Chapter 9: Breaking Point

If it weren’t for this whole story setup—her body only recognizing the guy she really wants—I could have settled for less, just to keep her close.

But if she can’t even control her own body, how can I trust she won’t fall for Sean?

The thought of her choosing him twisted my gut.

Wendy, like a condemned prisoner, buried her head in my chest.

Her shoulders shook with silent sobs. I let her cry, my hands hovering, not knowing what to do.

Her hot tears soaked through my shirt. "Alex, I’m sorry. I didn’t want this either."

Her apology was so raw, so honest, it almost broke me. I squeezed my eyes shut, holding back.

"But can you not give up on me? Give me some time, okay?"

She clung to my shirt, desperate. I could feel myself slipping.

There was no point in dragging it out. I said coldly, "Sorry, my first love is back."

I forced the lie out, even though it tasted like poison.

Wendy froze, searching my face for the truth.

She forced a smile and shook her head. "Alex, don’t lie. You said I was your first love."

She tried to sound playful, but her voice was barely holding together.

She leaned up to kiss me, her lips trembling with hope.

I shoved her away. "You actually believed that sweet talk?"

I pushed her, hard enough to make her stumble.

"I’m good-looking and loaded, my admirers could fill the school. Why would you think I’ve never dated before?"

Melissa’s call came just in time: "Babe, I’m about to board. I’ll get in at two tomorrow, pick me up, okay?"

Her voice was sunshine and confidence, the opposite of the storm in my room.

I replied loud enough for Wendy to hear. "Sure, babe, I’ll be there."

Before she could say anything else, I told her to board and hung up.

I watched Wendy’s face collapse, her body slumping like I’d unplugged her last bit of strength.

On the verge of collapse, she grabbed my arm, eyes red. "You call her babe too?"

She sounded so small. I couldn’t meet her eyes.

"What else?" I sneered. "Don’t tell me you thought that was just for you?"

The cruelty echoed in the room. I hated myself for every word.

Wendy let go, tears falling from her trembling eyes.

I used to want to see her cry for fun, but now my heart felt squeezed by an invisible fist.

Looking away, I opened the dorm door.

The hallway was empty, everything too quiet.

"Wendy, you should go. Staying longer just looks bad."

I tried to sound casual, but my voice cracked.

I watched her leave, her footsteps echoing down the hall. I clenched my fists, wanting to call her back, but I stayed silent.

That unease didn’t go away until the comments popped up again.

[I’m so hyped. The plot’s at a key point.]

[The main girl gets drunk and drugged, the real guy’s about to have his night.]

[Thanks to the backup’s big help, you’ll get a seat at the leads’ wedding.]

The cup in my hand slipped, water spilling everywhere.

The cold splash snapped me back. I stared at the spreading puddle, feeling emptier than ever.