FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 9

Shanelle POV

I sat on my bed the next morning, clutching my phone tightly in my hands. The screen displayed a seemingly never-ending stream of notifications, each one more anxiety-inducing than the last. My heart raced as I watched my video from the frat party trend across social media platforms. It was as if people couldn't get enough of it, sharing it from one corner of the internet to another. And with each share, a flood of comments and feedback poured in, all directed at me.

I had worked so hard to maintain my "perfect" reputation. People saw me as a walking embodiment of flawlessness, and I had meticulously crafted that image. But now, this video threatened to expose the cracks in my carefully constructed facade. It made me feel vulnerable and exposed to the judgment of others, and it terrified me.

They couldn't see the real me, the person hidden behind the façade. They couldn't see the insecurities, the doubts, and the fears that gnawed at me from within. They couldn't see that I was just as human as anyone else, flawed and imperfect. And yet, their opinions mattered so much to me. I had become a prisoner of their perception, a slave to their expectations.

Vincent was the only one who seemed to have glimpsed beneath the surface. He saw beyond the mask I wore, peering into the depths of my soul. It both intrigued and scared me. I didn't want him to witness my crack, to witness the imperfections I worked so hard to hide. But somehow, he kept appearing during the most vulnerable moments of my life.

There was a connection between us, a thread that wove through our interactions. Yet, I couldn't allow myself to get my hopes up. Vincent was out of my league, not my usual type. Besides, there was a danger surrounding him, a darkness that clung to his every move. He was using us, holding us captive to find Kayleen's brother. That was his motive, his purpose.

As if he sensed my thoughts, the door swung open, and Vincent entered the room, accompanied by Kayleen, Beatrice, and Dan. I could feel his gaze upon me, piercing through my walls of self-preservation. I met his eyes, and to my surprise, he offered me a small smile. It was a smile that sent a wave of butterflies fluttering in my stomach, leaving me feeling both confused and captivated.

I quickly averted my gaze, unable to comprehend the complexity of my emotions. I couldn't allow myself to be drawn to him, to be distracted from the danger that lurked in his presence. Vincent was an enigma, a puzzle I couldn't solve. And yet, his mere existence challenged the perfect image I had meticulously crafted.

As we sat there together, I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Vincent than met the eye. Was there a glimmer of goodness buried beneath his darkness? Or was it all just a cruel illusion, designed to ensnare me further? I didn't have the answers, and that uncertainty both thrilled and terrified me.

But one thing was clear—I couldn't let my guard down. Not with Vincent, not with anyone. My perfect reputation may have been shattered, but I couldn't afford to let the cracks widen. I had to remain strong, resilient and focused. I had to protect myself, even if it meant keeping my true self hidden away. 

Vincent's voice resonated through the dimly lit room as we gathered around a battered wooden table, the air heavy with anticipation. Beatrice, Kayleen, and I leaned in, our eyes fixed on him as he meticulously laid out the plan for the day. 

"Alright, listen up," Vincent began, his voice carrying a mix of authority and urgency. 

"Today, we're heading to the racing tracks. Kaden has agreed to meet us there. He thinks he can run from us, but he's about to face the consequences of his betrayal."

Kayleen shifted in her seat, her piercing gaze never leaving Vincent. She was obviously feeling nervous about the way Vincent said about her brother.

"So, what's the plan once we meet him?" Beatrice asked, her voice tinged with caution.