Chapter 4

Isla's pov,

It's been a week since I stepped out of my room nor attended classes, a week since I realised my best friend was never my best friend and my boyfriend was just using me.

I had found out about my Dad's Issue but it was funny how he was able to clear it off within a week.

Nala always had my food in front of my room but I barely touched it. I'd only take the fruit before pushing the tray back outside and by midnight when everyone was already asleep, I'd sneak out of my room to shamelessly stuff my face with cheesecake.

It was already Friday and the Westbrook eagles were set to have a hockey game but I refused to attend.

I didn't want to see their faces, not Mason nor Amber's– two sly foxes. I still couldn't believe this was my life right now.

Hiding out under my blanket and scrolling through my I*******m but truthfully, I was stalking Amber's account. It wasn't even up to a month and she's already posting romantic things with my ex.

They even went out on a date yesterday and right now, I'm staring at her latest post with him…

Who?

Mason.

I stared at the time and it was already 10pm on the dot and from my research the game was meant to end by 9…

I stared at the picture, Mason's hands were crossed around her waist and in the other photo they were both KISSING.

“Ughh…ewww.” I whispered.

I darted my gaze towards the write up she had written and Clearly I knew my school won the match.

My phone buzzed up immediately and there was a message to the group chat, Funny how they actually forgot to remove me after stabbing me in the back.

I quickly tapped on it and it was a message from Mason.

“Party at my place folks— Bring your drinks.”

The message ended with a smiley face, I tossed my phone away already telling myself to ignore it and definitely there was no need to go because obviously it was the smart thing to do, there was no reason to go and definitely no reason to let them hurt me all over again.

But I guess I wasn't done receiving the embarrassment of my life— my subtle thoughts were already over the moon.

‘It's a night party, who would notice me….’

‘No one… Perfect.”

Within the next ten minutes I was already searching for the perfect party dress.

***

Standing in front of Mason's mansion. My grip tightened on the small purse in my hand.

It was already midnight and the music Blasting from inside was loud Enough to shake the foundation if the house itself, every few second, laughter erupted from the backyard And that was a sign.

The party was far from over, I glanced over my shoulder.

James had packed the black SUV a few meters away and then he lowered his windows.

“Remember,” he said, his brow was knitted together with all seriousness.

“One call, Miss Isla. That's all it takes.”

I nodded before blurting out a weak thank you, but he sighed because this attempt over here could really cost him his job.

“I still don't think you should be here.”

“I know…” I whispered, Then with a hesitant look, I turned and walked towards the house.

The moment I stepped inside, the smell of alcohol hit me hard. Beer bottles were littered over the coffee tables and the music thundered heavily through the Speakers.

The sound of laughter was now dim against the loud music but the steps they Couldn't go unnoticed. Some students began shouting over one another while few boys stood in the corner cheering as someone decided to chug an entire bottle of beer 

I swallowed hard…

See?

‘No one even noticed you’ I literally said to myself.

A tiny smile tugged at my lips, maybe coming here wasn't a terrible idea after all.

I kept it head down and quietly slipped through the crowd. Just then, two couples stumbled into the hallway laughing In between kisses.

“Oh—Sorry!”

One of the girls bumped into My shoulder before dragging her boyfriend towards an empty room, I quickly stepped aside but I guess that was a bad decision because that was when I saw them.

Mason and Amber— those two devil's.

He had his arms wrapped around her waist while she laughed against his lips before pulling him in for another kiss 

They were both surrounded by their friends all smiling and Teasing each other but something inside if me cracked.

I quickly looked away, trying hard not to cry, I wanted to leave.

I immediately turned to disappear into the crowd.

“Isla?”

My feet froze immediately, u knew the voice too well so I slowly turned around.

Amber stood there with her perfectly glossed lips curled into a smile.

“Oh my Gosh,” she said, sounding Almost excited and surprised altogether. “You actually came.”

Mason immediately strode behind her and the moment he saw me, a smug grin spread across his face.

“Well, well, well…” he crawled.

“I knew you'd come crawling back eventually.”

A few people nearby chuckled but I wasn't smiling.

“I get it,” he continued. “You miss me. But I'm sorry Isla. I can't exactly dump Amber and go back to—”

“Stop it right there, Mason” I said, raising my hand.

Mason blinked and for the first time since I arrived, I looked him dead in the eye.

“Do you really think I came here to beg you?” I asked, watching the perfect frown Wash off the smile he had in earlier.

I laughed.

“I don't get where you found that confidence.”

People around us began to exchange glances, because even I had no idea what was going on.

Amber immediately folded her arms.

“Then why are you here?”

“For the party… and for your information, I am not alone.”

Everyone was stunned and quiet.

“I came with My boyfriend.” I continued.

A wave of laughter immediately spread throughout the room.

“Your boyfriend ?” One guy snorted

Amber now covered her Mouth dramatically, like every words I had said was a joke.

“Wow….wow… wow.” Amber began with clapping.

“Who knew it would take our Fat Isla to build balls within a week.”

“Awww…” Everyone resounded.

Then she tilted her head.

“So show us…. I mean the boyfriend you claim to have, where is he?”

“Or…..” Mason Smirked. “Don’t tell me you're making him up.”

Heat rushed to my face as I tried hard not to stammer.

“He'll be here any minute.” I muttered.

“Oh really?” Amber murmured Sweetly.

“You know…” she sighed. “There's no reason to lie to us.” She added, Looking me up and down.

“Because Let's be honest… Who would want you date—”

Then, the front door opened, stopping her halfway through her speech.

Every head Immediately turned towards the tall figure that had just stepped inside, he had dark hair, broad shoulders and a black fitted Shirt that hugged his athletic body.

I mean, even from across the room, his demeanour demanded attention bs that was how the whispers began to break out.

“That's him…”

“He's the new transfer student…”

“I even heard he'll be joining our School hockey team from next week, I even heard he was the captain of his old school's hockey team.”

“Ooh.. I guess Mason now has a competition…”

“And he's ridiculously hot…”

I immediately noticed Amber's faltered smile and honestly that was the remedy to my trembling feet. I knew what she was thinking already in her head and I was down to play the game with her.

I suddenly let out a sigh of relief and without thinking, I hurried towards him and wrapped my arms around him.

I felt his body Go rigid, but he'll nah this wasn't going to spoil my plan.

I raised myself onto my tiptoes and then I whispered It out loud enough for only him to hear.

“Please… play along.” 

For a heartbeat, this stranger didn't move and my stomach?

It dropped into panic mode.

He's about To toss me aside and walk away, no.. he is going to embarrass me.

Just when I thought all hope was lost…. His arm slowly circled around my waist. I could hear the ough gasp ripple across the room.

I pulled back Just enough to look at him.

His blue eyes met mine.

“Hey, baby,” I said with a nervous smile.

Then, almost silently, I added.

“Please.”

He stared at me for a brief second before the corner of his lip Slightly lifted into a faint smile.

I finally let out the breath I'd been holding in and he'd him back towards Mason and Amber.

The entire party had fallen silent, I stepped in front of them. 

“This…” I started, smiling although my heart was pounding wildly.

“...is my boyfriend.”

Everyone stared at us in amusement and then the handsome stranger looked at me with glowing eyes.

“Donovan, babe.”

His voice was deep and effortless.

“I can't believe you were actually about To introduce me by my nickname.”

My eyes widened because for a second there I could have sworn that I had forgotten how to breathe.

He…. He was actually helping me.

“I…”

I Swallowed.

“Y–Yeah …”

“Donovan…” I whispered with a nervous smile crept over my lips.