-epue-

She whirled to face him, ready to lash out, but her words caught in her throat as he leaned in and kissed her. The world seemed to tilt, her breath stolen by the unexpected intensity. His lips were warm, urgent, and for a moment, she forgot everything—Jide, her anger, her confusion. The kiss wasn’t awkward or hesitant like her first with Jide. It felt natural, consuming, like a long-held secret finally revealed.
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Christine stepped forward, her voice trembling but determined. “Jide, stop. This isn’t what you think.”
“Isn’t it?” Jide’s voice carried an edge she hadn’t heard before. He gestured between her and Sean. “I come in here, and you two look like you’re… like there’s something going on.”
“There’s nothing going on,” Christine insisted, her voice rising in frustration. But even as she said it, the taste of Sean’s kiss lingered, a betrayal she couldn’t ignore.
Sean let out a harsh laugh, shaking his head. “Nothing going on? Really? You felt nothing, Christine? That’s what you’re going to say?”
“Sean, stop!” Christine snapped, her voice sharp. She turned to Jide, her heart aching at the hurt in his eyes. “Jide, please. This isn’t fair. Sean just—he’s frustrated. He’s saying things out of emotion.”

FIRST BELL