Chapter 4

Aurora’s POV

My eyes finally focused on the face of the person holding me steady.

For a split second, I forgot how to breathe.

Zayne…

I’d seen him stare at me a few times in my previous life, I’d ignored him, tagging him a creep but here he was helping me when no one else had the balls to.

Zayne helped me back onto my feet before taking a small step back, giving me enough space to steady myself.

“Hey,” he asked gently. “Are you okay?”

I blinked before giving him a small nod.

“I’m fine.”

His lips curved into a polite smile, as though he wasn’t completely convinced.

Before either of us could say another word…

Pheeeew!

Coach Wingers’ whistle echoed through the gymnasium.

“Bring it in, everyone!”

The students immediately began gathering around him.

Zayne glanced toward the coach before looking back at me.

“Shall we?”

I smiled politely.

“Thank you… for catching me.”

“It was nothing.”

Together, we walked toward the rest of the class.

Coach Wingers folded his arms behind his back as everyone settled down.

“Today’s activity will be different.”

The chatter died instantly.

“We’re playing mixed handball today..”

A few excited cheers erupted around the gym.

“Thankfully, we’ve got an even number of students, now Captains have already been decided.”

He pointed toward Sebastian.

“Sebastian Vale. Team A.”

Then he gestured toward Zayne.

“Zayne Russell. Team B.”

“You’ll each choose your teammates.”

The moment he finished speaking, the students scattered.

Almost everyone rushed toward Sebastian.

Of course they did. He was the future Alpha. Strong, popular and confident. Winning had always followed him.

For a long moment, I remained rooted to the spot.

My eyes drifted toward Team A.

Stefan, Harry and Lourdes were already laughing as they picked teammates.

Then…

My eyes met Sebastian’s.

He stood with one hand tucked casually inside his pocket.

A confident smile rested on his face.

The instant our gazes met… He gave me a small nod.

As if it was the most natural thing in the world.

I understand what it meant, he had expected me to walk over without hesitation.

The old me would have done so without thinking twice.

A faint smile tugged at my lips.

Not anymore.

I turned and started walking toward Team B.

“Aurora!”

A familiar hand caught my wrist. I turned to find Lexi smiling at me.

“Rora,” she said sweetly. “Aren’t you coming?”

Her smile widened.

“You could make it up to Seb by joining his team.”

I glanced toward Sebastian once more.

He still stood there calmly waiting, watching me.. beyond certain that I’d choose him.

I looked back at Lexi.

“Thanks…”

I gently removed her hand from my wrist.

“But no thanks. I’ll stick with Zayne’s team.”

Her smile froze.

“What? But You’ve always been on our team.”

I nodded calmly.

“There’s always a first time for everything.”

Without waiting for another response, I walked away.

I stopped behind Zayne, who was busy discussing positions with the rest of his team.

Lightly tapping his shoulder, I smiled.

“Is there room for one more?”

He turned around.

Before he could answer, a girl stepped forward.

Gwen.

She folded her arms across her chest.

“What do you want here?”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Trying to sabotage us because of your stupid little crush on Sebastian?”

The accusation left me speechless.

Was…

Was that really how everyone saw me?

Before I could explain myself, Zayne spoke first.

“If she wanted to sabotage us,” he said calmly, “she wouldn’t have walked over here looking that nervous.”

I looked up at him in surprise.

His voice wasn’t mocking. It was warm and sincere.

For reasons I couldn’t explain, my heart felt lighter.

I offered him a grateful smile before turning back to Gwen.

“I understand why you’re suspicious. I really do. But I’m not here to sabotage anyone.”

I looked around at the rest of the team.

“I just want a fair chance.”

Silence followed.

The teammates exchanged uncertain glances.

Finally, Gwen sighed.

“Fine. But if you betray us…”

“I won’t.”

She stared at me for another second before stepping aside.

Zayne clapped his hands together.

“Looks like we’re complete.”

He smiled at everyone.

“Let’s give this everything we’ve got.”

A chorus of determined cheers answered him. We turned toward the court.

I had barely taken two steps when someone grabbed my wrist.

Again.

I sighed before turning around.

Sebastian.

His expression was darker than before.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I met his gaze calmly.

“Heading to the court with my team.”

His jaw tightened.

“Stop playing dumb. You’ve been on my team every single game since we were kids.”

His eyes searched mine.

“And suddenly you’re joining those squad of losers?”

His voice lowered.

“Are you trying to get my attention? Congratulations you’ve got it, now return to the team and apologise to Lexi.”

I almost laughed.

So that was what he thought.

He believed everything I did revolved around him.

Because… It always had.

In my previous life. Every match, competition and victory, I had worked harder than anyone else just to earn a single compliment from him.

Only for Sebastian and Lexi to receive all the praise.

Back then, I had mistaken manipulation for friendship.

Never again.

I slowly pulled my wrist free.

“I’m staying with Team B. And as for apologising to Lexi…”

I smiled politely.

“I’ll pass.”

Without another glance, I walked away.

For the first time…

Walking away from Sebastian actually felt good.

Really good.