Enchanted by the Alpha

Chapter 3: Need to find purpose

Lorenzo Gilbert, the school's heartthrob, paralleling Amara as the school's queen bee. Hailing from a wealthy family, he stood as one of the most attractive guys on our school. Amara had tirelessly attempted to win him over, but Enzo was unattainable.

Yet, that was what made Enzo different, and it was something I appreciated about him, but strictly as a friend.

A warm smile adorned my face as he approached, gently positioning the birthday cone on my head and adjusting my glasses. "Happy Birthday, Jess. You didn't really think we forgot, did you?"

I glanced at Susan and then back at him. "Well, I must admit I had my doubts."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Never. It's your eighteenth birthday, and it deserves to be celebrated."

I offered a heartfelt smile and nodded. "Thank you for all of this. I genuinely appreciate it. You didn't have to, but it means a lot."

In response, he returned a smile and assertively took the books from my grasp. However, upon noticing Amara’s name on one of them, his jaw tensed, and he flung the books forcefully to the floor, except for mine.

A gasp escaped my lips, and I questioned him, “What did you do that for?”

I moved to retrieve them when he gently pulled me back. “Leave them there, pretend they don't exist and let’s focus on today, which is your special day. We’ve got sodas; have one, and then we can cut your cake. After school, I was thinking you might join me for dinner.”

His words left me with a furrowed brow as it sounded oddly like a date. “The three of us?” I asked, making sure to include Susan in the equation.

He blinked and turned his gaze to Susan before nodding. “Certainly. We can go out together to celebrate your birthday.”

A sigh escaped my lips, my gaze briefly drifting to the books strewn on the floor before returning to Enzo with a worried expression. “But I won't have the time for that. I really need to get it done by tomorrow.”

Enzo tilted his head, shaking it with an air of assurance. "You're something else, Jess. Who cares about those books? Their failure isn't your concern. If Amara tries anything with you, I'll make sure she faces the consequences."

I blinked as his words sank in, leaving me at a loss for a response. Enzo had a knack for getting what he wanted, and it seemed I was about to comply, whether I had a choice or not. After all, it was my birthday, and I felt I deserved this break.

I promptly grabbed a soda, placed a chair for myself, and joined in the laughter at the witty jokes spun by one of Enzo's friends, who had a knack for humor.

Everyone seemed to be smiling and acknowledging me, all under Enzo's influence.

Susan remarked, "This is quite nice, don't you think? If this weren't a school, there'd probably be music and dancing."

I regarded her with a contemplative look and replied, "It does feel a bit over the top, doesn't it?"

Susan shrugged and explained, "It's all Enzo's doing. This celebration is actually quite modest in comparison to what he initially had in mind. He knew you wouldn't want an overly extravagant affair."

I acknowledged her statement with a nod and shifted my gaze to find Enzo, thoroughly engrossed in laughter with his friends. The fact that we'd become friends still amused me.

Many would argue that I didn't exactly fit into his circle, and I would concur with that assessment. However, Enzo didn't mind, and he had proven to be a great friend.

We proceeded to cut the cake, and I made a silent wish, hoping that my true purpose in life would soon become apparent.

Throughout my life, the inaccessible concept of belonging has always remained out of reach. I've experienced this lack of connection not only within my family but especially with my mother, who seems to regard me as a mere ghost, barely acknowledging my presence.

It often feels like I'm drifting through life without a clear sense of purpose or direction.

What I yearn for, more than anything, is a dream, a guiding light to give my life meaning.

I've strived to stand out academically, becoming the top student in my class, all in a desperate bid to garner my mother's attention, but to no avail. I've explored numerous subjects and fields, searching for that elusive spark that could ignite my passion, yet I've found nothing but frustration.

My relentless pursuit of excellence has, unfortunately, resulted in the labeling and insults of my school peers, further isolating me from the world around me.

But the truth is, all I've ever wanted is a reason for my existence, a genuine purpose that would validate my presence in this world.

As I extinguished all the candles, I adjusted my glasses with a smile on my face, basking in the cheers and well-wishes from everyone. It was a genuinely heartwarming moment.

As I enjoyed a slice of cake, Enzo made his way to my side and gently informed me, “Recess is drawing to a close, and I’m fully aware of your dedication to your studies and classes. How about we meet later, alright? I’ve got a little gift for you.”

Grinning appreciatively, I nodded in response. “Okay.”

With a knowing look, he added, “And when you leave, please don’t take those books with you. I’ll personally return them to Amara.” It was as if he could read my thoughts, foreseeing my reluctance to part with the notebooks.

As I began to protest, he skillfully silenced me with a few words, “Just trust me, alright? Off you go to class.” He gently removed the birthday cone from my head, and I concurred with a nod before bidding my farewells to the cheerful group of well-wishers.

As I left the room, en route to my class, a sense of contentment filled me, and I couldn’t help but sport a smile, but a firm grip suddenly seized me, causing me to collide with a sturdy figure. I looked up to find him and gasped in surprise, our bodies suddenly and uncomfortably close, his strong hand preventing my escape.

It was him. Hunter Chambers.

His gaze was stern and probing as he inquired, “Who was that guy with you?”

I stammered, "Huh?"

"I don't like him. I don't want any other guy near you. That's because you belong to me, Jessalyn," he declared with an unsettling possessive tone, leaving me taken aback.