Chapter 16: Unspoken Wars

Ariana didn't sleep that night.

She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying every second of her encounter with Leila.

The way she looked at her.

The way she touched her.

The way she walked away—like she had won something.

Damn her.

By morning, Ariana had convinced herself it meant nothing.

It had to mean nothing.

She went through her routine like normal. Shower. Coffee. Ignoring the way her stomach twisted when she thought about seeing Leila again.

But she wasn't prepared for what she saw when she stepped onto campus.

Leila.

With Ethan.

Again.

And this time—he had his arm around her waist.

Ariana's jaw clenched.

She shouldn't care.

She really, really shouldn't.

But before she could stop herself, her feet were already moving toward them.

Ethan noticed first, smirking when he saw her. "Ah, Miss Montgomery. Fancy seeing you here."

Ariana ignored him. "Leila."

Leila turned, her expression unreadable. "Ariana."

Ariana hated that her name sounded different when Leila said it. Too soft. Too intimate.

But she didn't let it show.

She crossed her arms. "You're seriously entertaining him?"

Ethan chuckled. "Ouch."

Leila tilted her head, amused. "Why do you care?"

Ariana's fists curled. "Because he's a walking red flag."

Ethan sighed dramatically. "You wound me."

Leila glanced between them, then smirked. "Are you…jealous?"

Ariana's stomach flipped. "Of him? Please."

Ethan grinned. "Damn. I feel very attacked."

Leila's gaze stayed on Ariana, sharp and knowing.

"You're acting like you own me."

Ariana's breath hitched.

Ethan whistled. "Now this is getting interesting."

Ariana shot him a glare before looking back at Leila.

"I don't own you," she said, voice tight. "But I know you. And I know you don't actually like him."

Leila's smirk didn't fade. "And what if I do?"

Ariana stepped closer. "Then prove it."

The challenge hung in the air.

Leila raised a brow. "What are you saying, Ariana?"

Ariana didn't know.

But she wanted to find out.