Chapter 37

                                    

                                          
Amelia's POV 
The weekend flew by, with the calmness of Saturday blending into a peaceful Sunday. My parents returned late Sunday night, bringing with them the comforting warmth of home. Monday morning arrived, and I found myself sitting at the breakfast table, surrounded by the familiar sounds of my parents' cheerful chatter.
The breakfast spread was inviting—scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, toast with homemade jam, and fresh orange juice. It felt like the perfect way to start the day. My dad was already at the table, engrossed in his newspaper, while my mom busily arranged the last few items.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Mom greeted me with a smile as she placed a plate of pancakes in front of me. “Did you get enough rest?”
I returned her smile. “Yes, Mom. I missed you both.”
“We missed you too,” Dad said, lowering his newspaper and smiling warmly. “How was your weekend?”
“It was quiet but nice,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. “I got some reading done, phone time increased and had time to relax.”
“That sounds lovely,” Mom said as she took a seat beside me. “Everyone needs a little time to themselves now and then.”
The rest of breakfast was filled with light conversation and laughter, the kind that made me appreciate how much I valued these moments with my family.
Once we finished eating, I headed back to my room to get ready for the day. I slipped into my uniform, straightening the skirt and adjusting the blouse's collar. A quick glance in the mirror showed a mixture of anticipation and nerves on my face, but I was ready to face whatever the day had in store.
After grabbing my bag, I returned downstairs. “I’m heading to university,” I said, giving both my parents a quick hug. “See you later!”
“Have a great day, darling,” Mom called as I stepped out.
The walk to campus was refreshing, the morning sun casting a pleasant warmth over everything. As I approached the university, I noticed a crowd gathering near the entrance. Curiosity got the best of me, and I made my way over to see what was going on.
My heart raced when I saw Aiden at the center of it all, holding another student by the collar. His expression was intense, his knuckles white from the grip he had on the other boy’s shirt. The scene made my stomach drop; it was clear Aiden was ready to fight.
Suddenly, his eyes met mine. For a moment, everything else faded away. The noise of the crowd became distant as we stared at each other, his gaze full of unspoken emotions. My heart pounded in my chest, the tension between us almost palpable.
Others had noticed our silent exchange. Aiden seemed to snap out of it. With a forceful shove, he let the other boy go, who stumbled backward, looking terrified. Aiden’s attention was solely on me now.
Without breaking eye contact, he walked towards me. He leaned in just close enough for me to hear his low, intense words, "Since you’re always complaining about how much of a bully I am, I just let it go. Because you wanted it. So now, don’t complain about my actions, and see through it how badly I want you." He brushed past so closely that our shoulders touched. The brief contact sent a jolt through me, leaving me both confused and unnerved.
As Aiden continued on his way, the crowd slowly dispersed, but I remained standing there, trying to process what had just happened. My mind raced with questions—why had Aiden been so angry? And why did I feel so unsettled by it all? His words kept playing over and over in my head. Since you’re always complaining… don’t complain about my actions… see through it how badly I want you.