EPISODE THIRTY ONE 31: THE FIRE THAT BURNS.

**ETHAN'S POV**

Furious doesn't even begin to cover it-I am absolutely livid. How could she kiss another guy on set? She's my girlfriend, not anyone else's. I don't care if I sound like a crazy boyfriend; I love Rose, and that's undeniable.

I wasn't planning on going to Mal's party at first, but I know Rose will be there. I'm going for MY GIRLFRIEND.

I know Lina; she's pretty, smart, and knows exactly how to get on my nerves. She still hasn't gotten over the fact that Hadizah and I were together. She doesn't understand that I'd never trade her for anything. She's my first and last love-my soulmate, and I'm absolutely certain of it.

As I burst through the gate, I can't help but notice how extravagant Mal's party is. When Mal throws a party, he goes all out, and no one can match it.

Walking in, I see everyone with headphones. Looks like Mal's having a noise-free party. I like that; he's keeping our ecosystem in check.

But then my eyes fall on something-an angel in human form.

Primrose Linda Brown.

I walk up to her, and I see the same lead character she kissed earlier standing beside her. They're laughing together. Does she not realize I'm still her boyfriend? Maybe it's time I remind her.

I stormed up to her, my eyes blazing with anger and hurt. Lina, my girlfriend, was laughing with the same guy she kissed on set. Did she forget I am her boyfriend? "Lina, we need to talk," I growled, my voice low and serious.

She turned to me, a flirtatious smile still on her face. "Oh, my God, Steve is your name Lina, by any chance?" she asked, dusting off invisible dust from his shirt.

I seethed with rage. "No, but I think he's talking to you. Is he your friend?" the guy asked, oblivious to the tension.

Lina's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Yeah, he's a very big lady's man," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I couldn't take it anymore. "I'm her boyfriend, you get that? Hands off my woman!" I snarled, yanking his hands off her.

Lina's eyes flashed with anger, but she knew I was serious. "Rose, please don't cause a scene. Let's talk, please," I said, trying to calm her down.

We walked to the back of the building, away from prying eyes. "What do you want, Ethan?" she asked, her voice cold.

I winced at the formal name. "When did you start calling me Ethan? It was always E-bear coming from you."

She rolled her eyes. "Are you really serious right now, Ethan? I caught you with a girl in the lab, telling her things you never told me in our four years of relationship. Four years, Ethan, four freaking years!"

I knew I had hurt her deeply. "I didn't tell you because I knew you would worry. I didn't want to bore you with my personal issues."

Her eyes blazed with anger. "If you can't bore me with your personal issues, then why the hell are my your girlfriend? It's so we could go through things together, Ethan!"

I knew I had messed up. "Even so, was that why you kissed your lead actor? I was supposed to have that role, you know that, I said.

She grabbed my collar, her green eyes flashing with tears. "I did it because I was fed up, Ethan! I was fed up! Every girl in that school wants you for themselves, even seniors! I was insecure, I'm fed up, and it's not my fault Steve is a better actor than you and his parents support him," she said.

I knew she was talking about my dad but that isn't why I'm here, I'm not here to argue with her, I'm here to amend things with her.

I tried to calm her down, but she was having none of it. "Rose, I could never cheat on you. It's why you are the love of my life. You're my life, God dammit!"

She stared at me, her eyes searching for sincerity. "Ethan, I'm really not ready for this right now, OK?"

I knew I had to convince her. "Rose, please listen. I'm sorry."

But she walked away, leaving me stunned and desperate. I dragged her back, holding her by the shoulders. "Rose, I want you to know that if the whole world is burning, I would let not a single flame touch a hair on your body."

She looked up at me, tears streaming down her face. "Do you really mean that?"

I nodded, my icy blue eyes locked on hers. "I do."

My gaze moved down to her beautiful lips, they have been begging me to give them even the slightest peck since we started this relationship.

Rosy understood the message and she closed her eyes waiting for my impact, but then she pulled away, there goes my first kiss.

"Ethan, I'm not ready for this because now I know that you won't save me unless the whole world burns."

I knew I had to fight for her. "Lina, please don't get me wrong."

But she shook her head. "Ethan, I think we need a break."

I was devastated, but I knew I wouldn't give up. "I'm not going to leave. It's not an option. I'm going to fight for my love, even if it means defying all rules."

**HADIZAH'S POV**

Today is Mal's party, and I'm ecstatic. I can't wait to see Julian, Anna, and hopefully Ava. I've missed Ava, but I'm unsure how to bring up what happened between us. I know I'm not perfect, but there's no denying I always needed her, even when I didn't realize it.

