Chapter 10: Fractured Lines

Ariana watched as Leila walked away, her stomach tightening with something she didn't want to name.

She should have let it go.

She should have walked away.

But something about Leila being with Ethan Carter bothered her.

More than it should.

—

The gala continued, but Ariana had lost all interest. She found herself at the bar, staring into her untouched glass of wine when Damien slid into the seat beside her.

"Trouble in paradise?" he mused.

Ariana exhaled sharply. "Not now, Damien."

He chuckled. "Come on, Montgomery. You think I didn't notice?"

Ariana didn't respond.

Damien smirked, swirling his drink. "You don't like seeing her with him, do you?"

Ariana stiffened.

Damien tilted his head. "Is it because you don't trust him? Or because you don't trust yourself around her?"

Ariana's fingers curled around her glass. "Go to hell."

Damien laughed. "Hit a nerve, did I?"

She shot him a glare before storming off.

But even as she left, his words followed her.

—

Outside the hotel, Ariana found Leila standing alone, her phone in hand.

The driver hadn't arrived yet.

Ariana hesitated, then stepped closer. "Leila."

Leila sighed. "What now?"

Ariana crossed her arms. "I don't think you should get in Ethan's car."

Leila turned to her, unimpressed. "And why is that?"

Ariana's jaw clenched. "Because he's a professor. Because he's older. Because you don't know what he wants from you."

Leila smirked. "And you do?"

Ariana stayed silent.

Leila took a step forward. "Or maybe… you just don't like the idea of me being with someone else?"

Ariana's breath hitched. "That's not—"

Leila's gaze softened, but there was something guarded in her eyes. "You don't get to control me, Ariana."

The car pulled up at that moment.

Ethan rolled down the window. "Ready, Leila?"

Leila gave Ariana one last look before stepping into the car.

Ariana stood there, watching as the car disappeared into the night.

She had lost again.

And this time, she wasn't sure she could fix it.