Amelia's POV
The excitement of our victory still buzzed in my veins as Aiden and I made our way through the hallways, heading towards the evening celebration. The university had planned a party for the winners to treat their classmates, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and joy about what lay ahead.
As we walked, I paused and turned to Aiden. "You were going to tell me something before the competition," I said, my voice steady but laced with curiosity. "You said you'd tell me after the competition."
Aiden smirked, a familiar glint of mischief in his eyes. "You would have known already if you didn't try to destroy the competition beforehand," he replied, his tone teasing but with an edge of seriousness.
I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "You can't keep holding that over my head forever."
"Watch me," he said with a playful grin.
"Seriously, Aiden. What was it?" I pressed, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Aiden smirked again a familiar glint of mischief in his eyes. "I will tell you, but before that, we need to fix something."
"Fix what?" I asked, puzzled.
"Let's cover things up. I mean, whatever happened in the past," Aiden replied.
"What past?" I said, narrowing my eyes at him.
"Oh, the one you always drag between us. You know, that trying to provoke you stuff," he said, his tone still playful but with a hint of seriousness.
I rolled my eyes. "As if that can be fixed."
"Yes, it can," he insisted. "You tell me what I have to do. I will do anything to clear my doings."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Well, that's fishy of you. How come you're being so polite, plus willing to do anything to just clear things up? And why do you even need that?"
"We'll discuss that later, but first answer my question," he said, his gaze unwavering.
I sighed, contemplating his offer. "Uh-huh, so you really want to clear things up. Okay, Aiden, remember that day when you made me say sorry? Ask for forgiveness in front of the whole cafeteria, all the students, plus on my knees?"
He nodded, a shadow of guilt passing over his face or maybe I imagined it as Aiden is unknown to guilt.
"So, I will forget everything and start anew if and only if you go to your knees and say sorry in today's party, in front of everyone," I said, crossing my arms and meeting his eyes with a challenging look.
Aiden stared at me, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, without a word, he nodded. "Fine," he said, his voice steady. "If that's what it takes."
I was taken aback by his immediate agreement. "Really?"
"Really," he affirmed. "I said I'd do anything, and I meant it."
Seeing Aiden agree so easily, I narrow my eyes and look at him suspiciously. "I know you are planning something. Just tell me already," I say, trying to drop the act.
"And why are you not believing me?" Aiden counters. "I never remember lying to you or anything."
"Well, Aiden, why would you go on your knees in front of every single person, just because I said so?" I challenge.
Aiden steps forward, closing the distance between us until we're mere inches apart. He leans down, his face level with mine, and his gaze intense. "Well, Amelia," he says, his voice low and unwavering, "we have been together for a while now, and it feels like you don't know me much."
His words hang in the air, thick with meaning. I can feel the heat of his breath on my face, and it sends a shiver down my spine. His proximity makes it hard to think clearly, but I hold my ground.
"I don't care about any single person," he continues. "I will go to my knees, and they all will still admire me."
His confidence is both infuriating and strangely compelling. The way he speaks, with such conviction, leaves no room for doubt. I realize that, in his own way, he's telling the truth. Aiden isn't afraid of what others think. He's willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, and that includes anything, even if just for a moment.
But still, there's a part of me that can't fully trust his motives. "Why, though?" I ask, my voice softer now but still laced with skepticism. "Why go through all this just to make amends with me?"
Aiden straightens up, his expression unreadable. "Because, Amelia," he says, "sometimes, to move forward, you have to deal with the past. And right now, clearing things up with you is important. For both of us."
"You are telling me to believe that the sky is pink," I say, looking at him skeptically.
Aiden just smirks, his confidence unwavering. "It's okay, you will believe it soon. Tonight."
I roll my eyes. "I have to go home. I will make sure to call Rose and ask if everything is alright, if you have hurt your head somewhere or went through some accident and don't remember it, since you are being very weird."
Aiden chuckles, clearly amused by my suspicion.
"Other than that, let's meet tonight and see how your so-called 'do-anything' goes," I add, my tone still dubious.
"Sure," he says, his voice calm and assured. "See you tonight, Amelia."
I turn on my heel and start walking away, but I can't shake off the unease. Aiden's sudden change in demeanor is unsettling, and I can't help but wonder what he's really up to. Is he genuinely trying to make amends, or is this another one of his elaborate schemes?
As I leave I pull out my phone and dial Rose's number. She picks up on the second ring.
"Hey, Amelia," she greets, sounding a bit distracted.
"Hey, Rose. Quick question: has Aiden mentioned anything weird lately? Like, has he hit his head or been in some sort of accident?" I ask, trying to keep my tone light.
Rose laughs. "No, why? What did he do now?"
I sigh. "He's just... acting really strange. He's being unusually cooperative and even said he'd go down on his knees to apologize in front of everyone. It doesn't make any sense."
"Wait what! That does sound odd," Rose sounds surprised"But with Aiden, who knows? Maybe he's just trying to mess with you."
"Yeah, maybe," I murmur. "Anyway, I'll see you tonight at the party. Let's hope he hasn't completely lost his mind."
"See you tonight," Rose says before hanging up.
...............
I spend the rest of the afternoon trying to shake off the nagging feeling that something big is about to happen. Whatever happens tonight, I need to stay on my guard. Aiden may be acting cooperative now, but with him, things are never that simple.
I glance at the clock and realize it's 4 p.m. I need to figure out what to wear tonight. I head to my closet, pulling out a few options and laying them on my bed. After a moment of deliberation, I settle on a dress that's both classy and trendyâperfect for a university party. The dress is a sleek, black with a fitted waist and a flared skirt that hits just above the knee. Itâs chic without being over the top.
As I get ready, my mind keeps drifting back to what Aiden said earlier. I sit down at my vanity, staring at my reflection but seeing only the whirlwind of thoughts in my head. What is Aiden planning? He said he would do anything to make things right between us, but why? Is this some elaborate scheme to get back at me for nearly sabotaging the competition?
I go over all the possibilities, each one more unlikely than the last. Thereâs one particular thought that I canât shake, no matter how hard I try. What if Aiden is genuinely trying to make amends? But why would he do that? Itâs not like Iâm of any particular use to him. And itâs not like he wants to be friends. Does he?
I shake my head, trying to dislodge the idea. No, no, I can't let myself go down that road. Aiden would never do that. Heâs manipulative, dominating, always has some hidden agenda. Thereâs no way heâd suddenly want to make things right just for the sake of it.
With a deep breath, I push those thoughts aside and focus on finishing my makeup. A swipe of lipgloss, a touch of highlighter on my cheekbones, and Iâm ready to go. I slip on my black heels, grab my silver clutch, and head downstairs.
I take a moment to gather my thoughts, trying to brace myself for the evening ahead. I can't let Aiden get under my skin, not tonight. Whatever he has planned, Iâll be ready. As I walk out the door, I remind myself to stay focused and keep my guard up. Aiden may think heâs got the upper hand, but Iâm not going to make it easy for him.
With a final glance in the mirror, I nod to myself. I look confident, poised, ready for anything. Tonight, no matter what happens, Iâm determined to stay in control.