Chapter Six: The Heartbreak đź’”
Alan's POV
I thought I had finally found peace. After everything with Astrid, Bianca felt like a fresh start — someone who could silence the chaos inside me. Her presence was light, her laughter a shield against the darkness I carried.
But shadows don't disappear that easily. One afternoon, wandering near the back of the school, I caught the sound of her voice. It was familiar, warm at first… until the words twisted into something cruel.
"Alan? Please. I'm just using him. He's poor, but being with him makes me look powerful. Everyone stares when I walk beside him. That's all I want — attention, not love."
The world stopped. My chest tightened, my breath turned to stone. I wanted to step forward, to demand the truth, but my body betrayed me. I stood frozen, listening as the girl I trusted shattered everything I thought we had.
That night, silence consumed me. I locked myself in my room, refusing to speak. Alex knocked, worried, but I couldn't explain the storm inside me.
Days later, I finally confronted Bianca. My voice shook as I asked, "Did you say those things about me?"
Her eyes widened, and she laughed nervously. "Alan, you misunderstood. I was joking with my friends. They tease me because you don't have much money, but I told them I don't care. I like you for who you are. Don't let gossip twist your mind."
Her words were gentle, her tone convincing. And against my better judgment, I believed her. I wanted to believe her. I needed to believe her.
For a moment, the pain eased. I let her defense wrap around me like a fragile bandage, even though deep down, the wound still bled.
(Not everyone who smiles at you wants the best for you.)
---