5

(Lander POV)

It was finally break time. My friends and I headed toward the canteen, talking about the game, but my mind was stuck elsewhere. Suddenly, a voice sliced through the air, calling my name. I closed my eyes for a second, feeling the irritation rise.

 

"What are you doing here, Irish?" I asked without even looking at her.

 

"Babe, come on. Obviously, I’m here to eat with you," she said, trying to slide her hand into mine. My friends started laughing, but I shot them a look that made them freeze.

 

"I know you're here to eat, but why follow us? I want some privacy with my friends. And don’t bring Aria into our issues," I told her firmly.

 

"Privacy? For what? To plan your little photoshoot and the wedding tomorrow?" she asked, her voice getting higher. "Is that why you’re acting like this? Because of her?"

 

"Tsk. Think whatever you want, Irish. I’m done here," I snapped, turning my back on her. I could hear her calling me, but I didn't stop. I headed straight for the canteen. I didn't want to talk to her; I wanted to find Aria.

 

(Aria POV)

"Girl, why are you going home early today?" my friend asked as we sat in a corner of the canteen.

 

"You saw the scene in the hallway," I sighed, looking at the tray of food I hadn't touched. "Everyone is looking at me like I’m a criminal. Irish and Lander are the 'Couple of the Year,' and now the whole university thinks I’m the one who tore them apart."

 

"And you're letting them win?" my friend argued. "Aria , they’re just bitter. They know that tomorrow, you’re the one who’s going to be a Storm."

 

"That’s the problem. They don’t see a wedding; they see a scandal. Irish has the looks and the fans, and here I am... just a name on a contract."

 

" Aria, stop! She has the looks, sure, but her heart is rotten. You are beautiful, and you have a good soul. That’s why you’re the one standing there tomorrow, not her."

 

I was about to answer when I felt the atmosphere in the room change. My friends went silent, their eyes widening. I felt a presence behind me, and then, Lander slid into the seat right next to me. My breath hitched.

 

"L-Lander!" I stammered, my face heating up instantly.

 

"What? You look like I’m a ghost. Is there a problem?" he asked, looking at me with those dark, unreadable eyes.

 

"W-what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to find my voice.

 

"Eating, obviously. Did you think I was going to dance for you?" he said with a smirk that made my heart race for all the wrong reasons. "Have you been here long?"

 

"No... we just got here," I whispered, looking down at my hands.

 

"Good. Listen carefully. Tomorrow, I’m picking you up. After the ceremony, I’m taking you straight to my parents’ house to say goodbye, and then you’re moving in with me. It’s our wedding day. Don't forget."

 

"I know... I mean, okay," I said softly.

 

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that felt like a threat. "And another thing. Avoid talking to other guys. No more meeting up with male classmates, and no more 'hanging out' with your guy friends. I don't want to see you near them."

 

I felt a spark of anger. Who did he think he was? "Why should I avoid them? Lander, you know this is just a temporary con—"

 

Suddenly, he slammed his hand down on the table. The loud sound made the entire canteen go silent. Every student stopped eating and stared at us. I felt my face turn bright red from the humiliation. I was frozen, my heart pounding against my ribs.

 

"Lander... why did you do that? You're scaring everyone," I whispered, my eyes stinging.

 

"Aria, I told you. I don't want questions. When I say it's forbidden, it’s FORBIDDEN! Do you understand me?"

 

I lowered my head, hiding my eyes behind my hair. I could feel the whispers starting, the mocking smiles of the people who hated me. I took a deep breath, forcing my voice to sound small and obedient.

 

"O-okay... I’m sorry. I understand," I whispered.

 

" . I’ve lost my appetite," he growled. He stood up and stormed out, his friends quickly following behind him.

 

I sat there, looking like a broken girl who had been crushed by her future husband. My friends were looking at me with pity. " Aria, he’s so jealous! He’s already marking his territory," one of them whispered.

 

"Jealousy?" I muttered, still looking down. "He’s just a control freak."

 

But beneath the table, my hands were clenched into tight fists. My nails dug into my palms as I stared at the spot where he had sat.

 

'Enjoy this moment, Lander,' I thought, my heart burning with a cold, sharp fire. 'Enjoy the power you think you have over me. You think that because I bowed my head, you’ve won? You think that because I said "sorry," I’m afraid of you? You have no idea.'

 

I looked up, a faint, chilling smile playing on my lips as I watched the door he disappeared through.

 

'Tomorrow, I enter your house. Tomorrow, I become the wife you think you can lock away. But while you’re busy watching who I talk to, I’ll be busy dismantling your world from the inside. You wanted a church wedding, Lander? Fine. You’re going to need a lot of prayers to survive what I have planned for you