CHAPTER 43 She’s Always There for Me

Aveline

After the weekend, I was nervous. I didn't want to go back to university. But... important classes today. So I had to.

Thanks to Ruby, my weekend was surprisingly fun.

When I entered the university with Alia, it was like the bullying never even existed. Poof. Both those jerks were just... gone. Like they were never even here.

Even when I asked around, no one seemed to know a thing.

"Wow, that mafia holds such incredible power," Alia muttered, more shocked than me.

---

"Hey Aveline! I'm so sorry—"

"Kai, don't."

I cut him off.

"You knew I was being bullied. It's been three months, Kai. Three fucking months. And you took it like a casual thing? Ruby—she's not even my boyfriend, but when she found out, she came immediately. And now? The bullies are gone. Gone."

I could barely breathe, the rage choking my voice.

"You're my boyfriend. And yet, she's the one standing by me. You weren't there when I needed you the most. Why?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I—I was trying to find out who they were... I don't even know how Ruby found out and—"

I didn't wait for the rest. I just left with Alia.

---

Afternoon

I was sitting with Alia, finally at peace for a minute, and here he came again—Kai. Approaching like nothing happened.

For god's sake, I'll murder him.

"What do you want now, Kai? My mercy?"

"No, I just—"

"No. I won't forgive you. I was wondering earlier what Ruby is to me. A friend? But she's the one who protected me. Not you. You were supposed to be that person."

"I'm sorry, Aveline. Please."

"What if something happened, Kai? What if it got worse? Would you just stand there saying sorry again? That's all you've got?"

My voice didn't shake this time. It was firm.

"I won't forgive you, Kai."

He grabbed my hand, stubborn as ever. I sighed, so tired I couldn't even fight more.

"Kai... I'll forgive you. But only if you promise to be there for me. To protect me. And..."

"And make her happy too, right Aveline?" Alia jumped in.

She's chaos, pure chaos—but my bestie. I can't argue with her.

"Yeah. She's right."

Kai kissed my cheek, muttering a quiet "thank you" before leaving.

Me and Alia just stared.

"Is he like... okay?"

"No clue, Aveline," she said, shaking her head. "No damn clue."

"Whatever, let's go. I need caffeine before I throw a book at someone."

---

We hit a nearby café. Vibes were good. Coffee was good. And then... she said it.

"Ruby was amazing though, right?"

I groaned, massaging my temples. I knew what was coming—a full TED Talk on Ruby Mafia Edition™.

"She's hot. And the way she threw those punches—hell, that belt moment? Legendary. You're lucky she's in love with you."

"Wait, WHAT?"

I hadn't even been listening properly until she dropped that bomb.

"She's in love with me? Me?"

"Alia, look at me. Why would she fall for someone like me? Compared to her, I'm—"

"And who says you're nothing? Compared to who, exactly?"

That voice.

That voice.

Deep, husky, and familiar enough to make my heart skip.

Ruby. Standing right behind me.

Too close.

She sat down like she owned the world.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"I could ask the same, ladies."

Of course she had a point. But still—I wasn't giving her the satisfaction.

---

"Anyway," she said, "are you free this weekend?"

"Why would you even ask?" I snapped.

She just calmly sipped her drink. "We're throwing a party. Booked a resort."

"Then why ask us?"

"That's up to you, Aveline. But it could be fun. If you want to come, just tell me."

She got up, cool as ever.

"Bye-bye."

"Let's go, Aveline," Alia whispered excitedly.

"No, Alia. We don't even know them. They're strangers."

"Nope. We're going. Final."

She got up with that devilish grin. Ugh.

---

Back at home, dragging myself toward my room, I noticed Mireline.

Her room was open a crack.

"What are you doing? Where are you going?"

"I'm coming with you. Didn't Ruby tell you? She booked a beachside resort."

Facepalm.

I slammed my door.

And cursed that mafia girl under my breath.

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