Rickey, still simmering with rage, countered, âHeâs Addieâs boyfriend? Is this just another one of her manipulative games? I promise you, she will face consequences for this.â
âPlease, just let it go. Iâm more than capable of handling this situation. Concentrate on your studies overseas.â
Rickey wanted to argue that distance didnât diminish his ability to protect her. However, he caught himself, remembering his departure was partly to help her foster a relationship with Dunn.
âAlright. But listen, if anything else happens, donât hold back. Tell me, okay?â
Aurora nodded, though he couldnât see her. âI will, I promise.â
The moment the call concluded, Rickey wasted no time in contacting Dunn.
âDunn, thereâs trouble with Aurora.â
âI already know.â
Rickeyâs surprise was palpable. It was the first time he had found out about Auroraâs news later than Dunn.
He slapped his forehead in realization. âOh, right, I mentioned her class reunion yesterday.â
Dunn remained silent on the other end. It was early morning, and he was jogging on his treadmill.
Their conversation continued over the speakerphone, carrying Rickeyâs voice clearly.
âAddie was behind the whole mess. Make sure she doesnât get off lightly.â
As Dunn adjusted the treadmillâs pace to a brisk walk, he asked, âIs she the one you said keeps troubling Aurora?â
A twinge of discomfort tightened around Rickeyâs chest.
It felt as if something that belonged to him was being taken by Dunn slowly.
What once felt naturalâsharing all about Aurora with Dunnânow felt like something he couldnât bear to do.
âYeah, thatâs her. Whatâs your move going to be?â
Dunn draped the towel around his neck, its edges damp from wiping away sweat. He picked up his water bottle, tilting it back for a long gulp before speaking.
âI gave Addie twenty-four hours. If she doesnât apologize, Iâll go to her parents.â
Rickey raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching in disbelief. âGo to her parents? Thatâs way too much hassle. Why not just find someone to beat her?â
Dunnâs gaze sharpened, his tone firm. âAnd then? Beat her until she learns?â
Rickey scoffed, leaning back. âAt least it would make me feel better.â
Dunn said nothing in return. His upbringing had taught him to respect others when they had different views. But in reality, he just didnât want to waste words on pointless things.
âIâll handle it. By the way, how are things going for you abroad? Adjusting alright?â
âPretty good.â
âThatâs good.â
Rickey felt that Dunn wanted assurance that he was moving on, far enough away not to meddle with Aurora anymore.
âIâve got class. Bye,â he said simply.
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