FATED TO LOVE {STORY OF US}

chapter 21

Ariel , David, and the three other boys were gathered around a table, chatting and laughing. But their happy mood quickly changed when they saw Alex  approaching. Like a flock of birds, they scattered, leaving Ariel  alone.

Alex approached Ariel , his expression serious. He gently took her by the arm and led her away from the crowd, into a more secluded area. It was just the two of them now, standing there in silence.

Ariel yanked her arm out of his grasp and glared at him. "Let go of me," she said, her voice trembling with anger. "I don't want to be anywhere near you."

Alex  was taken aback by her reaction, his expression a mixture of confusion and hurt. "I just wanted to talk," he said, his voice soft.

Ariel's face was flushed with fury as she confronted him. "What were you thinking?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger. "You scared away my friends! And now you're acting like a madman. Have you lost your mind?" She paused, her words heavy with emotion. " You've shown yourself to be nothing but a selfish, arrogant jerk." She glared at him, her eyes blazing with contempt. "How dare you threaten my friends like that?"

"Just listen to me, please,"Alex begged, his voice pleading.

But Ariel was having none of it, her frustration bubbling over. "You expect me to listen to you after you've treated me and my friends like garbage?" she said, her voice rising. "I don't care how many of my friends you haven't scared off. You're still a manipulative and selfish jerk, and I'm not going to stand here and let you try to worm your way back into my good graces." She glared at him, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're wasting your breath."

"Just hear me out," Alex pleaded, his tone desperate.

But Ariel was having none of it. "I don't want to hear anything from you," she snapped, her voice full of disdain. "You've shown your true colors, and I'm done giving you chances. I'm done with you, and I'm done listening to you." She crossed her arms, her expression cold and unyielding. "You're not worth my time or my energy."

those guy are dangerous and bad and...." Alex said

"Those guys aren't bad," Ariel  snapped, cutting him off mid-sentence. "They might not be the smartest, but they have something you don't - a good heart. They're friendly and kind, unlike you." She paused, glaring at him. "You might be more intelligent than them, but that doesn't make you a better person. Your pride and arrogance far outweigh your brilliance." She stood up straight, her voice ringing with conviction. "You're the one who needs to take a good look in the mirror."

"The reason I scared your male friends away is because I'm crazy about you," Alex  confessed, his voice full of emotion. "I know it was wrong, and I know it was unfair to you and them. But I couldn't help myself. I was jealous, and I just acted out of impulse. I know it's not an excuse, but I want you to know that I'm sorry." He took a deep breath, his eyes searching her face for any sign of understanding. "I tried to ignore my feelings for you, but I just couldn't. I love you, Ariel ."

Ariel's eyes widened in shock, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "What did you just say?" she asked, her voice wavering.

Alex  took a deep breath, preparing himself for her reaction. "I said I love you," he said, his voice soft but firm. "I know it's crazy and unexpected, but it's true. I'm in love with you, Ariel." He took another deep breath, his eyes meeting hers with an earnest expression. "I hope you can understand how I feel."

Ariel's tone was biting as she replied, her frustration evident. "I think you're barking up the wrong tree," she said, her voice sharp. "You don't know me well enough to think you're in love with me. You're confusing infatuation for love. There's a big difference." She raised her eyebrows, her words full of skepticism. "And even if you did know me better, I'm not sure you'd be what I need in a partner. I think you're mistaken about this whole thing."