The Fake Love

Chapter 6

The sun rose with a deceptive warmth, its rays casting long shadows across the school grounds. The air was charged with a palpable tension, a sense of anticipation hanging heavy over the campus. Today was the day Arselia had decided to confront Chad. She had spent the night replaying the events of the past few weeks, the revelations, and the heartbreak, and had come to the conclusion that she could no longer let Chad's deceit control her life.

Arselia clutched her phone tightly in her hand, the incriminating recording of Chad's conversation with his friend saved and ready. Her heart pounded in her chest as she approached the school, her mind a whirlwind of emotions—anger, betrayal, fear, and a steely resolve to reclaim her dignity. She had no idea how the confrontation would play out, but she knew it was a necessary step toward freeing herself from Chad's manipulative grasp.

Meanwhile, Alvarist, ever observant and concerned, had noticed the change in Arselia's demeanor. He could see the determination in her eyes, the set of her jaw, and knew something significant was about to happen. Despite his own feelings for her, he respected her strength and resolve, knowing that she needed to face Chad on her own terms. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to be nearby, just in case things took a turn for the worse.

As the morning classes dragged on, Arselia's mind was focused solely on the impending confrontation. She barely registered the lessons, her thoughts consumed by the conversation she was about to have. Finally, the lunch bell rang, signaling a brief respite from the day's routine. She took a deep breath and headed towards the secluded corner of the school courtyard where she had arranged to meet Chad.

Chad was already there, leaning casually against a tree, his usual confident smirk plastered across his face. As Arselia approached, he straightened up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sensed the seriousness in her demeanor.

"Hey, Arselia," Chad greeted, his tone casual. "What's up? You look like you've got something on your mind."

Arselia took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. "Chad, we need to talk. I know the truth about why you've been with me."

Chad's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "What are you talking about?"

Without a word, Arselia pulled out her phone and played the recording. Chad's voice echoed through the small clearing, the words he'd spoken to his friend now laid bare for both of them to hear. As the recording ended, a tense silence fell between them, the weight of Chad's betrayal hanging heavy in the air.

"Care to explain?" Arselia's voice was calm, but the anger simmering beneath the surface was unmistakable.

Chad's eyes darted around nervously, searching for a way to regain control of the situation. "Arselia, it's not what it sounds like. You have to understand, I—"

"Save it, Chad," Arselia cut him off, her voice firm. "I trusted you, and you used me. You played with my feelings just to get what you wanted. How could you do that to me?"

Chad's expression hardened, the veneer of charm and confidence cracking under the pressure. "Fine. You want the truth? Yes, I wanted to be with you because you're beautiful, and yes, I wanted to sleep with you. But so what? It doesn't change the fact that we had a good time together."

Arselia's heart sank, the final confirmation of Chad's betrayal hitting her like a physical blow. But she wasn't done yet. "There's something else you need to know, Chad. I've decided to end this, whatever it was between us. We're done."

For a moment, Chad looked genuinely taken aback, but then his expression twisted into one of cold malice. "You think you can just walk away from me? I don't think so, Arselia. If you try to break up with me, I'll make sure everyone sees those pictures you sent me. You wouldn't want your reputation ruined, would you?"