HE SAID I WAS JUST A BET

Chapter 100: Hearts On Fire

Maria didn’t know when her heart had started betraying her so openly. Every time Daniel was near, it beat too fast, too loud—like it wanted him closer even while her mind screamed to run.

That afternoon, she caught him leaning against the wall near the library. His hands were tucked into his pockets, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, and his gaze locked on her the moment she appeared. There was no smirk, no careless grin—just that steady look that made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

“Maria,” Daniel said, his voice softer than she expected. “You’ve been avoiding me again.”

She froze, hugging her books tighter to her chest. “I’m not avoiding you. I just… have things to do.”

He tilted his head, a faint smile touching his lips. “Things that don’t include me, right?”

She opened her mouth to deny it, but the words tangled in her throat. Why did he have to make everything feel so complicated? Why did his nearness set her chest ablaze, as though she’d swallowed fire?

“I don’t trust you,” she whispered, more to herself than to him.

Daniel stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “Then let me prove myself. No games. No bets. Just me—if you’ll let me.”

Her knees felt weak, her pulse a wild drum in her ears. For the first time, Maria realized the dangerous truth: she wanted to believe him. She wanted to take the risk, even if it meant standing on unsteady ground.

But before she could answer, Emeka’s loud voice broke the tension. “Maria! Daniel! Are you two secretly auditioning for a romance drama?”

Maria flushed crimson while Daniel shot Emeka a glare. Still, Maria couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. Maybe, just maybe, her heart was already choosing—even if her mind wasn’t ready to admit it.