Chapter 3
“Well, if that’s the case,” Alice said as she poured herself a soda, “then my brother must have liked you at some point. I mean, maybe he doesn’t realize it yet—but hey, that’s good news!” I blinked. “Good news?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow. “Alice, he literally said we could be friends if I behave.” “Exactly!” Alice grinned like it was some cosmic revelation. “For five years, he ignored you like you were wallpaper. And now he’s offering terms. Girl, that’s a major shift! He must’ve knocked his head and finally realized your worth.” I let out a dry laugh. “No. I’m pretty sure he’s just feeling guilty. He told me I jumped off that cliff after he rejected me. Of course he’s being nice. He thinks I tried to die over him.” Alice’s expression twisted. “Wait… what? You jumped? I thought it was an accident.” I paused. My chest tightened. I knew the truth now. They wanted me dead. I looked away, gripping the glass in my hand a little tighter. “Let’s not talk about that. I don’t want to know anymore. I don’t want to remember any of it. I just want to move forward… without your brother in it.” Alice’s expression softened. “That’s too bad. You’re the only one I ever wanted to be my sister-in-law. I hate that Katerina. If only my brother loved you instead of her…” I smiled faintly. “It’s okay. We can’t really teach the heart who to love, right? But don’t worry about me. In fact, I want you to come with me tonight—we’re celebrating something.” Alice blinked. “Celebrating what?” “What else?” I said, standing with a grin. “Me being free.” The club was loud and alive, bodies moving in sync with the bass. Colored lights danced across the walls, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe. I tossed my head back as I laughed with Alice, letting the music pulse through me like electricity. I was no longer someone’s shadow. I was me again. We danced until our legs ached, until sweat clung to our necks like glitter. And then, just as I was catching my breath, Alice tugged my arm. “Guess what?” I gave her a wary glance. “What now?” “My brother’s here,” she said, eyes wide. “He came with his friends. They’re just across the room. Come on, let’s say hi—” “No.” I shook my head before she even finished. “I don’t want to.” She frowned, but didn’t push. I appreciated that. So I stayed. I danced harder. Wilder. My heart pounding, my body reclaiming itself with every move. I felt Dylan’s gaze eventually. Heavy. Constant. Watching from across the room like a hawk. I ignored him. Eventually, I slipped into a booth nearby, catching my breath, when I heard the unmistakable voice of one of Dylan’s friends. “Oh, look who’s here. Your stalker’s back, Dylan.” A chuckle followed. “Guess she hasn’t gotten over you, no matter how many times you shut her down.” Another guy laughed. “Dude, she’s actually pathetic. I thought you told her to stop?” “She’s behaved for now,” Dylan replied, his voice cold and dismissive. “But who knows? Maybe she’ll try to seduce me again like she did before. Remember when she tried to sneak into my room and kissed me? God, she was crying and begging for me to kiss her back.” Laughter erupted at the table. I stared at my drink, heart thudding. My hands trembled slightly. I couldn’t believe it. That… was me? I had cried for that man. I had begged for him. And now he mocked me. Like I was a joke. Like my feelings were entertainment. Another voice joined in, “You inviting her to your birthday, Dylan? Maybe let her give us a performance. Based on how she danced tonight, she’s got moves.” Dylan laughed. “Surely, she wouldn’t say no.” I gritted my teeth. Fury bubbled beneath my skin. But I stayed still. Silent. Let them think I didn’t hear a thing. Minutes later, Dylan approached. He wore that smug smile that used to make my heart flutter. Now it just made me want to slap him. “I’d like to invite you to my birthday,” he said casually. “And… I hope you can give us a little performance. Like the one you gave earlier. Very… entertaining.” I looked him dead in the eyes. “Sorry, I’m busy on your birthday.” He blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?” “I said no.” “You’re saying no to celebrating my birthday?” I tilted my head, my tone icy. “Yes. Why? It’s not like it means anything to me. I have better things to do.” He stared at me, confused, annoyed. “Like what?” I smiled sweetly. “I have a date.” And with that, I stood and walked out of the club leaving Dylan Green frozen in the middle of the crowd.