Chapter Six: The Heartbreak š
Alan's POV
I thought I had finally found peace. After everything with Astrid, Bianca felt like a fresh start ā someone who could silence the chaos inside me. Her presence was light, her laughter a shield against the darkness I carried.
But shadows don't disappear that easily. One afternoon, wandering near the back of the school, I caught the sound of her voice. It was familiar, warm at firstā¦ until the words twisted into something cruel.
"Alan? Please. I'm just using him. He's poor, but being with him makes me look powerful. Everyone stares when I walk beside him. That's all I want ā attention, not love."
The world stopped. My chest tightened, my breath turned to stone. I wanted to step forward, to demand the truth, but my body betrayed me. I stood frozen, listening as the girl I trusted shattered everything I thought we had.
That night, silence consumed me. I locked myself in my room, refusing to speak. Alex knocked, worried, but I couldn't explain the storm inside me.
Days later, I finally confronted Bianca. My voice shook as I asked, "Did you say those things about me?"
Her eyes widened, and she laughed nervously. "Alan, you misunderstood. I was joking with my friends. They tease me because you don't have much money, but I told them I don't care. I like you for who you are. Don't let gossip twist your mind."
Her words were gentle, her tone convincing. And against my better judgment, I believed her. I wanted to believe her. I needed to believe her.
For a moment, the pain eased. I let her defense wrap around me like a fragile bandage, even though deep down, the wound still bled.
(Not everyone who smiles at you wants the best for you.)
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