*Stella's pov:"
"As Adrian's lips trailed down my neck, sending shivers down my spine, I knew I had to act fast. My dignity was at stake, and I couldn't let him consume me. Summoning all my strength, I bit down hard on his neck, fighting for freedom.
With a surge of adrenaline, I broke free from his grip and stumbled backward, my knees buckling beneath me. I fell hard, the impact jarring my bones. Tears I couldn't hold back streamed down my face as I felt a despair wash over me.
I poured out my heart, sobbing uncontrollably, as Adrian's hands tried to comfort me. But I didn't want his comfort. I didn't want him. I pushed his hands away, scrambling to my feet, and ran."...
* Adrian pov:*
"As I gazed into Stella's eyes, I saw the tears streaming down her face, and my heart sank. Remorse washed over me, and I felt a pang of regret. Maybe I shouldn't have been so possessive, so controlling. Maybe I should have just let her be.
I reached out, trying to comfort her, but she pushed my hands away. The rejection stung, but I knew I deserved it. I watched, helpless, as she scrambled to her feet and ran off into the night.
I stood there, frozen, feeling the weight of my mistakes...
*Stella's pov:*
"As I stood outside, catching my breath and waiting for the next round, my mind inevitably drifted back to the intense encounter with Adrian. I tried to shove the thoughts aside, reminding myself that I was here for the competition, and nothing was going to derail me from acing it.
After a few deep breaths, I cleared my head and made my way back to the competition hall. Scanning the room, I spotted Shawn from a distance, and he waved at me with a warm smile. We walked in together, and his friendly demeanor helped lift my mood, providing a welcome distraction from the turmoil still swirling inside me."
*Adrian's pov:*
I stood there, frozen in time, feeling bewildered and confused. Federick's voice broke the silence, and I turned to face him.
"You look troubled, man," he said, his brow furrowed with concern.
I hesitated, unsure how to articulate the turmoil brewing inside me. "I don't know, Fred. I just saw her laughing with someone else, and it got under my skin."
Federick's expression transformed from concern to surprise. "I think you do love her, man," he said, his voice laced with realization.
I recoiled, defensive. "That's impossible. Forget I said that. Let's head back to the hall."
But Federick's words lingered, echoing in my mind. I tried to shake them off, but they only seemed to intensify my emotions. As I made my way back to the hall, I caught sight of Stella again. This time, she was smiling with another guy, and my emotions went into overdrive.
Remorse washed over me, and I wondered if I had been too harsh earlier. But seeing her with someone else... it was like a punch to the gut. My feelings were in turmoil, and I didn't know how to process them...