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 was furious after meeting with Ryan. He can't let someone as twisted as Ryan come between him and Aria. As much as he wants to protect her from everything, he fears that his affection for her might push her away.

Ethan was outside Aria house that evening. He stood outside her inviting window; the warm light was reassuring but he still didn't ring the bell. Was he overstepping?

The door opened before he could choose. Aria was surprised to see him there.

"Ethan? What are you doing here?"She asked, her voice soft but filled with surprise."

"I wanted to see how you were doing," he said. "After everything…".

Aria moved to one side for him. She didn't know why but the vulnerability in his eyes softened her will.

With their body tensed, they sat down on the living room's sofa.

Ethan spoke up to say, "Ryan will not stop". "He's dangerous, Aria. Avoid him like the plague at all cost.

"I know that," she said, looking at him. "But you are not in control of everything Ethan"

His jaw tightened. I'm not trying to boss you around I'm saving you in this attempt.

"By scaring him off?"Aria said firmly."

"Ethan leaned in. His voice was low." I'll do anything to protect you, even if it makes me a villain.

Aria's heart raced. His determination was both irritating and charming at the same time. Ethan, you don't always need to fight for me. I can handle myself.".

His fingers brushed against hers as he reached out. "I know you can. I also want you to allow me to fight for you

His voice was so sincere that it took her breath away. The surroundings weren't real for that brief time.

On the other side of town, Ryan was sitting in his room lit up by the computer screen. He looked at Aria's social media and this made his obsession grow more.

Ryan clenched his fingers on the edge of the desk and muttered, "She's not with him."

A new plot starts to form in his head. He wouldn't permit Ethan to succeed. If he couldn't have Aria, no one could.

Before Ethan could stand up to leave, Aria stopped him. "Wait.".

He faced her and searched her eyes.

"Thanks," she said quietly. "For caring.".

His lips curled with a small little smile. "Always.".

Quick as a flash before she could have any second thoughts she kissed his cheek. Though their bodies only touched for a second, it made a spark through them both.

As Ethan stepped outside into the cool night air, he felt an unusual warmth of hope. However, he understood that it is not over. Far from it

Chapter 20: Lines in the Sand