Jenn's laughter still lingered in her mind as she got down from the car. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain, and the glow from the streetlights painted her face gold. She was smiling—really smiling—as she walked toward the mansion gates.
It felt strange but beautiful, that flutter in her chest. Jeff had spent the whole day making her forget everything—Alden's coldness, the pressure of the house, even her fears. They'd walked through bright streets, eaten ice cream, and laughed over silly things. For once, she'd felt like a girl who belonged in her own story.
But as soon as she stepped inside the mansion, the warmth drained away.
The lights in the living room were dim, only one lamp on near the couch. And there, sitting in the glow, was Alden.
He wasn't reading or working. Just sitting still—elbows resting on his knees, fingers intertwined, his eyes half-shadowed but sharp.
Jenn stopped at the door. "Oh… you're still awake."
His head lifted slowly, his voice calm but distant. "You're late."
Jenn blinked. "I didn't realize I had a curfew."
His gaze narrowed slightly. "You were with him."
The words froze her. "Him?"
"The guy," Alden said, his tone colder now. "The one you've been meeting after school."
Jenn's heart skipped. "How—how do you even know that?"
A small, humorless laugh escaped him. "I have eyes, Jenn. You think I wouldn't notice?"
Her hands tightened around her purse. "You were watching me?"
"I was making sure you weren't being stupid."
The words stung more than she wanted to admit. "Excuse me?"
Alden stood now, his height towering over her. "You barely know him, Jenn. You think a few smiles and compliments mean anything? People aren't always what they seem."
Jenn frowned, anger mixing with confusion. "What, are you jealous or something?"
His jaw tightened. "Don't flatter yourself."
She felt her cheeks heat. "Then why do you care who I'm with?"
He didn't answer—just stared at her, his silence heavier than words.
Alden leaned back, his jaw tight. "You don't even know him, Jenn."
She sighed, exasperated. "You've said that before. What's your problem with him?"
A flicker of something unreadable crossed Alden's face — jealousy, anger, or maybe both. "My problem," he muttered, "is that you trust too easily."
Jenn blinked. "And you don't trust anyone."
That caught him off guard.
"You think everyone's a threat, Alden. You're always cold, always distant. Maybe you don't want anyone to be happy just because you're not."
Her words hit deeper than she knew. "You don't know what you're talking about.
Jenn's voice dropped. "You don't even like me, Alden. You've made that very clear. So please—don't pretend to care now."
A muscle ticked in his jaw. "I'm not pretending."
"Then what are you doing?" she asked, her tone trembling between anger and hurt.
Alden's hand clenched by his side. He didn't know what to say—only that seeing her walk into the house smiling because of someone else made his chest twist in ways he didn't understand.
Finally, he muttered, "Just… don't come crying when he shows you who he really is."
Jenn blinked hard, trying to keep her voice steady. "You really don't have to worry about that, sir. I'm fine on my own."
Then she turned, walked past him, and went straight to her room.
The door shut softly behind her, leaving Alden standing alone in the half-dark room.
His fingers ran through his hair, frustration building in his chest. He didn't know why he'd said those things—why her voice, her expression, made him lose control. He just knew that something about Jenn got under his skin too easily.
Rosario passed quietly down the hall, carrying folded towels. Her eyes caught Alden's, and she froze for a heartbeat. He said nothing—just looked at her once. She quickly lowered her gaze and hurried away, her steps soft and careful, as if the air itself might break.
The next morning came with sunlight—but no peace.
Jenn woke up late. Her chest felt heavy from last night's words. She hadn't even told Jeff about it yet, but when he called, he noticed right away.
"You sound off," Jeff said gently on the phone. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Jenn lied. "Just tired."
Jeff didn't believe her. "You sure?"
She hesitated. "It's my
Boss. He said… he said he doesn't want me getting involved with you."
Jeff's voice was quiet for a moment. "Really?"
"Yes. I don't even understand why. It's like he already hates you."
Jeff's tone lightened, pretending confusion. "Huh. Maybe he just hates seeing you happy."
Jenn laughed weakly, the sound forced. "Maybe."
"Tell you what," Jeff said cheerfully. "I'm kidnapping you for lunch. No arguments."
She sighed but smiled despite herself. "Fine."
The restaurant he took her to was small and bright, filled with warm chatter and soft music. Jeff insisted she try something new, teasing her until she finally laughed for real again.
He fed her a spoonful of dessert, and she almost choked from laughing so hard. The sweetness lingered on her lips, and when she looked up, his gaze softened.
"You look beautiful when you smile," he said quietly.
Jenn blushed. "You're so cheesy."
"Cheesy but honest," he murmured.
And before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her—softly, gently, like he'd been waiting all day for that moment. Jenn froze for a second, her heart hammering, then closed her eyes and kissed him back.
When they finally pulled apart, Jeff smiled. "See? Not so scary."
