Forever and Always (English Version)

Chapter 10: “Between Bruises and Betrayals”

The next morning, when they arrived at Lance’s university, Erika barely had time to breathe before a sultry woman in a skin-tight tube dress intercepted them. Erika blinked in disbelief—the woman’s chest was practically spilling out, and she looked like a perfume ad gone rogue.

Was this the so-called "access" Alex had mentioned?

Before Erika could form a full thought, the woman leaned in and kissed Alex on the corner of his lips.

Erika’s jaw dropped. Flirt! Her fingers twitched with the urge to yank the woman’s extensions out by the roots.

Calm down, she told herself, quickly looking away.

"Let’s go to my office," the woman purred, clutching Alex’s arm like a lifeline. Erika’s eye twitched. Her hands itched to pry her off.

Alex handed Erika a folded school map. “You’re here. That’s the library.”

"I can ask someone for directions," she snapped. “Where are you going? Don’t tell me you’re going with her?”

He ruffled her hair casually. “I’ll be fine. Call me when you want to go home.”

She nodded stiffly, side-eyeing the woman now pressing her overly generous cleavage against Alex like it weighed a ton. Erika turned sharply and stormed off before she did something they’d both regret.

Focus, Erika.

She made her way to the library—Lance’s usual hideout. Her heart twisted when she spotted him, nose buried in a book. She hesitated, afraid he’d push her away again.

She lingered in the aisles, pretending to browse, inching closer until she could confirm what her eyes had hinted at.

A bruise. On his face.

Her heart skipped. She hovered, gathered her nerve, and sat across from him.

He looked up, startled. "What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to see you," she said, voice barely above a whisper. “I missed you, Lance.”

His fists clenched on the table. "We’re done, Erika. I don’t want you following me around anymore."

Her throat tightened. "I know. I just... wanted to see you."

He sighed, the anger softening just slightly. “Well, now you’ve seen me. Please go. I have work to do.”

"Who did that to you?" she asked gently, reaching for his cheek.

He flinched and pulled back. That hurt worse than any words.

"Was it Alex?" she asked, remembering his bandaged hand.

Lance said nothing. His silence spoke volumes.

"It’s none of your business, Erika. Please leave."

"I still love you," she blurted. He froze.

"More than you love Alex?"

She hesitated. "What I feel for him is... different."

"It was a yes or no question. And your silence says enough."

He stood and began gathering his things. Erika reached for his hand.

"Don’t we deserve a second chance, Lance? Please."

"Stop doing this to me. It’s over. That’s it."

"I can’t just let go. I love you, Lance. Alex is just my best friend."

"Then choose. Me or him."

She flinched. "That’s not fair. I—"

"Wrong answer," he said quietly, pulling away. "Goodbye, Erika."

She stood to follow him, but someone caught her arm.

Alex.

"We’re not done!" she protested, struggling.

"Shhh," he whispered, pulling her into a hug.

That broke her. The tears finally fell.

He held her, silent, then gently led her out of the library.

Later, when they were seated at a quiet bench near the fountain, he finally asked, "Why didn’t you choose?"

"Because it was a stupid question."

"He just wanted you to choose him, Pepper. That’s how you’d win him back."

"And lose you? No. If I get him back, he has to accept that you’re part of me too."

Alex exhaled heavily. "But he won’t. Will he?"

"I don’t get it. You’ve always been there. Now suddenly, you're the problem? It feels like an excuse."

"Then maybe he’s not worth it," Alex said, tone clipped.

She shook her head. "He’s hiding something. And I’m going to find out what."

"Count me out. That’s idiotic."

"So you're ditching me too? I chose you over him, and now you’re walking away?"

Alex opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"That’s emotional blackmail," he muttered.

"No. I’m just saying—you’re part of this. Since you’re the reason we broke up, help me fix it."

He groaned. "You’re impossible, Pepper."

She grinned through the tears. "I didn’t even tell you it was your fault. I didn’t want you to feel bad. I could’ve chosen Lance. But I didn’t. Because I don’t want to lose you, Alex. I don’t want us to change."

"You can’t serve two masters."

