Boundless

𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 (𝟑)

Olivia

The start of the school year was never a surprise. It was predictable, routine—like a well-rehearsed play that I could recite by heart. I got dressed, grabbed my bag, and made my way to the Great Hall, where the familiar hustle of students echoed off the stone walls. The Slytherin table was just as I remembered it: Pansy arguing with Blaise about something insignificant, Theo lazily flipping through a book, Draco looking like he hadn't a care in the world.

I had a spot. I always had a spot.

But today, when I walked in and headed toward the table, my heart stopped for a moment.

There he was.

Mattheo Riddle.

Sitting in my seat.

I should've known. I should've anticipated this. Mattheo knew me too well. He knew my routine, my spot at the table—the way I always slid into that chair, the one at the end where I could see the entire hall. I had no idea how he managed to figure out what would shake me, but of course, it had to be this.

I paused, standing at the edge of the table as everyone turned to look at me.

"Well, if it isn't Olivia Malfoy," Mattheo drawled, a grin creeping up his lips. "I thought you'd be joining us, but here you are, acting all surprised."

I didn't let my irritation show. "What are you doing in my seat, Mattheo?"

"Just making myself comfortable," he said, raising a brow. "Is that a problem?"

I could hear the mocking tone in his voice. He was pushing my buttons, and it was clear he knew exactly what he was doing. The smugness was there, that infuriating confidence that had always made my skin crawl in the best and worst ways.

But I wasn't about to let him win. Not today. I shot a glare in his direction before turning away, sitting across from him instead. His eyes followed me, like a predator who'd just caught its prey.

I tried to push him out of my mind, but it wasn't working. His presence was too heavy, too familiar. The others around him—Pansy, Draco, Theo, and Blaise—seemed to be oblivious to the tension, but I couldn't ignore the quiet chaos swirling inside me.

Just as I was about to take a bite of my breakfast, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned, already knowing who it was.

Sebastian.

"Olivia," he said, his voice tight with nerves. He glanced over at Mattheo, then back at me, clearly struggling with something. "Can we talk?"

I felt a flash of guilt in my chest. I hadn't meant to make him feel this way, so I stood up in front of him. "What is it, Sebastian?"

His eyes were wide, his voice low. "It's about Mattheo. He's back. And I... I don't know how to handle this. I just—I don't want you to leave me for him."

The words hit me like a ton of bricks. Sebastian was genuinely scared, and I could see it in the way he fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the other. I felt a pang in my chest, the guilt tightening its grip. I never wanted him to feel like I might choose Mattheo over him. But everything with Mattheo was complicated.

"I'm not going anywhere, Sebastian," I said, my voice soft, though I wasn't entirely sure if I was convincing him—or myself.

"I just—" He cut himself off, shaking his head as if trying to find the right words. "You've always been so different with him, Olivia. You barely noticed me until fifth year. I've worked so hard for you, but..." He trailed off, his face falling. "And now he's back. He's always had this hold over you."