Semua Bab HE IS OBSSESED : Bab 1 - Bab 10

ReinaSummer was over. Another semester had begun at school and no matter how academically driven I am, resumption never excited me. Not with the sun beating down on me while I rushed to my next class, sweat causing my glasses to slide down my nose bridge even after I constantly sit it down. It was definitely not after all I'd been made to endure during my first ever semester as a fresher in the Buckings College.No, I didn't want to roll out of bed at five in the morning, pick out the best outfit from other ten similar ones, and start my cardio while running to catch up. I didn't want to stare at my lecturer teaching me about the basics of things I was already way ahead of while I struggled not to doze of in class. I didn't want to count the clouds through the window while a perverted male lecturer continued to flirt with female students that everyone considered pretty. I was never part of them. I could never be.As I dropped my things in the locker, ready to relax for the day at the

ReinaAustin and I shared a hateful glare from across the table as Brock and my mom were too busy clinging to each other and laughing.I knew what that glare said. I could translate it anywhere. And it meant, "I don't trust you one bit."As if he could read my mind, he finally spoke, his gaze panning towards his dad."If I were you, I'd be more careful so I don’t become the exploited. I thought that was one lesson of becoming a successful politician."My face burned with anger and embarrassment mixed in one. I wanted to reach out and smack the shit out of his face. Yes. That same face that turned to me and had a smirk on it as he leaned back on his chair and continued to stare at me.It must have been a week since the devastating news of my mother getting married to the father of a guy who absolutely hates my guts. That morning, I had intentions of making it be as good a day as possible. Until my door creaked open and my mother walked in, still in her nightdress."Good morning, darlin

ReinaWhen I got close, he seemed to be deeply engrossed in a conversation with one of his friends."Hey, Winnie," I called at his friend who sneered at me and walked away like I didn't exist.With a scowl, Austin turned and his expression only hardened. "What do you want?"I swallowed but before I could speak, he was stepping closer. Too close. "Listen to me, weirdo. I already told you to stay away from me. You and your thieving mom."My chest squeezed but I couldn't just let that slide, so I grabbed his arm with both hands and pushed him in the chest."No, you listen to me! You don't get to tell me what to do. Okay? And you don't you dare call my mom a thief!""Well, what is she? Less than two months into courting and she already wants a ring." The people around us seemed oblivious to our bickering and I was grateful for that. Especially since I could practically feel his weight crushed on mine, pressing me against the counter.My heart was racing, but it wasn't because I was scared

AustinI don’t remember the exact moment grief stopped feeling sharp and started tasting like guilt. But it’s been stuck in my mouth for days now like a bitter, unshakable taste. I sat on the edge of my bed, head hanging low, my mom’s photo in my hand. She looked like I remembered in this one, smiling softly, a knowing glint in her eye. Her brown curls fell loosely around her face, her blue eyes looking so alive. God, I miss her.They said time heals. They didn’t say it would twist me into someone I barely recognize. I didn’t cry at her funeral. I didn’t scream. I just stood there like a statue, cold and unreachable. They called me unfeeling and said I was a psychopath for not shedding a tear. But the truth was, I was hurting. Just like my father.Speak of the devil. My phone buzzed with a message from him. "Dinner tonight. 7 PM. Governor Kalu will be there. Bring Reina. She’s family now."I blinked. Reina?We hadn’t spoken in over a week. Not really. We just shared sideways glances i

REINAI stood in the bathroom, staring at the tomato sauce stain. It was a massive, bright-red, irreversible blot on my favorite white t-shirt. But the stain wasn't the worst part; the feeling was. Humiliation had a taste, and it tasted like salty marinara.I kept thinking about Austin’s face. That flicker. “You okay?” His voice was a low rumble, entirely different from the clipped, sarcastic tone he used at school. It was… human.I rinsed the shirt under the cold water, scrubbing fiercely. I knew it was hopeless, but I had to do something physical to match the internal panic.He spoke to me. He actually spoke to me.There was a light, almost hesitant knock on the bathroom door.“Reinna? You still in there? Mom wanted me to check on you.”It was Austin. My breath hitched. I dropped the soaked t-shirt into the sink.“Uh, yeah, I’m fine,” I called out, my voice sounding shaky and pathetic. “Just… trying to save the shirt.”“Don’t bother,” he said through the wood. “That thing is toast.