Chapter 9: Dangerous Desires

The gala sparkled with luxury—diamond-studded gowns, crisp tuxedos, and the scent of wealth in the air. But Ariana barely noticed.

Her mind was still on Damien's words.

"Or are you watching someone else?"

She hated that he had seen through her so easily.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Leila.

Unlike the rest of the guests, Leila wasn't dressed in extravagant designer wear. She wore a sleek black dress, simple but elegant, her dark curls cascading over one shoulder.

But what caught Ariana's attention was who she was with.

Professor Ethan Carter.

Ariana's heart clenched.

He wasn't just any professor. He was young—late twenties, sharp jawline, intense eyes. A favorite among the female students.

And right now, he was standing too close to Leila, speaking in a low voice that made her lips curl into a soft smile.

Ariana's stomach twisted.

She told herself she didn't care.

She told herself she wouldn't react.

And yet, before she knew it, her feet were moving.

—

Leila barely had time to register Ariana's presence before she was standing right in front of them, a forced smile on her lips.

"Professor Carter," Ariana greeted smoothly. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Ethan smiled politely. "Miss Montgomery. A pleasure."

Ariana's gaze flickered to Leila. "I didn't know you two were close."

Leila met her eyes with an unreadable expression. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Ariana."

Ariana ignored the sharp sting in her chest. "I suppose that's true."

Ethan chuckled. "Leila's been a brilliant student. It's refreshing to have someone so passionate about literature."

Ariana's fingers curled at her sides. She knew how charming Ethan could be.

But Leila wasn't stupid.

Was she?

Leila tilted her head. "Ethan was just offering me a ride home."

Ariana's stomach dropped.

Ethan? Driving Leila home?

No. That didn't sit right with her.

She forced a smile. "How kind of you, Professor."

Ethan nodded. "It's no trouble."

Ariana turned to Leila. "Can we talk? Alone."

Leila hesitated before nodding.

They stepped aside, away from Ethan's earshot.

Ariana inhaled. "What are you doing?"

Leila raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Ethan Carter?" Ariana's voice dropped. "Do you know what people will say if they see you with him?"

Leila's lips curved into a smirk. "Let them talk."

Ariana gritted her teeth. "This isn't a game, Leila."

Leila leaned closer, her voice soft but firm. "Why do you care?"

Ariana opened her mouth—then stopped.

Why did she care?

Leila studied her for a long moment before shaking her head. "You're unbelievable, Ariana."

And with that, she turned, walking back to Ethan without looking back.

Ariana's nails dug into her palms.

She had lost control of their story.

And she didn't know how to get it back.