"If only I didn't have to write a novel about something I know nothing about, I wouldn't have to see this jerk again." I mumble to myself, glaring at him.
"Hey, you okay?" Rain asks worriedly. I look away from that jerk, forcing a smile as I nod at her.
The game had already started, but I sat there like a statue. I couldn't focus. I couldn't learn. I couldn't enjoy it. And all because of him. The only thing I was thankful for was that he wasn't looking in my direction anymore.
On the other hand, Rain was screaming and jumping to support her boyfriend— as she should. She tried to pull me up with her, urging me to join in, but I shook my head. She looked confused but eventually nodded and continued watching the game.
What should I do? How can I escape without her noticing? If I leave, Rain will bombard me with a thousand questions. And not only that, but Nicolas will think I ran away because of him—which, well, is true. But I can't let him know he affects me.
No. I have to stay. I have to watch the entire game and act normally. Yes, normally. So calm down, Amelia. Focus. He's just your ex. You're not here for him.
I tried to reason with my brain, but my heart refused to listen. It was completely out of reach.
"Yay!!! They won! They won, Amelia!!" Rain screamed at the top of her lungs, shaking me vigorously in excitement.
"I feel dizzy already—stop!" I grabbed her arms, steadying myself. Blinking repeatedly, I shook my head before looking at her.
"Sorry." she apologized sheepishly.
I smiled and nodded before glancing around when the crowd's cheers suddenly grew louder. My stomach dropped when I saw him—Nicolas—walking toward the audience area with Aiden.
Rain beamed at the sight of Aiden, gripping my arm tightly.
No, Rain—please let go. I have to run.
I tried to pull my arm free, but her grip only tightened as Aiden got closer. I knew she was shy, but I was in a crisis here.
I gritted my teeth and yanked harder, but that turned out to be a big mistake. I lost my balance, tripped, and crashed onto the floor, my head colliding with the chair in front of me.
Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Rain immediately bent down to help me up, her face full of concern. I forced a smile, trying to hide my embarrassment.
"I'm… fine. It's nothing—ha ha ha."
I dusted off my dress and glanced at Nicolas—who laughed.
Aiden shot him a glare, silently telling him to stop, but he was barely holding back his own amusement.
I want the ground to swallow me whole. Right now.
"Aiden! Stop it!" Rain scolded, glaring at him.
"Sorry, darling." he said, his voice full of sincerity. Rain smiled, forgiving him instantly before hugging him.
I turned my glare on Nicolas, who smirked and raised an eyebrow at me, silently taunting.
"Amelia!!!"
"I'm here! I'm here!" I immediately responded as Rain screamed my name. I must be glaring at him for too long.
"Gosh, where were you? I've been calling your name a thousand times already. Anyway, Aiden invited both of us to their victory party!"
I didn't know whether to be thankful or miserable. The last thing I wanted was to spend my evening with Nicolas.
"Uh… I… I can't go." I said hesitantly.
Rain leaned in and whispered. "Don't be crazy. This is your chance. Did you forget about your novel already?"
Of course, I hadn't. But going to a party when he would be there—
Wait.
Why shouldn't I go?
Why would I let him keep me away? I'll act like he doesn't exist. At all.
"Right. You're right." I said, and Rain grinned in satisfaction.
"So, Amelia will be joining us." She announced.
Before Aiden could respond, Nicolas cut in.
"Sure. I mean, everyone is coming with their girls. We should too."
Hold up—what?
We?
Did he just imply that I was his girl?
I looked at Rain and Aiden, who seemed just as confused as me.
Nicolas smirked before quickly correcting himself. "I misspoke, sorry. I meant 'you should too.' And of course, we'd love more company. Amelia is more than welcome."
He smiled, the fakest smile I'd ever seen in my life.
"Both of you wait here. We'll change first and then leave together." Aiden said. He pecked Rain's lips before walking off with Nicolas, but not before Nicolas threw one last infuriating smirk my way.
As soon as they left, Rain turned to me with a suspicious look.
"What's up with you?"