Chapter 2.

(Scarlett's POV)

The girls immediately paled, and the smirks on their lips were replaced with terror. Camilla, who had initiated the bullying earlier, swallowed hard, her bravado fading under Alexander’s glare.

‘We didn’t mean—’ one the girls started to say, but Alexander interrupted.

“I don’t want your excuses,” he snarled, his eyes flashing dangerously. “If I ever find you pestering her or anyone else, then you will be answering to me. Got it?”

They nodded quickly, their faces as white as a sheet, obviously frightened.

“Go now,” Alexander commanded, his tone as icy as the winter wind. “Before I make you regret it. ”

He moved towards me and reached out his hand to touch mine; I did not move away from him, and there was a spark in his eyes that made me feel attracted to him. When our fingers met there was a jolt, an electric current ran through me and I felt as if I had been struck by lightning.

Alexander helped me stand and he held my hand for a little too long. I looked into his eyes and for a moment I saw something there, gentle, protective? But as rapidly as it came, that look was gone, and he was back to his emotionless self.

“Are you okay, Petal?” he asked me, calling me by the name he had given me, which always made me feel special.

Alexander put his jacket on me, which gave me not only the warmth of the jacket but also the warmth of his care. He looked deep into my eyes as if he could see through me. I had this feeling that I was drawn to him in a way I could not understand at the moment.

“Please leave,” he said in a very angry voice. The bullies had to flee as soon as they saw me.

“Let me help you. ” He came closer and picked me up as if I were a bride.

When I was in his arms, there was a strange happiness in me. I had always wanted him from afar, but now, it seemed like he was actually noticing me, perhaps he had similar feelings too.

“Do not cry for a little thing, I will protect you.” Alexander gently placed me on the floor near the bathroom, removing the strand of hair from my face. His touch was so gentle that my stomach would do flips as if there were little shocks going through my body.

I saw the world slow down for a second.

“Go wash your pretty face,” he whispered.

My heart started pounding and I found myself wanting to kiss him but I looked away immediately. I was afraid to embarrass myself and quickly ran into the bathroom, panting heavily.

I was still in front of the mirror, feeling Alexander’s touch on my face when the door to the bathroom opened and Sienna entered the bathroom with a frown on her face.

“Scarlett, are you okay?” she asked quietly.

I nodded quickly. “Oh yes, I’m alright,” I said although my voice cracked.

Sienna leaned against the sink, her eyes looking into mine. “You don’t have to lie to me, you know, I have seen how Alexander stares at you and how your eyes follow him.”

I gasped in surprise. Was it that obvious? I tried to downplay it as I felt that it was not a big deal. “He is just... a good guy, handsome, kind... but, you know, it’s nothing serious. “ The words sounded like a betrayal to my true feelings, but I was not ready to say them—not yet.

Sienna let out a sigh and folded her arms across her chest. “Scarlett, listen. Alexander... he’s not someone you can trust with your heart. He’s a player. He changes girls like clothes. Believe me, it’s better if you stay away from him. ”

She was right, or at least her words made me feel like there was a small part of me that would be happy to be left behind. I nodded my head as my mind was filled with mixed feelings. “Yeah, I know. You’re right. I’ll stay away. “ But as the words slipped off my tongue, a cold dread began to rise in my chest.

Sienna gave me a sympathetic look, her phone buzzing suddenly. She checked the screen, then glanced at me. "I’ve got to take this. Just... take care of yourself, okay?" She left the bathroom after giving me a gentle squeeze on the arm.

As soon as the door clicked shut, I leaned against the counter, staring at my reflection. Her warning played over and over in my mind, but deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to tell him how I felt. If I didn’t do it now, I might never know what could have been. The thought of always wondering 'what if' scared me more than the possibility of rejection.

Gathering all my courage, I stepped out of the bathroom, my heart pounding. This was it—I was going to confess. But just as I rounded the corner, my breath caught in my throat, and my world came crashing down.

Alexander was there, just a few steps away, with his hands on Sienna’s waist. They were kissing.

For a moment, I stood frozen, unable to believe what I was seeing. My sister... and Alexander? The same Alexander who had just been so gentle with me moments ago? The weight of betrayal hit me like a punch to the gut.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I didn’t wait to let them fall. I turned and ran, the image of them together searing into my mind. My heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and called my mom. My voice cracked as I tried to keep it together. "Can you pick me up?" I asked, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I... I want to leave. Forever."