HE SAID I WAS JUST A BET

Chapter 84: When Wall Breaks

Maria thought the day would end quietly once she managed to dodge Daniel’s eyes in the hallway. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

That evening, she sat alone under a tree near the hostel block, her books spread out but her mind far from the words on the page. The air was calm, filled only with the hum of crickets. For once, she felt like she could finally think.

Then a voice broke the silence.

“Why do you always run from me?”

Her head snapped up. Daniel stood a few feet away, his hands shoved into his pockets, his expression unreadable.

Maria’s heart jumped. “I’m not running. I just… need space.”

He stepped closer. “No, you don’t. You’re just scared of what happens when you stop pretending.”

She swallowed, gripping her pen tighter. “Daniel, this—whatever this is—it’s reckless. People talk. They’ll never let us—”

“Let us what?” he interrupted softly. His gaze pinned her in place. “Fall? Care? Want more than stolen glances in class?”

Maria’s throat went dry. She wanted to deny it, to laugh and push him away like always. But the words refused to come.

Daniel crouched in front of her now, his voice low, almost vulnerable. “I’ve never cared about anyone the way I care about you. That’s the truth. No games, no bets. Just you.”

Her chest tightened painfully, her eyes stinging with emotions she couldn’t name. “Daniel…” she whispered, but the rest of the words died in her throat.

For the first time, he didn’t push further. He just watched her, his sincerity hanging heavy in the air between them. Maria realized in that moment that running might not protect her anymore—because his words had already caught her.

And worse, she wasn’t sure she wanted to be free.