Chapter 002

It was quiet inside the dining room, everyone paying attention to their plates. Chloe sipped on her coffee, savoring the taste as if it was the sweetest drink that she has ever tasted . Even though Chloe didn't want to admit it out loud, the coffee tasted good, just the way she loved it.

To be honest, Chloe thought Aaron didn't know that much about the kitchen. She thought that… he was only good with his tongue, telling girls whatever they wanted to hear, making them giggle giddily.

However, Aaron proved her wrong in the kitchen. Perhaps he knew more than Chloe thought. The images of him making coffee effortlessly flashed in her mind. It seemed as though he was enjoying the coffee-making process. Chloe recalled the relaxed look on his face and everything in between. He made it look so much easier and… Chloe found herself enjoying it, letting go of herself.

Chloe couldn't explain how it happened. However, they ended up preparing coffee for the whole family as Victoria and Jacob prepared the scrambled eggs and pancakes.

From the corner of his eyes, Aaron watched Chloe, taking note of her almost unnoticed reaction as the coffee hit her guts. He didn't miss the look of satisfaction in those brown hazel eyes.

“Do you like the coffee?” Chloe almost choked on the coffee when Aaron's voice sliced through the quiet air.

Damn it! Perhaps she made it too obvious that the coffee tasted good.

Chloe looked around the table to confirm who Aaron was talking to, hoping the question wasn't directed to her. However, his eyes were on her, making Chloe feel a little uncomfortable. It made her feel as though she was made of glass and he could see through her.

Perhaps it's true what girls said about Aaron's eyes. Chloe heard them say that those green eyes can bring a girl to her knees. However, to Chloe it was quite the opposite. She was still on her feet. Perhaps Aaron knew what those eyes did to girls and that's why he was trying to play some tricks with her. If he thinks Chloe will giggle in excitement like other girls, he's dead wrong.

Chloe adjusted in her chair, sitting straight, raising her chin up high to show him that she was unfazed by his gaze.

"Not bad.” Chloe shrugged nonchalantly and continued to munch on the scrambled eggs.

“I think it's good.” Victoria said, sipping on her coffee. Chloe raised her head sharply to look at her mother, not believing that she had thrown her under the bus. However, she wasn't that much surprised. Chloe knows that her mom and Aaron get along pretty well.

Chloe didn't miss the smirk on Aaron’s face. She gave him a hard glare but it seemed as if it didn't have that much effect on him.

Deep down, Aaron knew that Chloe was enjoying the coffee even though she was pretending not to.

Rebellious. Stubborn. Aaron thought those qualities were alluring in some twisted way.

“Today is the first day of your senior year for the both of you. How do you feel? Do you guys have any plans? Maybe a dream university, career path or… the legacy you would like to leave behind?” Victoria inquired, darting her eyes between Aaron and Chloe.

Chloe had been avoiding that very conversation because it made her nervous. However, it seemed as if she didn't have a choice but to confront it.

“Feeling a little bit nervous,” she confessed, releasing a breath as a small smile spread across her face.

“I'll put more effort into my studies since I want to join my dream university. About a career path, not so sure about it. However, I would like to do something in line with medicine.” It was silent across the table as everyone listened to Chloe speak. Aaron was not an exception.

“And about the senior year. I know, not many will remember me because I’m not that 'popular'.” Chloe stretched the word 'popular'.

Aaron raised his eyebrow at her, the corner of his lips twitching into a smile because he knew damn well that she was talking about him indirectly.

“I would like to leave behind a good impression. I’ll try my best not to get into unnecessary fights or ditch classes.” She continued, and that only confirmed Aaron's thoughts.

He knows too well that most of the students have some twisted impressions about him. However, he has never cared enough to change their perspective about him. Those who get close enough know who he truly is. Chloe is one of those who has never gotten close enough to find out…

“That's good. I think I like your idea.” Jacob said in approval. He turned his gaze to his son who had a lazy look on his face. Unbothered.

Victoria smiled warmly at her daughter, pleased, and Chloe smiled back.

“What about you, son?” Jacob asked. Aaron was quiet for a while, taking his sweet time.

“I think… I’ll concentrate more on football, and studies of course. The Falcon team better up their game.” The corner of his lips curved into a wicked smile, giving Chloe a side look.

Chloe knew too well that those words were directed to her. William Lockwood, Chloe's boyfriend, is the QB of the Falcon football team, rivals with Aaron’s Phantom team. Both are captains for their respective football teams.

The two football teams compete against each other, and the winning team gets the privilege to represent the school in high school national football games.

Chloe clenched her hands into tight fists under the table until the knuckles turned white. However, she managed to put on a smile, pretending his words didn't get through her. Chloe knew Aaron wanted to get a reaction from her. However, she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

“That’s amazing.” Chloe nodded to his words, pretending to be happy and in support.

Even though Chloe tried to pretend that she wasn't affected, Aaron noticed. He knew she was playing tough. Hard to break.

As if Victoria sensed the tension between Aaron and Chloe, she coughed, capturing their attention. Victoria knows too well that Chloe's boyfriend is the QB of Aaron's rival team.

“I think… it's time for school.” Jacob announced when he noticed the tension between the two, checking on his wristwatch.

“Chloe, I would like to have a word with you.” Chloe was about to pick up her backpack but she stopped upon hearing her mom's words...