Chapter 16: Lines Crossed

Paraphrase this (19 words):

Crazy Rich Asian actor Nora hasn't attended any events ever since her last film "We Will Not Be Silenced." Aria became anxious, Ryan's post wasn't clear and neither was Ethan's next move which was even more cryptic. Even as she made effort not to panic, the feeling only worsened in her mind.

---.

Sophie cornered Aria at her locker the next day at school with a worried face.

Sophie whispered that Ryan was boasting about something big. He is saying that he will "teach Carter a lesson.".

Aria's heart sank. What does he mean by that?".

'Not sure, but that sounds serious,' Sophie said. Make sure you tell Ethan to be safe.

Aria nodded while her brain raced. Ethan was no stranger to a good fight, and Ryan was now doing everything he could to push him over the edge.

---.

The cafeteria was a tense place by lunchtime. Ryan sat at a corner table with a group of older boys who looked trouble. Ethan, however, was sprawled out in his spot, eyes glued to Ryan like a hawk watching its prey.

Aria moved closer to Ethan, her tray held tightly.

"Can we talk?" she asked softly.

Ethan looked at her, emotionless. "What's up?".

Aria sat down beside him saying "Ryan is planning something". Sophie overheard him discussing teaching you a lesson.

Ethan grinned; however, his eyes contained no humor. "Let him try.".

Aria spoke with trembling voice, "Ethan, I mean it." You shouldn't blindly walk into whatever he is planning without giving it a thought.

"I'll be fine, Bennett," Ethan dismissed.

Why make everything difficult?" Aria shouted out of frustration and anger.

Ethan got closer and spoke under his breath. "Since I do not hide from danger. Not when they're especially aimed at you.

Aria found him to be deeply attractive. I do not want you to get hurt because of me.

"It's okay, I'll be fine," he said, looking into her.

---.

After school, Aria chose to face Ryan herself. She saw him by the parking lane, leaning against his car, grinning like a cat that got the cream.

"Aria," uttered Ryan, his voice dripping with sweetness. What have I done to deserve this?".

What are your plans, Ryan?"I want to go home," Aria said, with her arms crossed.

Ryan shook his head and laughed. "Relax, Aria. You will know when it's time.

"This isn't a game!" she snapped. "Stop whatever it is that you're doing."

Why do you care about Carter so much?Ryan's smile faded as he asked He is not what you think he is.

"And you are?Aria replied back, filling with frustration.

Ryan went closer, looking dark. You are making an error. He will cause you pain. "Perhaps not presently, but eventually he shall.".

"Stay away from my life, Ryan, " Aria stated.

Paraphrase this (12 words):

As she turned to leave, Ryan called after her, his voice cold. I told you this would happen.

---.

Ethan texted Aria asking to meet him at the park in the evening. Though hesitant, she said yes, hoping she could change his mind about Ryan.

When she reached there, Ethan was already perched on the bench, his body tense.

"What's going on?Aria questioned him, taking a sit next to him.

Ethan's hand ran in his hair, jaw was tight. "Ryan's making moves, Bennett. I must stop him from doing anything foolish in the future.

How are you planning to do that?"Aria spoke worriedly."

"I have my own ways," Ethan answered.

"Please Ethan," Aria said, her voice breaking. "This has to stop. Things are only going to get worse.

Ethan turned toward her with soft eyes. I can't keep allowing this of him to you. I won't.".

For a moment, the air was thick between them. Ethan's fingers touched her face as he pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"You're my only good thing Bennett," he said softly.

Aria's heart raced and breath hitched in throat.

Ethan's phone buzzed before either of them could speak again. He looked at the terminal, a cold frown appearing on his face.

"It's one of Ryan's guys", he said, and stood up. "I have to go.".

"Ethan, wait—" said Aria but he was already walking away.

As Ethan was reached the meeting place, a flurry of thoughts filled his mind. He knew Ryan was testing the limits of the situation, but he was equally aware of the fact that he could not let this happen. When he arrived, Ryan was already waiting along with his crew, their postures aggressive. "This ends here," Ethan said, sounding cold and commanding. Ryan smirked, walking towards him. Do you think you can just waltz here and be in charge? "I'm not here to play games," said Ethan. The sparks flew as one threat brought on another. Just as tensions reached their climax, a shout broke through the crowd: Ethan, stop!Ethan looked back to see Aria coming towards them. Her expression looked fearful yet determined "What are you doing here?"I am putting an end to this before it goes too far," said Aria stepping in between Ethan and Ryan. Ryan smirked wider. "Your girl has more balls than you, Carter." Ethan clenched his fists but didn't say anything. Aria turned to Ryan and glared at him. "Leave him alone, Ryan," she said. "This isn't worth it." Ryan's face turned hard, but after a moment, he told his crew to back off. "This isn't over," he said, pointing at Ethan before walking away. --- When Ethan and Aria walked home together, Ethan was silent. "You didn't have to do that," he said after a moment. "Yes, I did," Aria replied. Ethan stopped in his tracks, turning toward her. "I'm not going to let you ruin your life over him." "You're too good for this world, Bennett." Aria smiled faintly, her heart racing as he tilted down. For a moment, it was as though time stopped but then Ethan pulled back and I felt his walls slam back into place. "Come on", he said softly. "Let's get you home."