I got up, slipped into a brown bodyhug and skinny jeans, and I gently draped a brown hijab over it. I added some lip gloss and mascara. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I realized my dressing sense has changed. Maybe it's because I'm sixteen, or because I'm trying to fit in with the wealthy students. I summoned up the courage to feel comfortable in it.

I texted my mum, letting her know I was heading to the party. She replied, reminding me to be home before 6:00 p.m. I figured I wouldn't stay long; it's just an almost-back-to-school party.

*******

I stepped out of Anna's Ferrari-definitely not exaggerating, but the party scene here is all about flaunting wealth.

When I got out, Anna took a long look at me. "Is there anything wrong with me?" I asked, self-conscious.

"Nothing, it's just that I could help you with your head cover if you don't mind," she said.

I hesitated but agreed. She restyled my hijab so that my earrings were visible. I actually liked the look. "Better. Let's go to the party," she said.

As I approached Mal's massive house, complete with a gigantic pool and top-notch security, I marveled at its grandeur. I couldn't even imagine how impressive Golden Valley must be if Mal's place was this stunning.

"You go on. I have to attend to some things," Anna said.

"Okay," I replied, heading into the party. To my surprise, there was no noise.

Suddenly, someone pulled me to the side and pressed me against the wall. My heart raced.

"Michael, what's going on?" I gasped.

"I'm sorry, but you need to leave this party now," he said.

"Who are you to tell me what to do?" I demanded, trying to walk away.

"Please, listen. I have a bad feeling. I don't want someone I know to get hurt because of me again," he said.

His concern was somewhat reassuring, but I wasn't ready to leave without a reason. "Give me something to rely on, and I'll consider leaving."

"Please believe me. I'm sure something bad is going to happen. Just don't attend this party," he urged.

"You just show up and expect me to leave without proof? This is my first party since I've come here. Just leave me in peace," I said.

"Look at yourself, Hadizah. This isn't you. The way you're dressed, it's not who you are. You used to snap at people, not let them touch you," he said.

"Michael, don't say things you might regret. Just walk away like this never happened," I said.

"Fine, I'll leave. I just want you to know that I admire and appreciate you more than you will know," he said.

"Meaning what? Does he... no, he doesn't. Michael is like a robot-he's never even smiled since I met him," I thought.

"Michael, just go away. Go bother someone else," I said.

"Fine, I'll leave you alone," he said and walked away.

I made my way to the party and saw Julian with unfamiliar faces.

"Hey," I said, approaching him.

"Hey," he replied, putting his arm around my waist. I felt uncomfortable with his friends' stares. Maybe I shouldn't have worn this outfit.

"Hey guys, meet my girl, Hadizah," Julian said.

His friends looked at me strangely.

"He's just joking. I'm not his girl," I said, removing his arm.

"Chill. The guys have heard a lot about you. Julian is head over heels for you," one of his friends said.

"Hadizah, this is Bryson and Matt my friends back in Heavenly High, my former school," Julian introduced.

"Nice to finally you, he's told me a lot about you guys," I said.

"We already know you. We even have plans with you," Bryson said.

"Nice to finally meet the girl Julian wouldn't stop talking about," Matt said.

"I want to get a drink," I said.

"Should I come with you?" Julian asked.

"I can manage," I replied, eager to escape their gaze.

The truth is, I just wanted to escape from them. After Michael's words, I felt a lingering sense of insecurity. Matt's and Bryson's gaze made me uncomfortable, as they couldn't seem to take their eyes off me especially the part of my body where I am insecure the most. I felt like he was staring right through me, and it made my skin crawl. I just wanted to get out of the party as quickly as possible and leave the unease behind.

In the kitchen, I made myself a Chapman, since it is a serve yourself party. As I was about to leave, I saw my two of my worst nemeses, Dylan and Ryan.

"Didn't think we'd see you here," Dylan said.

I didn't respond and tried to leave, but Ryan poured a drink on my clothes, making it look like an accident.

"What the...?" I exclaimed.

"Sorry, princess. Let me clean that for you," Ryan said, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the juice off my chest.

"Get your hands off me," I said.

Dylan stepped forward, and I closed my eyes, bracing for the worst. I felt a surge of fear as Dylan tried to grab my hand, and I braced for whatever was coming.

When I opened my eyes, Dylan had a broken nose. I looked up to see who had intervened and was shocked by the identity of my savior.

WRITER'S NOTE:

So who do you think it is, I have my own guesses but I'll leave you to it, I might give a double update, probably not promising OK.

I honestly feel bad for Ethan and Rose, their relationship is so beautiful don't you think and they love each other so much, so comment your thoughts.

QOTD :Don't expect to see a change if you don't make one.

Bye - Bye, comment, vote and follow.