Jenn laughed shyly, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
⸻
They were still laughing as they stepped out of the restaurant—until a shadow fell across their path.
Alden.
He stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable but his eyes burning with something dark.
Jenn froze. "Alden?"
Jeff's smile vanished. "Well. Fancy meeting you here."
Alden's gaze shifted to Jenn first. "Go home."
Jenn frowned. "What? I—how did you even know I was—"
"Now, Jenn."
Jeff stepped forward, his tone sharp. "You don't get to talk to her like that."
Jenn's heart thudded painfully. "Wait—you two know each other?"
Neither answered.
The silence said everything.
⸻
Jeff's jaw tightened. "Still the same, huh? Trying to control everything you can't keep."
Alden's voice was low. "And you're still pretending to be something you're not. Still playing the game Jeff? You haven't changed."
Jenn looked between them, confused and scared. "What's happening? How do you know each other?"
"Jenn, get behind me," Jeff said softly.
Alden's eyes darkened. "Don't touch her."
Jeff smirked faintly. "Or what?"
That was all it took.
The first punch came fast — anger, jealousy, years of something unspoken. Jenn screamed, grabbing at Alden's arm, trying to pull him back. "Stop! Please stop!"
But neither man heard her. Alden's fury was cold and precise, Jeff's defiance hot and reckless.
Then came the blow that changed everything — one hit too hard, one second too late.
Jeff stumbled back, his head hitting the pavement, blood streaking from the corner of his lip.
Jenn gasped, dropping to her knees beside him. "Jeff! Oh God, Jeff!"
Alden froze, his breath ragged. He stared down at Jeff's still body, the world spinning around him.
He hadn't meant for it to go that far. He hadn't meant to—
Jenn looked up at him, eyes wide and wet. "What did you do?" she whispered.
Alden couldn't speak.
He just turned away, jaw tight, guilt clawing at his chest.
Behind him, Jenn sobbed, calling Jeff's name as the street grew quiet again.
And for the first time in a long while, Alden felt something break inside him.
——
Alden's knuckles still ached from the fight. The flashing red and blue lights outside painted the night in harsh colors as the police led him toward their car. His jaw tightened, pride pushing him to keep his head high—but inside, a flicker of fear grew.
At the station, the air smelled of coffee and cold metal. The officer in charge, a man who clearly knew Alden too well, leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"Alden Gates," he said, voice heavy with disappointment. "Again."
Alden didn't respond. He stared at the desk, trying to mask the pulse of regret beating beneath his calm expression.
"You're lucky, you know?" the officer continued. "Most boys like you would be behind bars already. But your family name keeps saving you." He paused, then added sharply, "This time, I'm calling your father. Not your mother."
Alden's head snapped up. "No," he said quickly, almost panicked. "Don't call him. Please."
The officer raised an eyebrow. "Then maybe you should've thought about that before turning the city into your personal boxing ring."
Alden's heart sank. He knew what it meant if his father found out. It wasn't just anger—it was disappointment. And that, somehow, hurt worse.
He leaned forward slightly. "Please, I'll fix this. Just… don't call him."
But the officer had already picked up the phone. "It's too late, Alden."
⸻
Back at the mansion, Jenn rushed through the front door, breathless and shaken. Every maid and guard in the hallway turned to look at her. Their whispers filled the air, hushed and uncertain.
Her eyes darted around. "Where's Alden?"
Rosario appeared from the corner, worry etched into her face. "Jenn, what happened?"
Jenn froze, her throat tight. "He… he got into trouble," she managed to say, her voice trembling.
Rosario sighed softly, already guessing what kind of "trouble" it was. But before she could ask more, Jenn's voice broke the silence again.
"Where are Jovi and Jovan?"
"They went out," Rosario replied. "They'll be back later."
Jenn nodded absently, still catching her breath.
There was a pause—then Rosario took a deep breath, her tone gentler now. "Jenn, I have to tell you something. I'm… traveling tomorrow."
Jenn turned to her, startled. "What? Why?"
"My mother's sick," Rosario said, her eyes misting slightly. "She needs surgery. Mrs. Gates already helped me with the hospital bills. I'll stay with her until she recovers."
Jenn's heart dropped. She hugged Rosario tightly, not wanting to let go.
"I'll miss you," she whispered.
"I'll miss you too," Rosario said, rubbing her back. "Be careful, okay? The house feels big when you're alone."
Jenn nodded silently. Deep down, she knew Rosario was right. The mansion already felt too large, too quiet. Without her only friend around, it would be unbearable.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the skyline, Jenn stood by the window, staring at the long driveway where Alden's car usually parked. It was empty.
Her heart twisted with worry.
Without thinking twice, she grabbed her bag and headed for the hospital. Jeff was there—injured because of the fight Alden started. Maybe seeing him would help calm her racing mind.
But as she stepped out the door, one thought lingered painfully in her chest:
Why does it hurt to know Alden's in trouble?