CHAPTER 5

Ava's POV

Saturday

A week had passed since I started at the university, and it had been an eventful one. I made new friends, enjoyed my basketball practice, and managed to avoid that arrogant jerk, Xavier Knight. Surprisingly, he hadn't sought revenge, but I remained cautious. I'd heard that Noah, Rick, and Xavier were among the most popular—and notorious—students, with connections that reached high places. It seemed wise to keep my distance from Xavier, but if he crossed me again, I wouldn't hesitate to stand my ground.

This morning, I went for a jog, and afterward, I treated myself to a refreshing iced Americano at a nearby café. As I waited for my drink, "Enemy" by Imagine Dragons blared through my AirPods.

Suddenly, I felt a presence near me. I opened my eyes to find none other than Mr. Xavier Knight standing before me. How fitting that he showed up just as the song's lyrics spoke of conflict.

"What do you want?" I asked, trying to mask my irritation.

"Whoa, calm down, woman. Why so annoyed? Consider yourself lucky to be sitting next to an alien who apparently smells good," he said sarcastically, taking a sip of my iced Americano.

My iced Americano! How dare he?

Fuming, I stood up and faced him. "Since you drank my Americano, you're paying the bill," I declared before storming out, cursing him in my mind.

I chose a shortcut through a quiet alley to get home. Suddenly, I was shoved against a wall. I glared up at Xavier.

"What the hell are you doing?" I demanded.

"Are you even human, or do you just not recognize any human traits in me?" he taunted.

"Want me to show you what kind of human I am? Since you seem to have doubts about my humanity," he said, his tone menacing. His hand pinned my wrists behind my back while the other hand began to unbutton his shirt. I realized what he intended, and my eyes widened in alarm.

I broke free from his grip and punched him in the gut. He groaned, and I seized the opportunity to escape. Adrenaline coursed through me, and I was grateful for my boxing skills.

When I finally reached home, I went straight to Mia.

"Mia, can I get something cool to drink?" I asked, feeling drained.

"Sure," she said, returning with a Coke. "You look upset and tired. What happened?"

"Just a jog," I replied, though the encounter with Xavier was weighing on me.

"And don't forget about the party tomorrow. I want you to look pretty, and please, Ava, don't wear those tomboy clothes," she reminded me.

"Yes, Mom. I bought a dress and black stilettos yesterday," I said proudly.

"Thank goodness. I'll do your makeup," she said.

We spent the evening talking and watching Friends. After a long day, I finally went to bed.

The Next Day

4:30 PM

The party was set to start at 7, and I was lounging in Mia's place, eating pancakes and watching Friends while Mia got ready.

After a while, she yelled from her room, "Ava, stop laughing like a hyena and help me! If you're not ready in an hour, I'll beat your ass!"

I chuckled and turned off the TV, heading to her room. I braided her hair in a French style and helped with her makeup. When she was done, I told her, "Noah will want to marry you on the spot."

"Shut up, Ava," she said, blushing as she admired her reflection in the mirror. The red dress she wore was stunning.

"Now sit down, let me do your makeup," she ordered, pushing me onto the couch.

Half an hour later, I slipped into my dress and stilettos and joined Mia in the living room.

"Ava, you look so beautiful! I never knew my Romeo could look so hot," she said, wiping away fake tears.

"I know, sweetheart. I'm stunning," I replied with a grin, admiring my reflection. The bun accentuated my neckline perfectly.

"Stop tooting your own horn. I have something to tell you," she said, sounding serious.

"What is it?" I asked, sensing her unease.

"Noah and Xavier are coming to pick us up," she blurted out in one breath.

I tensed. "Not with that jerk," I said, clenching my jaw.

"I don't mind, Mia. You go with them, and I'll follow in my car," I insisted.

"Please, Ava, don't do this to me. Just come with us," she pleaded.

After much persuasion, I reluctantly agreed.

Noah called to inform Mia that he was waiting outside. We went downstairs and saw him leaning against his car.

"Hello, ladies. You both look gorgeous tonight," Noah said, kissing our hands.

"You look incredibly handsome yourself, Noah," I said, and Mia nodded in agreement.

"Wow, don't tell me you two have already become a couple," I teased, noting their matching attire.

Mia and Noah exchanged smiles, a look of shared understanding passing between them.

"Ava, if you don't mind, would you sit in the back?" Noah asked.

I did mind, but I kept my thoughts to myself. "No, I don't mind," I said, as I took a seat next to Xavier.

He looked devilishly handsome in a black suit, but I couldn't ignore the frustration bubbling inside me from our last encounter. I mentally cursed the universe—why did Xavier have to look so good?

As Noah's car roared to life, I prepared myself for the evening, all the while grappling with my lingering irritation toward Xavier.