Chapter 9 - The Unexpected Return

The morning sun cast a golden glow over Maple High, illuminating the bustling courtyard. Liam and Kai stepped out of the car, chatting about their weekend plans.

"I'm thinking of having a gaming marathon," Kai said, grinning.

Liam chuckled. "You're always thinking about gaming."

That's when they saw her. Julian walked through the school gates, her confident stride turning heads. Liam's expression tensed.

"Julian's back," Kai muttered.

Liam's jaw clenched. "What does she want?" Liam wondered.

Principal Smith approached them, a warm smile on his face.

"Good morning, students! I have an announcement to make. Julian Lee has re-enrolled at Maple High."

The courtyard erupted into whispers and murmurs.

Liam's eyes met Julian's, a spark of unease igniting within him.

In the courtyard, Aria and Anya exchanged worried glances.

"What's going on?" Aria asked.

Anya's voice dropped. "Julian's Liam's ex. Their breakup was messy."

Aria's curiosity piqued. "What happened between them?"

Anya hesitated. "Alex, Julian's brother, died last year. Julian blames Liam and Ethan for the accident."

Ethan and Maya watched Julian from afar, their expressions grim.

"Do you think she's here for revenge?" Maya whispered.

Ethan's grip on his backpack tightened. "We need to be cautious."

Julian's eyes locked onto Liam's, a mix of emotions swirling within.

Liam's past with Julian was complicated. Now, with Julian back, tensions would rise.

As Julian walked toward them, a sly smile spread across her face.

"Game on," Julian whispered to herself.

Liam's eyes narrowed. "Julian, what brings you back?"

Julian's gaze swept across the group. "I'm here to finish what I started."

Kai stepped forward. "You can't just waltz back in here, Julian."

Julian's smile widened. "Watch me."

The air thickened with tension as Julian's eyes locked onto Liam's.

Suddenly, Julian's stride quickened, her heels clicking on the pavement. She closed the distance between herself and Liam, her face inches from his.

Liam's heart raced, his mind reeling with anticipation.

Julian's voice dropped to a whisper. "I'm back, my love."

Before Liam could react, Julian's lips brushed against his cheek, sending shivers down his spine.

The courtyard fell silent, witnessing the intimate moment.

Aria's eyes widened in shock. Without a word, she turned and walked away.

Liam's eyes snapped after her, his heart sinking.

"Julian, stop," Liam said, pushing her away. "This isn't going to work."

Liam quickly followed Aria, catching up to her outside her classroom.

"Aria, wait," Liam said, his voice gentle.

Aria turned, her expression guarded.

"What's going on, Liam?" Aria asked, her voice measured.

Liam took a deep breath. "That was Julian, my ex. We have a complicated past."

Aria raised an eyebrow. "Why are you explaining this to me? I'm no one to you."

Liam's face flushed. "Aria, please understand."

Aria's sarcasm dripped like honey. "Oh, spare me the details. Your girlfriend's back; spend time with her. Don't come to me again; it will just make her misunderstand."

Liam's eyes locked onto hers. "Aria, Julian's not my girlfriend. Not anymore."

Aria's expression remained skeptical. "Save it, Liam. Class is about to start."

The bell rang, and Aria slipped into her classroom, leaving Liam's explanation unfinished.

Liam's mind whirled, frustration and concern etched on his face.

He knew Julian's return would stir up chaos.

And now, Aria seemed to be pulling away.

As Liam walked away, Julian's eyes watched him from afar, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"This is just the beginning," Julian whispered to herself.