ALEXANDER WALTERSAs I drove back home from the snooker place, the words of our conversation with Nathan echoed in my mind.I tried to brush them off, but they lingered like an unwelcome shadow. Despite my determination to stand my ground, his doubts planted a seed of uncertainty in my heart.Nathan's words played on repeat, reminding me of my Playboy past and how I used to pride myself on never getting attached. I had built a reputation, and my friends expected me to maintain it. But with Katherine, everything had changed, and I couldn't ignore the emotions that now consumed me.As I stopped at a red light, I let out a frustrated sigh. It was true; I had been an asshole in the past, using girls and never caring about the consequences of my actions. But Katherine was different. She made me want to be a better person, to be worthy of her affection and love.I couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt at the thought that even my friends doubted my capacity to change. Did they see me as inca

ALEXANDER WALTERS My heart raced as I stood outside Katie's house, my phone pressed against my ear. I had answered the call without really thinking, assuming it was Katherine reaching out to talk. But then I heard their voices, Katherine's and Katie's, and I realized that I was eavesdropping on a private conversation. I hesitated, feeling guilty for unintentionally invading their privacy, but something made me keep listening.Katherine's voice came through the phone as she spoke to Katie. "You remember when we made that plan for me to date Alexander for revenge."I felt like the world had stopped around me. Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I gripped the phone tighter, my heart pounding in my chest.My grip on the phone loosened, and I felt a sinking feeling in my chest. They had made a promise—a bet. I quickly disconnected the call, my heart heavy with a mix of anger, hurt, and confusion. I leaned against the side of the house, my mind racing. How could I have been so foo