THE PATHS CONNECTED

CHAPTER 6

CLEA'S POV

I cornered Khalil at the rooftop , my eyes dark and glimmering with something dangerous. Khalil crossed his arms, unimpressed by my presence, though there's a flicker of tension building in his jaw line.

"What do you want this time, Clea?" Khalil asked me

"Break up with Irvine." I said

Khalil scoffed and shook his head.

"You can't be serious."

"Of course I am. And I swear if you don't break up with her..." I stepped closer, lowering my voice into a chilling whisper.

"I'll have her taken away from you."

Khalil stiffened, amusement gone from his face as he locked eyes with me, trying to access if I was bluffing. But no, he knew me too well. I did not make empty threats.

"You're insane." He said glaring me it looks like he is angry and afraid.

"No, I'm in love," I uttered. Tilt of her head; wizened smirk set upon her lips.

"And love makes people do crazy things, you know?" I added

Khalil's anger surges in a wave, bringing him into a grasp of tight fists. He wants to hit back, to retort that he has completely lost his mind. But if there's even the slightest chance that I am telling the truth - I am really capable of doing harm to Irvine - that he cannot afford to take that risk.

The world around us is quiet as I moves up. My fingers faintly trace Khalil's left cheek.

"You don't have to love me back, Khalil. Just please do as I say."

A heavy intake of breath causes Khalil to wince at the heaviness of it all. He has no retort to this statement. Maybe because deep down, he knows full well that he'll succumb to it ultimately.

And just like that before he could register the full weight of what was happening, I presses my lips against his. The kiss is cold. Desperate. Twisted. And before he could shove her away-

"K-Khalil...?"

A broken voice pierced the moment. We turn around to find Irvine at the entrance of the door,her eyes wide and filled with tears as she took a step back. Her hands tremble, full of betrayal as she looks upon me.
Khalil's heart sinks in his stomach. He wants to run to her, to comfort her, to explain all things right now, but he knows just how things look. And me? I was just there smirking with victory.

After the scene they fled away now its time to call Timothy, Irvines brother.

Timothy's POV

I answered the phone, guess whos calling the psychopath Clea. I know that shes still obsessed with khalil and want to get rid of my sister.

I knew Clea was dangerous. I knew what she was capable of doing. But knowing wasn't enough. Because now, my sister's life is hers to uphold.

Nothing can happen to Irvine, I can't! Not her. Not after all we've been through. If Clea wants to play this twisted game, whatever. I'll play along. I'll do whatever it takes to protect Irvine-even if it necessitates decision that I will never forgive myself for making.

I drove as fast as I can to meet Clea

I squeezes my hands into fists as I shoots daggers at Clea, who is propped against the wall of the empty building with her arms crossed, eyes alight with mirth.

"What do you want?" I asked

"You already know what I want, Timothy." She replied

She leans in, her voice syrupy sweet.

"Irvine needs to move on from Khalil. Completely. And I just might have the thing to help her do that."

My jaw tightens. I knows exactly where this is going. The memory-erasing machine. A technology no one should ever tinker with - but now Clea is forcing him to deploy against his own sister.

"You're crazy if you think I'll ever let you do that to her." I said

"Oh, Timothy." She chuckles lightly, nodding her head.

"You don't understand. This isn't a request. Either you can talk Irvine into wiping her memories of Khalil ... or I guarantee for her that she won't be around to remember anything at all."

My blood runs cold. I know Clea isn't bluffing. She's already done a lot worse than just threatening. I can't risk it. I can't allow Irvine to be hurt because of this psycho crazy obsessed bastard.

"If I do this, you leave her alone. For good."

"Of course." She smirks, aware that she has already triumphed.

I choke back my pride, my hatred. I hate doing what Clea wants, but if keeping Irvine alive comes down to it, then I has no choice.

As soon as I got home Irvine hugged me telling what happened earlier. I comforted her and I said I had an important thing to discuss with her

Irvine gazes at me, puzzled by his somber look.

"Tim, what's wrong?" Irvine asked

"You've got to use the machine, Irvine." I dirctly said.

Suddenly our door burst open and khalil was there.

Khalil stands up straight next to her.

"What? No. You can't be serious." He said

"Why are you here?" Irvine said in anger

"Pls Irvine listen to me I didnt kiss Clea Im resisting her that time, she threatens me that she will do everything to kill you" khalil explained.

"This is not negotiable. And the only way to keep her safe." I said cutting their conversation

"Tim, I don't understand -" Irvine replied

"Clea is dangerous. And as long as you don't forget Khalil, she won't leave you alone until you do. If you erase those memories, you won't have any of this." I explained

Khalil grips my wrist with a vice like hold.

"There's got to be another way." He said.

I pull my hands away, standing up, towering over Khalil.

"If you love my sister, you will move aside. Because if not, I will do whatever I can to ensure that you're gone from her life - for good." I said.

Khalil clenches his fists, but I dont give him the opportunity to debate. He looks to Irvine, and his eyes are pleading.

"Irvine, please. Trust me on this." I looked at her eyes.

Hinkler's initial voice response, a pause, fear in her eyes. And in that moment, Timothy knows she's about to do it.