HE SAID I WAS JUST A BET

Chapter 81: Fractures In The Mask

Maria told herself a hundred times that she wouldn’t let Daniel’s words get under her skin. She repeated it in her head like a chant as she walked across campus the next morning. He’s just playing his game, Maria. Don’t fall for it.

But then she saw him.

Daniel stood under the shade of a tree near the faculty building, surrounded by a small group of boys. He was laughing, carefree as always, but when his eyes found hers across the distance, his smile faltered for a split second. It was so quick, so subtle, that anyone else might have missed it.

Maria didn’t.

The moment stretched between them before Daniel turned back to his friends, the grin sliding back into place like nothing had happened. But Maria couldn’t shake what she saw—that tiny c***k in his mask.

Later that day, she cornered him by the staircase, catching him off guard. “Why do you do that?” she asked softly.

Daniel raised a brow, leaning casually against the railing. “Do what?”

“Pretend like nothing gets to you.” Her voice was sharper now, eyes narrowed. “You act like everything’s a joke, like none of this matters. But it does, doesn’t it?”

For the first time, Daniel didn’t have a quick reply. He studied her silently, his jaw tight, his playful facade slipping inch by inch. Finally, he leaned forward, his voice low, rougher than she’d ever heard it.

“You think you’ve figured me out, Maria? Be careful. Some truths burn hotter than you’re ready for.”

The intensity in his eyes made her breath catch. She wanted to push back, to demand answers, but her words tangled in her throat. Before she could recover, Daniel stepped past her, his shoulder brushing hers deliberately as he walked away.

Maria stood frozen on the stairs, her heart pounding. She had wanted to see beneath his mask, but now that she’d caught a glimpse, she wasn’t sure she was ready for what lay beneath.