HE SAID I WAS JUST A BET

Chapter 86: Fractures In The Silence

Maria avoided the cafeteria that afternoon, choosing instead to sit beneath the same tree where Daniel had confronted her the night before. She told herself it was coincidence, that she only wanted quiet, but her heart whispered otherwise.

She traced circles on her notebook absentmindedly, replaying his words again and again. No games, no bets. Just you. The sincerity in his voice had sounded too raw, too unpolished to be one of Daniel’s usual lines. And yet, doubts clung stubbornly to her chest.

“Skipping lunch again?”

Her head snapped up. Daniel stood there, tray in hand, balancing a soda and meat pie like he had all the time in the world. He didn’t wait for permission—he just sat, close enough for her to notice the faint scent of his cologne.

“Why are you here?” Maria asked, clutching her notebook.

“To eat,” he said simply, biting into the meat pie. “And to see you.”

Her pulse faltered. “Daniel—”

“Relax,” he cut in smoothly, though his eyes were serious. “I’m not here to corner you. I just… want to be around you. Even if you don’t say a word.”

Maria’s lips parted, but no response came. For once, Daniel wasn’t teasing or smirking. He just sat there, quietly chewing, stealing glances at her when he thought she wouldn’t notice. And it unnerved her more than his usual boldness.

Because silence with Daniel felt dangerous. It left too much space for her heart to betray her.

After a long pause, she gathered her courage. “Why me? You could have anyone. Girls throw themselves at you every day.”

Daniel set his soda down, his voice lower now. “Because they don’t see me. Not really. You do.”

The words landed heavy between them, raw and unshaken. Maria wanted to believe him, but just as quickly, Emeka’s voice echoed in her mind—Daniel was paying attention—first time in history!

Was she just another challenge for him? Another way to prove he could win?

She closed her notebook sharply, rising to her feet. “I can’t do this,” she muttered.

Daniel stood too, frustration flickering in his eyes. But instead of grabbing her wrist like he usually did, he let her go. His restraint made her pause.

“Maria,” he said softly, “one day you’ll believe me. Until then… I’ll wait.”

She walked away without looking back, but every step felt heavier, like she was leaving a piece of herself under that tree.

And deep down, she feared he was right—because her walls were cracking faster than she could rebuild them.