FATED TO LOVE {STORY OF US}

CHAPTER 6

As Mr. Ola left the room, Chloe stormed over to Regina, her face red with anger.

"Where is Ariel?" she demanded, her voice rising. "What did you do to her?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice even. "Ariel left before class started."

"That's a lie!" Chloe said, her hands balling into fists. "I know you're up to something.

"Take it or leave it," Regina said, her voice hard. "I'm telling you the truth. You can believe me or not, it's up to you."

"You're a liar," Chloe said, her voice shaking with anger. "I know you're hiding something. And if anything happens to my friend, I'll make sure you pay for it."

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the classroom. She was furious, but she knew she had to find Ariel.

As Chloe paced the hall, trying to figure out what to do next, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a text from Ariel.

"I'm locked up in the lab," it read. "Please help me!"
Chloe's heart leaped into her throat. She ran down the hall, her feet pounding against the floor.

When she reached the door to the lab, she tried to open it, but it was locked.
"Ariel!" she called out, banging on the door. "Let me in!"
But there was no answer.

★★★★★

"Do you know anything about Ariel's disappearance?" Raymond asked Alex.

Alex hesitated, unsure of what to say.

"Of course I know something about it," he said finally. "But I'm not going to tell you what I know."

"What?" Greg said, sounding shocked. "Why not?"

"Because I promise not to tell," Alex said, his voice low.

"I think you're lying," Greg said, his voice hard.

"Okay, fine," Alex said, his resolve crumbling. "I'll tell you."

"Finally," Greg said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"This is going to sound crazy," Alex warned. "But please just hear me out."

The others nodded, waiting for him to continue.

💥 FLASH BACK 💥

"Hey Reg," Alex said, trying to sound casual. "I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" Reg asked, a note of suspicion in their voice.

"I think we have a common enemy," Alex said, his voice serious. "And I have a plan to deal with her."

Reg raised an eyebrow. "You're being cryptic. Who's the enemy, and what's the plan?"

"It's Ariel," Alex said, looking Reg in the eye. "And my plan is to punish her."

Reg's eyes went wide. "What?!"

"I want you to lock her up in the lab," Alex said, his voice low and intense. "So that she'll miss her test."

Reg stared at Alex in disbelief. "Are you serious? That's crazy!"

But Alex wouldn't back down. "I know it sounds crazy, but it's the only way to punish her . Reg, I need your help."

Reg was still unsure, but Alex's earnest expression began to sway them.
✨ FLASH END ✨

Chole finally managed to open the door to the lab. "Ariel? Are you okay?" she asked, her voice full of concern.