Shweta_Reshim_4238

In the halls of Ridgewood High, Aria and Ethan have been at each other’s throats since childhood. She’s the school’s top achiever, and he’s the brooding rebel no one dares to cross. But behind their constant bickering lies a spark neither of them is willing to admit. As their worlds collide through twists of fate, old grudges evolve into something deeper. When life pushes them to grow beyond their teenage years, will their love survive the test of time, or will the shadows of their past pull them apart?

From Hate to Forever

Ethan's kiss left Aria restless – even on a Monday. While sitting in her room, her fingers grazed her lips; they were still warm from the heat of his lips. She couldn't shake off the memory of how he looked at her like no one in the world except her.

Her phone buzzed and brought her back to reality. The message was from Sophie.

Aria sighed, but she knew Sophie wouldn't let it go.

Aria: Nothing happened. Just a… moment.

Sophie: Just a moment? Moments create stories, girl!

Before Aria replied, there was a soft knock on her door. She opened it to find Liam, her younger brother, with a plate of cookies.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Is something bothering you?" Mom said you seemed upset.

"I'm good," Aria said and took the plate. "Thanks.".

Liam stayed, his brows knitted. Is it that guy at practice who keeps staring at people? Ethan, right?".

Geha almost choked on her breath. "He doesn't glare.".

"Er, yeah, he does," Liam said with a smug smile. "But he's cool. The other day, my kick was fixed by him.

Aria blinked in surprise. Of a mindset that was far from ery approachable, Ethan was definitely not helpful.

When Aria reached school the next day, she felt Ethan's eyes on her the moment she entered the hallway. He stood by the locker, his tall form lazily leaning against it.

When they locked eyes, he straightened and smirked. Finally there was rasagolla in his life.

"Good Morning Bennett" he said as she walked past.

She said "morning" sounding indifferent.

However, someone noticed the small exchange. A few moments after Sophie appears beside her, she is buzzing.

Did you see how he looked at you?" Sophie whispered. "He's smitten.".

He gave you a kiss?" Sophie pressed.

Aria's face blushed in surprise. "You're impossible.".

"And you're shining away," Sophie jokes around.

Eathan's mind wouldn't leave Aria's image alone. He didn't know how she'd slipped under his skin but she had and it scared him. His possessive instincts were sharpening with Ryan still sticking around.

Ethan's protective streak kicked in when he saw Ryan in the parking lot after school. He came to Ryan and spoke to him threateningly.

Ryan smirked while leaning against his vehicle.

"From who? Aria? I believe that's for her to decide, don't you?".

Ethan's jaw clamped and fists tightened. "Don't push me, Ryan. You won't like it."

Ryan's smirk widened. "We'll see, Carter. We'll see.".

As Ryan drove away, Ethan's fists stayed clenched at his side. He could not afford to lose Aria to Ryan or anyone else.

Chapter 19: Tangled Emotions