Aiken's brows knitted as if he'd heard the most ridiculous thing in the world. His lips parted, his expression shifting first into surprise, then into something sharper.
"Caroline?" he repeated, almost incredulous.
Then his face twisted completely, disgust written all over his features. "You're… jealous of Caroline?"
Bonnie blinked.
"I'd rather go out with a dog than with Caroline, Bonnie," Aiken said flatly, his tone carrying enough disdain to leave no room for misinterpretation.
Bonnie's expression faltered immediately. Her chest tightened, and then a soft sigh slipped past her lips. Why did I even rush so much? she thought, shoulders drooping slightly. Now that I think about it… he's been opening up a lot to my friends ever since he met me. And he's been like this with Caroline since the beginning—
Her thoughts were cut short by the sudden brush of his hand against her forehead. She stiffened.
"Are you sure you don't have a fever or something?" Aiken said, his tone softer now but still teasing. His thumb lingered briefly before pulling back. "It's not like my girlfriend to get jealous so easily. Especially of... Caroline."
Heat rushed to Bonnie's cheeks. She turned her face slightly, unable to hold his gaze. Her lips pressed into a thin line, embarrassment flushing her features.
Before she could recover, Aiken grabbed her hand firmly and pulled her up from the couch in one smooth motion.
"H-Hey—Aiken!" Bonnie protested, stumbling a little as he tugged her along.
"Where are we going?" she asked quickly, her steps struggling to match his pace.
...
Elizabeth pushed the bathroom door open and smoothed her dress, ready to return to where Bonnie sat. But when she stepped back into the lounge, her smile faltered. The seat was empty.
Her eyes darted around, scanning the crowd. Bonnie's not here… Aiken, either…
Her chest tightened, uncertainty bubbling in her. "D-Did they… leave?" she whispered to herself. Slowly, she sat down, her fingers knotting in her lap. W-Was I… disturbing them?
The thought made her heart ache. A gnawing, chaotic feeling swelled inside her, like a storm tearing at her chest. Her magic began to stir restlessly, a pressure she could barely keep contained.
And then—she felt it. A magical signature pulsing faintly from deeper within the villa. Curious and unsettled, Elizabeth stood, almost on instinct, and followed the faint current through the hall until it led her to a closed door.
She raised her hand to knock but froze when muffled voices slipped through the crack.
"Ah… ah… I love you." The sound was soft, breathless, threaded with moans.
Elizabeth's whole body went rigid, her cheeks burning crimson. She whirled, desperate to turn away—when another voice reached her.
"I love you too, Bonnie."
Her breath hitched. That voice—unmistakable. Aiken.
Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock. A surge of heat rushed to her face, the storm inside her flaring uncontrollably. She staggered back from the door, flustered, her hands trembling. Quickly, she retreated, forcing her legs to carry her back to the couch. She sat down stiffly, her face aflame. N-No way… they… they were… Her imagination filled in the blanks she had no experience for, conjuring images that made her want to curl up and vanish.
...
Inside the room, Aiken straightened his suit, brushing his collar into place. Bonnie adjusted her dress beside him, her legs still trembling from the aftermath.
'It worked perfectly,' Aiken thought, satisfied. A special gift—his own crafted spell to enhance the moment. It had drawn on a little of Bonnie's magic, but the results… more than worth it. Especially seeing her flushed and satisfied expression.
Bonnie leaned in, still breathless, and pulled on his tie, pressing a kiss to his lips. "Come on," she murmured, playful but tired. "Before Elizabeth gets worried."
She tugged him along, and together they left the room, returning to the lounge.
Elizabeth, sitting on the couch, instantly straightened when she saw them. Her blush deepened until it practically glowed on her cheeks.
"Hey, Elizabeth," Bonnie greeted lightly, smoothing her hair. "Sorry for letting you wait. I had to take care of something with Aiken." She chuckled, trying to mask her own lingering flush.
Beside her, Aiken was still adjusting his tie.
"Beth…" His eyes narrowed on her expression, noticing her flustered look. "Are you fine?"
Beth? He calls her Beth? Bonnie thought, a flicker of unease sparking in her chest. She quickly pushed it down. No, Bonnie. Don't get jealous like before. She's just a friend… and she's way too old for Aiken…
Elizabeth, however, could barely breathe. Every time her eyes flickered toward Aiken, her imagination betrayed her—recalling the sounds she had overheard, painting vivid pictures of what must have happened behind that door. She'd heard about such things… but hearing it, imagining it—seeing him now… she couldn't look him in the eyes without her face burning hotter.
"Y-Yes…" she stammered finally, her voice trembling.
"Then…" Aiken extended his hand smoothly. "Come dance with me."
Elizabeth froze. "Eh?"
Bonnie, standing nearby, smiled knowingly, though her eyes flickered between them.
Aiken gently tugged Elizabeth up from the couch, placing a hand around her waist. "You know how to dance?" he asked.
Elizabeth's heart skipped. His touch—it was too much after what she'd just overheard. Her face turned crimson. "B-Bonnie taught me… something," she stuttered.
"Then—" Aiken began to lead her into a step when his expression hardened. A pulse of danger brushed at his instincts. His head turned sharply. Stefan was still dancing with Elena, calm as ever. But Damon… and Caroline…
They weren't there.
His gut clenched. His mind screamed. Outside.
"Sorry, Beth." Aiken smiled quickly, releasing her hand. "I'll be back in an instant."
And with that, he bolted toward the doors, slipping into the night.
Elizabeth stood frozen, exhaling shakily. Relief washed over her, weak and overwhelming. If he'd stayed a second longer… I might have fainted…
To be continued...
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How was this chapter? Liked it?
Also, I don't if I am doing good Elizabeth's personality... she's supposed to act like a clueless teenager around Aiken, but I don't know... tell me.