FATED TO LOVE {STORY OF US}

chapter 13

"No, I won't do it!" Ariel said, her voice full of defiance.

"Then you'll have to pay the price," the MC said, a sly grin on his face.

"What price?" Ariel asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

"One hundred thousand naira," the MC said, his eyes fixed on Ariel.

Ariel gasped, the color draining from her face. "That's outrageous!" she exclaimed.

Ariel mouthed to Alex, "Do something, you idiot!" Her eyes were wide, and she was clearly distressed by the situation.

"What?" Alex asked, unsure of what she was asking of him.

"Sob!" Ariel mouthed, her expression frantic.

"Oh!" Alex said, finally understanding what she wanted him to do. "I get it now."

He took a deep breath and then let out a big, loud sob. The MC's eyes widened in shock, and the crowd went silent.

As Alex stepped toward Ariel, she suddenly pushed him away, her hands flat against his chest. He stumbled back, looking stunned and confused.

"Are you crazy?" Ariel asked, her eyes wide with disbelief. "I didn't mean for you to do that!"

"But you said to do something," Alex said, his hands in the air in a gesture of confusion.

"I meant for you to come up with a solution, not to do that!" Ariel said, her voice rising in frustration. "You really are an idiot!"

"Hey, that's not nice," Alex said, his brow furrowed.

"Okay, I'll pay the price," Alex said, resigned to his fate.

"Great," the MC said, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "You can both go back to your seats now."

Ariel turned and stormed back to her seat, her face like thunder. Alex followed, his head down, the guilt weighing heavy on his shoulders.

The crowd was silent, still reeling from the dramatic scene that had just unfolded.

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"That's not fair!" Chole exclaimed, her voice ringing out in the silent room.

"Oh, so you expected me to kiss that dimwit?" Ariel retorted, her tone full of scorn.

"N-no..." Chole stammered, not sure how to respond.
Ariel huffed and turned on her heel, walking out of the room without another word. Chole was left standing there.

******
"Are you okay?" Greg asked, a concerned look on his face.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Alex said, though he didn't sound entirely convinced.

"Are you sure?" Raymond asked, his tone gentle. "You look a bit shaken."

"I'm fine, I promise," Alex said, giving his friend a small smile. "It's just been a long day."

"Yeah, I hear you," Raymond said, clapping Alex on the shoulder. "Let's get out of here and grab a drink."

******

"With all your makeup and Raymond didn't even notice you!" Cynthia said, her voice rising in disbelief.

"For the last time, leave me alone!" Regina said, her tone firm. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Fine," Cynthia said, her tone exasperated. "I'm just trying to help."

"I appreciate that," Regina said, finally feeling a bit calmer. "But right now, I just need some space."