Chapter 5

Diane’s POV

It was a cool morning, the breeze slapping gently against my skin, but it didn't make me feel any better.

My heart thudded harder against my chest, and sweat dampened my palms, grasping my backpack as I headed toward the classroom.

Every glance from each passing student made my stomach twist as I couldn’t tell if it was paranoia or reality. What if the whole school had already seen it?

What if Jaden really uploaded my nude videos and pictures? What was even worse is this.

After much pleading yesterday, Jaden told me I had one option for him not to do this, since he knew how much it would destroy my parents' reputation and make me a laughingstock.

I asked him what option I had, and he said something that shook me and left my blood frozen for a minute. It was something I never imagined he would say.

He demanded I make a video, saying that Leo took advantage of me that day in the club. If there was anyone that took advantage of the other, it was me.

I couldn't sleep last night, crying my eyes out as guilt pressed against my heart like a boulder.

"You don't learn..." I can remember how he laughed and then told me he would upload , destroying me and Leo at once.

I hadn’t dared to check the school’s portal this morning. I won't be able to handle the comments, the humiliating words lashed at me.

Today would definitely be my last day here at this school because I don't think I have it in me to walk these halls with everyone making mockery of me.

And Leo... God. What would he think?

After everything he did for me.

If that rape allegation video is leaked, his career will go down the drain, his image and reputation tarnished forever, even if he is proven innocent in the future.

How will he look at me again?

Leo will definitely hate me and never see me the same again. I had accused him of something he didn’t do. A liar and betrayer.

I will lose every last bit of dignity I had left.

As I neared the classroom, my legs felt weak. I was sweating through my clothes.

That’s when I heard footsteps rushing toward me.

I turned—and froze.

Selene.

My ex-best friend who backstabbed me.

“What do you want?” I snapped, stepping back instinctively.

She looked exhausted, her face pale and drawn. Her eyes were ringed with dark circles, and her lips were split.

“I’m sorry,” she said, out of breath. “For everything.”

“Sorry?” I scoffed. “I don’t want to hear it.”

But she kept talking.

“I’m paying for it. Trust me,” she said with a tight, bitter smile. “I came to tell you Jaden lost everything last night. The videos. The recording. It’s all gone.”

I blinked at her. “What?”

She nodded.

My gaze dropped on her bruises and my stomach turned. "Who did that?"

“I told everyone I got into an accident, but it was Jaden who ordered his bodyguards to hit me out of frustration, claiming I was the cause of the armed robbery attack,” she sighed. “Jaden took out his anger on me after someone broke in and wiped out everything. All his files that contained your photos and videos. They even beat him up later.”

I clutched my chest as the air whooshed in excitement from my lungs. It was real. The videos were actually gone.

Tears of joy welled in my eyes as I covered my mouth in relief.

Selene gave me a weak smile. “I just wanted to say goodbye before I leave. You were the best friend I ever had. I’m sorry I threw that away.”

She kissed my cheek and walked off before I could even respond. I really feel pity for her.

My head spun. The fear and the shame I felt earlier lifted all at once, replaced by a flood of joy so powerful I felt like I might float.

I all but skipped to the classroom.

The moment I walked in, the first person I saw was Jaden—bandaged, bruised, and glaring. His head was wrapped like someone had smashed it with a brick. A deep purple bump throbbed on his cheek.

I had to press my lips together to stop myself from laughing.

He didn’t just lose the videos—he got wrecked.

Leo?

Could it have been him?

I doubted it. As much as I wished, he was just a teacher. Right?

Whoever did it, they were sent by fate. And they saved me.

I took my seat beside Jaden. He didn’t even look at me.

“Good morning,” I chirped sweetly, unable to stop the smug little smile on my face.

His head snapped toward me, eyes burning. “What the hell are you smiling about, bitch?”

I tilted my head. “Just being polite.”

He clenched his jaw so hard, I thought he might shatter his teeth.

“I refuse to believe they were just random robbers,” he hissed. “You planned this. You sent them!”

I blinked. “What are you even talking about? Robbers?”

Before he could answer, our English teacher walked in, ending the conversation.

But my thoughts spun.

So someone really broke in… and destroyed everything.

Who would do that for me? Who even cared enough?

And then… math.

The moment the English teacher stepped out, Leo entered.

My heart did exactly what I didn’t want it to do—it leaped, beat faster, and fluttered wildly inside my chest like it recognized him before I did.

He walked straight to the front of the class, no eye contact, just all business.

The room quieted instantly, and even Jaden sat still, not daring to speak.

Leo began his lesson, his deep voice steady, calm, and completely in control. He explained complex topics like they were simple, guiding us through algebra with such clarity that even the back-row students paid attention.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

But he didn’t glance at me once.

After finishing a particularly tricky equation, he opened the floor for questions. Of course, half the girls raised their hands—not because they had questions, but just to talk to him.

“Are you single?” one asked boldly.

Leo’s face didn’t change. “I don’t answer questions unrelated to class.”

Another tried. “Can I bring problems to your office?”

“I’ll leave my email. Send it there.” He wrote it on the board. “No students are allowed in my office.”

I quickly copied the address.

“I’m not obligated to reply to every message,” he added, eyes cold. “And if you send irrelevant things, I’ll block you permanently.”

And then—for the first time—his eyes flicked toward me.

My breath caught. I hated how he affected me.

One look and my whole body responded, like I belonged to him and didn’t even realize it.

Could he be my mate? But there was no scent, no pull, no wolf in him at all. I’d never sensed one.

He was… strange. Too perfect. Too composed. Too guarded.

I had so many questions. And zero answers.

After a final lecture, the bell rang for a break.

Jaden hissed beside me. “My father’s sending hunters to track down whoever did this to me. And when we find them... you’ll wish you were dead.”

I giggled. “You should focus on healing, drama queen.” Then I grabbed my books and headed straight to Leo’s office.

I knew I wasn’t supposed to. But I had to tell him. He needed to know.

I knocked. No answer.

Knocked again—and the door clicked open.

“What did I say about students entering—”

He stopped mid-sentence as I slipped in.

“I have good news!” I blurted out, eyes bright. “Jaden lost everything. All the videos. Even the one he forced me to record—it’s gone. Someone broke in last night, pretending to be robbers, and—”

“How do you know that?” Leo asked, his tone sharp.

“My… ex-friend. Selene. She told me. And Jaden confirmed it in class. Not just that, he—”

“Did you mention Force?” Leo cut in, voice low but pointed. “You should be careful with that word.”

I blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“You were going to lie and say I raped you. You were really going to accuse me,” he said quietly, like the words tasted bitter. “That video… If it had been leaked, I’d have been done. Finished.”

The room spun.

He knew.

“Wait… How do you even know about the video?” My voice trembled. “Leo… was it you? Were you the one who broke in? "Was it you who got rid of it all?”

He ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. “I wish I could hate you.”

My heart cracked open.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I never wanted to hurt you. Jaden threatened me—he said if I didn’t do it, he’d post everything. My parents are running for Gamma. If the videos got out…”

Leo looked away. “I believe you.”

I stared at him. “You do?”

“Yes,” he muttered. “I believe every word you say… and that’s the problem.”

My breath hitched.

He looked at me again—and something in his eyes burned through me. Something I couldn’t name. Longing? Regret? Desire?

“Now go,” he said, softer this time. “Before someone sees you here.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “But I don't want to go yet.”

"And I also don't want you away from my sight." He breathed, stepping closer.

I know this is wrong. He is my teacher, and I am his student. We shouldn't be doing this, right? But my heart has lost all morals.