"Then I’ll be the master," she said determined, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Help me. Please."

"You’re a terrible person," he mumbled, twirling a strand of her hair.

"I am. And I’m not sorry."

"You’ve got your claws in me again," he sighed. “Fine. Like I have a choice.”

"Thanks, Alex. That makes me feel better."

He kissed the tip of her nose. Her heart skipped.

She jerked away. What was that?

"Let’s go home. I’m drained."

"Me too," he muttered.

Her eyes narrowed. "What did that witch do to you?"

He laughed. "Dirty mind. Come on."

He should say no. Just once. But when it came to Pepper, he never could.

She was a headache. A hurricane. And yet...

A week later, they were in the car. Again. Tailing Lance. Again.

"You’re not in love anymore. You’re obsessed," Alex snapped.

“Huh?” she said, turning to look at him, then pointing at herself—even though they were the only two people inside the car.

“Is there someone else here?” he snapped, practically ready to throw the steering wheel out the window in frustration.

She burst out laughing. “Come on, with lines like that? ‘I’m obsessed’? Really?” she said, eyes wide in mock disbelief.

“Because this is getting ridiculous, Pepper! People only do this kind of stuff when they’re obsessed—or insane!”

“Loosen up, will you?” she scoffed. “You’ve been cranky lately. I am not obsessed! And I’m definitely not crazy!”

“What do you call yourself, then? Possessed? Because you’re not acting normal!” he fired back, veins on his neck practically popping.

She laughed harder. “You look so ridiculous, Alex!”

His chest rose and fell with irritation, but watching her laugh made it nearly impossible to stay mad. Her laughter echoed inside the car, softening the sharp edges of his anger. And the way she looked at him while laughing—God, he wanted to laugh with her too. He looked away the moment he felt the corner of his lips starting to twitch upward. For goodness’ sake, can’t I even stay mad at her for a full minute?

“One last time,” she grinned like a mischievous cat and wrapped her arms around his. “We’re sticking to the strategy, right? This is all part of the bigger plan, Alex. I’m not crazy or possessed like you think. And I’m definitely not obsessed. So don’t worry, okay?” she said sweetly.

And just like that, his anger evaporated. Gone. Sht*, he cursed inwardly.

“None of your plans ever work! You should just scrap that damn strategy already,” he grumbled, but his voice had lost its bite. The warmth of her arm clinging to his, the scent of her shampoo—it was messing with his head.

She went quiet. Then tilted her face up to look at him. “Is something wrong, Alex?”

Damn it, he cursed again inside his head. Her face was just inches from his—close enough to kiss.

“Yes! You’re the problem! Because you’re so damn stubborn!” he yelled, even though the anger was long gone from his tone.

And just like every time she got too close, he felt that same maddening urge—to grab her by the hair and kiss her until they were both breathless. He sucked in a sharp breath at the thought, looked away, and loosened the collar around his neck.

“Are you mad?” she asked softly.

He exhaled hard and parked the car in front of the bar where Lance’s vehicle had stopped.

“Absolutely furious,” he muttered, even though he couldn’t stay mad at her for long.

“Last time. I promise, okay?”

Those pleading eyes. Sht*. “Okay,” was all he managed to say.

“You are the best!” she beamed, cupping his face and smothering him with kisses all over.

“Pepper!” he growled, pretending to be annoyed, though every fiber of his being wanted her to never stop. “If your mom and dad find out about this—”

“But you won’t snitch, right?”

How I wish I could, he thought to himself.

She’d been like a bird set free ever since her parents left for Hong Kong last week to take care of some business and welcome her grandparents from the States. For the first time, Pepper chose to stay behind. They wouldn’t be back until next week—perfect timing for all of her schemes.

He’d been watching her trail Lance since last week. And more than once, he considered calling her parents just to put an end to all this nonsense. But in the end, he couldn’t bear the thought of Pepper being mad at him. Not ever.

“Of course not,” he lied through his teeth.

She pinched both his cheeks. “You are the bestest best friend ever!” she laughed, beaming. “Ready?”

And as always, when it came to Pepper, he didn’t stand a chance. He just nodded.