Chapter 8: The Aftermath and New Questions

Lucia and Mia walked side by side through the campus, the earlier confrontation still lingering in the air. Though the crowd had dispersed, Mia’s reputation had once again solidified as someone not to mess with.

Lucia stole a glance at her best friend. “You know, one of these days, you’re going to get in trouble for breaking some guy’s arm.”

Mia scoffed. “Please. That was nothing. He’s lucky I didn’t do worse.”

Lucia sighed. “Still, you do have a habit of attracting trouble.”

Mia smirked. “I’d argue trouble finds me.”

Lucia rolled her eyes but let the subject drop. They reached the dormitory entrance, and as soon as they stepped inside, Mia stretched with a groan. “Finally. I need food. And maybe a nap.”

Lucia chuckled, tossing her bag onto her bed. “Same.” She hesitated for a moment before sitting down. “Hey… that guy. Ethan. He seemed a little too interested in you.”

Mia froze for a split second before scoffing. “Pfft. Please. He’s a Westwood. They flirt with anything that breathes.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow. “So you do know who he is.”

Mia pursed her lips but didn’t deny it. “After my encounter with him,I realized he looked familiar,searched online and bam!!,A Westwood. So I don’t know him, per se. I just know his type.”

Lucia studied her for a moment. “You were surprised when you saw him creeping around campus before. But you didn’t recognize him as Adrian’s best friend?”

Mia shrugged, flopping onto her bed. “I just knew him as some rich guy with too much time on his hands. Didn’t know he was Westwood Westwood.” She frowned. “Which means he’s worse than I thought.”

Lucia hesitated. “What do you mean?”

Mia exhaled. “The Westwoods are chaotic. If Adrian’s family is all about power and status, the Westwoods are about influence and playing the game. Ethan? He’s a second-generation heir who never had to work for a damn thing. Guys like him get bored and look for entertainment. And I have a feeling he thinks I’m his next game.”

Lucia frowned. “You really think that?”

Mia sat up, eyes serious. “I know that.”

Lucia chewed on her lip. “So what are you going to do?”

Mia smirked. “Oh, I’m going to let him think he’s playing me.”

Lucia groaned. “That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”

Mia winked. “I thrive in disaster.”

Lucia sighed, knowing there was no changing Mia’s mind. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was going to be more than just a game.

And deep down, she wasn’t sure if Mia or Ethan was going to be the one who lost.

“Mia.”

Mia shrugged. “Lucia.”

Lucia groaned, sitting up fully. “I’m serious. This guy is obviously used to getting what he wants. What if you get tangled in whatever game he’s playing?”

Mia tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “Then I’ll play better.”

Lucia shook her head. “I don’t get why you’re even entertaining this.”

Mia leaned back on her hands. “Because he thinks he’s got me figured out. And I love proving people wrong.” She smirked. “Besides, let’s be honest, he’s a little fun to mess with.”

Lucia rolled her eyes. “Mia, this isn’t some high school prank. Ethan Westwood is—”

“A spoiled rich guy with a sharp tongue and too much free time?” Mia finished. “Yeah, I got that.”

Lucia hesitated. “And what if he’s more than that?”

Mia paused for a second, then shrugged. “Then I guess I’ll find out.”

Lucia groaned. “Why do I feel like this is going to end terribly?”

Mia smirked, standing up and stretching. “Because you’re the sensible one.”

Lucia crossed her arms. “And you’re the reckless one.”

Mia winked. “Exactly.”

Lucia exhaled, shaking her head. “Fine. Do whatever you want. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Mia grinned. “I never do.”