Chapter 9: Cracks in the Deal
384 Words
Stephanie avoided Sean the next few days.
Not because she wanted to, but because she needed to.
Every time she remembered his words—What if it doesn’t feel pretend anymore?—her heart betrayed her, beating faster, pulling her closer to something she wasn’t ready for.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Their arrangement had rules: no real feelings, no strings, no future. But the more Sean defied his father and protected her from Vanessa’s venom, the harder it became to keep the lines straight.
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One afternoon, while Stephanie worked at the campus café, her best friend Amaka pulled her aside.
“Steph, you’re changing,” Amaka said, her eyes narrowing. “You used to roll your eyes at Sean Adi. Now, when he walks in, you practically glow. Tell me I’m wrong.”
Stephanie looked away, fumbling with the tray in her hands.
“It’s not like that. This is all… complicated.”
“Complicated?” Amaka leaned closer. “Steph, be careful. Guys like him… they don’t fight for girls like us. When the game is over, it’s over.”
Stephanie’s chest tightened. Deep down, she knew Amaka was right.
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That evening, Sean cornered her outside the lecture hall.
“Why are you avoiding me?” His voice was firm, his eyes restless.
“I’m not,” she lied, clutching her books.
“You are.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “If it’s about what I said the other day, then fine—I’ll admit it. I’m breaking the rules. But I don’t care anymore, Stephanie.”
Her breath hitched. “Sean, stop. You don’t understand. You have a family name, a future already carved out for you. I’m just—”
“Don’t you dare say ‘just a nobody,’” he cut in sharply. “You’re the only real thing in my life right now. Don’t push me away.”
Stephanie’s throat tightened as she forced a shaky smile.
“This is exactly why I have to push you away. Before it’s too late.”
Sean stared at her, pain flickering in his eyes. For once, the confident, arrogant boy looked… helpless.
And Stephanie knew, if she didn’t step back now, she would fall completely—hopelessly—for him.
End of Chapter 9.
- Writer
