you—how far have things gone between you two?” Zayden repeated, barely holding back his anger, veins rising at
0:30 AM
Chapter 23 Misunderstandings
+8 Pearls
his temple.
“Are you serious right now?” Eliza frowned. “Don’t you think this is my business? You don’t get to question me like this.
“If you’ve already picked Nolan, then why are you still holding on to our engagement? Zayden stepped closer, his voice turning colder with every word. “Or are you just playing both sides–trying to figure out who’s the better option?”
Zayden!” Eliza’s voice sharpened. “I never agreed to marry you. That engagement was something the adults decided when we were kids. You even said it yourself–it doesn’t count.”
Never agreed to many me. Zayden let out a bitter laugh, like she’d just told a joke. His eyes darkened, filled with something possessive. Then why were you always following me around? Why’d you give me that pen?”
Her eyes flickered. He knew about the pen?
Zayden took the pen from his pocket and raised it. “You gave Naomi the credit, no questions asked–because of Nolan, right? So you could end things with me and move on with him?”
Eliza hadn’t expected him to twist it like that.
But maybe it was better this way. If that’s the story he wanted to believe, let him.
“Yeah” she said with a forced sigh. “I like Nolan. That’s why I want to be done with you. Happy now? I was going to let this go.” she added, calm but sharp. “I wanted to keep things civil. I figured we could both just move on without drama. But you kept pushing, so here it is–yes, I transferred to Class Six for Nolan. Yes, I like him. And yes, I want to break off our engagement And I’d really appreciate it if you’d stop clinging to me and focus on your SATs instead. Sound good?”
That hit him hard. Zayden’s expression darkened–completely losing control.
Zayden looked like he’d just been punched in the gut. Fury exploded behind his eyes as he lunged forward, grabbing Eliza by the throat and slamming her against the wall.
“Eliza,” he hissed, “nobody gets to play me like that!”
“Zayden! Let go! Are you out of your mind? Eliza gasped, helpless under his grip.
Just then, a firm hand landed on Zayden’s shoulder.
And in the next second–he was yanked away and thrown aside.
Send Gifts
10
