~~~
DAMIAN'S POV
"Damian? You shouldn't be here," she smiled, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Then why do you look happy to see me?" I teased, watching her scoff.
"Let me help out."
"Oh thank you so much, dear. Bless you and your boyfriend," the old lady said, her eyes gleaming with gratitude.
"Oh no, he—he's not my boyfriend," Rhea stuttered, cheeks turning crimson.
"Ouch," I muttered with a playful smirk. She shot me a glare, but I froze.
Even her glare was beautiful.
This was the second time I saw her without those oversized windshield glasses. And she was breathtaking. Naturally beautiful. Her eyes—they weren't just pretty. They were fierce, like a volcano simmering beneath the surface.
"Do you want me to walk you home, ma'am?" she asked politely.
"Oh no, dear. You've done enough. My house is just a minute's walk from here. With your help, the hard part is done. I can manage now," the lady smiled.
"Okay ma'am, please take care," Rhea said with a respectful bow.
It shocked me—someone this stunning being this kind? Most girls in this school used their looks like currency. But not her.
"We'll get going now," I said, gently guiding Rhea away.
"My—my bike," she said, pointing across the road.
"You'll be late if you take that. Let me give you a ride," I offered, almost pleading.
She hesitated, brows furrowing in thought, then nodded.
I opened the door for her like a gentleman, and we drove off, unaware of the icy blue eyes burning holes into us from a car parked nearby.
---
"Rhea, wait up!" I called when she stepped out of the car, heading toward the school.
"Hm?"
"I have the same class, remember? Why are you acting like you're late for a flight?" I said, grinning.
"Oh… I forgot," she said, clearly flustered.
We walked side by side. Students stared. She noticed. Quickly, she fished out those hideous glasses and slid them on, keeping her gaze low.
"Why do you wear those? Your vision's obviously fine."
"They're a gift."
"From your boyfriend?"
"My sister," she replied.
"You have siblings?"
"A twin."
"She goes here too?"
She nodded.
"When do I get to meet her?" I asked, stopping her path.
"Whoa, hold on there, tiger. We're just friends. Why do you want to meet my sister?"
"Because I want to know everything about you."
She chuckled. "You're acting like an eager boyfriend."
"Maybe I am eager to be your boyfriend," I said.
Time paused.
"Rhea!" her friends called, snapping her out of the moment. Her face lit up.
"I—I have to go, excuse me," she said, hurrying away.
"Pfft, I'm a friend too, you know," I muttered, pouting.
---
"Hey girl!" Danny squealed, embracing Rhea.
"It hasn't even been a week since he returned," Lisa added, unusually excited.
"Who? What are you guys talking about?" Rhea asked, puzzled.
"You haven't seen the video?" Alvin asked, raising a brow.
"What video? Actually, don't tell me. Today is positivity-only. No drama. If it doesn't involve me, I don't care—"
"It involves you," Ava said, showing her the phone.
Rhea's jaw dropped. A video posted just 45 minutes ago already had 50,000 views and 48,000 reactions. It showed her and Damian helping the old lady. But the angle made it look romantic. His hand around her waist. The way he held the bag. It was obviously protective. But they'd only see Intimate.
"This can't be happening."
"It's great. I ship you guys already," Lisa grinned.
"A blonde Adonis and a blonde Barbie. Perfection," Danny squealed.
"Well... aside from the hate comments," Lisa added, "Like 'slut pretending to be nice' or 'isn't that Rina? Backstabbing Stacy?' Basically, those who know you think you're secretly cunning. And those who don't think you're Rina."
"Lisa! Not helping!" Ava snapped.
Rhea stood frozen. Wide-eyed. Heart thudding as if it was about to explode out of its rib-cage.
"There are good comments too," Ava added. "Like 'OMG, so romantic,' and 'what a nice ass,' or 'they look cute together, Stacy and Damian are over anyway.'"
"See? Not all hate," Danny offered. "They like your ass. That's something."
"I'm dead," Rhea facepalmed. "Rina's going to kill me."
"Guess who posted the video anonymously?" Alvin grinned.
"Who?" Ava asked.
"Paul Stone. Part of Stacy's inner circle."
---
Meanwhile...
"Did you really have to post that?" Aries asked as they walked into class.
"This school needed drama," Paul smirked. "Besides, it was anonymous."
"I expected this lunacy from James, not you," Aries tsked.
"Now we sit and watch the chaos," Paul said, grinning ear to ear.
Just then, Stacy stormed in with Harriet and Aisha. She made a beeline for Rina.
"Hi Sta—"
"You ungrateful slut!" Stacy shrieked, slapping Rina hard.
Rhea and her friends walked in just in time to witness it. Rhea marched over, turned Stacy around, and returned the slap.
Gasps echoed. Even Aries and Damian were stunned.
No one had ever laid a hand on Stacy Ross. No one dared. Until now.
The slap echoed like thunder.
"How dare you touch my sister," Rhea seethed, eyes blazing.
Stacy staggered, her friends catching her.
Recognition flickered in her eyes, this was the exact same outfit in the video, that meant— "You're the bitch in the video."
"Yes. And maybe next time, do a little fact-checking before you start swinging...That was bitchy."
Another gasp, no one dared talk to Stacy that way. Who were they kidding, this girl just slapped THE Stacy Ross. It's either she had a death wish or she was extremely brave.
Silence. You could hear hearts pounding.
"I'll show you bitchy!" Stacy lunged—
But her hand was caught.
"Enough, Stacy," Damian said, his grip firm.
"Let go of me!"
"Only if you calm down."
The class held its breath.
"She said let go," Aries stepped forward, looming behind her.
"And if I don't?" Damian challenged, removing his glasses.
"Please, Damian, stop," Rhea whispered, stepping between them. She obviously didn't want a fight to break out because of her, beside this was between her and Stacy. The boys or anyone else shouldn't be involved.
He paused. Sighed. Released her.
Stacy's eyes welled. "You let go because she asked? You really like her."
"She's my friend. And you dumped me. Remember?"
"It was a mistake! I was emotional. I didn't know your dad forced you to Singapore. Cut me some slack, I had an accident, Damian. I can't swim again!" she cried.
He met her gaze. "I'm sorry. But some things can't be fixed."
"Watch your back, Rina's twin," Stacy spat.
"Her name is Rhea," Damian corrected.
"Whatever, forgive me of I can't remember your new plaything's name. But hear me, Damian. If I can't have you, no one will."
"What is going on here?!" a teacher finally stormed in.
"Everyone, take your seats. Now!"
The students scattered like startled birds.
Damian sat beside Rhea. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, but her smile faltered.
So much for avoiding bad energy. Her day had just spiraled into chaos.
And it had only just begun.