Tangled Hearts

Chapter#4

Rhea leaned in, her voice taking on a serious tone. "Katherine, I have to warn you about those three. They're not the kind of boys you want to get involved with. They're charming, but they're not serious about anything except having a good time."

Katherine shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Don't worry, Rhea. I've already written them off. I'm not interested in that kind of drama."

Rhea's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?Mostly girls would kill to get their attention."

Katherine snorted. "I'm not most girls. I have better things to focus on than chasing after boys who aren't interested in anything meaningful."

Rhea grinned, impressed. "I like you, Katherine. You're not like the other girls here. You've got substance."

Katherine smiled back, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Rhea. "Thanks, Rhea. I think we're going to get along just fine."

As they continued talking, Katherine couldn't help but feel grateful for Rhea's warning. She had already sensed that the three boys were trouble, and it was nice to know she wasn't the only one who thought so.

Little did she know, Noah was watching her from across the room, a curious expression on his face. He couldn't help but wonder what had made Katherine so immune to his charms. He was determined to find out.

Katherine trudged through the front door, exhausted from the day's events. She dropped her bag on the floor and made her way to her room, collapsing onto her bed. After a quick nap, she felt refreshed and went downstairs to find her father in the kitchen.

"Hey, kiddo! How was your first day?" he asked, beaming with pride.

Katherine forced a smile, not wanting to worry him. "It was good, Dad. I met some new people and learned a lot."

Her father's face lit up. "That's great! I'm so proud of you. What did you think of the university?"

Katherine shrugged, trying to maintain the facade. "It's nice. I like it."

Her father nodded, oblivious to her true emotions. "I'm glad to hear that. You deserve all the happiness in the world, sweetie."

Katherine's heart ached, feeling a pang of guilt for hiding her true feelings. But she didn't want to burden her father with her concerns. She just smiled and hugged him, trying to convince herself that everything would be okay.

As they hugged, Katherine's father had no idea that his daughter was struggling to find her place in the world. But he did notice that her smile seemed a little forced, and he made a mental note to check in with her again soon.

Later that evening, Katherine settled into her favorite spot on the couch, phone in hand, as she waited for her daily call from Grandma. As soon as Grandma's warm voice filled her ear, Katherine poured out her heart, sharing every detail of her first day at university.

Grandma listened attentively, making supportive noises as Katherine recounted her encounters with Noah, Ethan, and Nicholas, as well as her meeting with Rhea.

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so proud of you for standing up for yourself and not getting caught up in their drama," Grandma said, her voice full of warmth. "And I'm thrilled you've made a new friend in Rhea. She sounds like a real gem."

Katherine smiled, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. "Yeah, Grandma, she's really nice.I'll tell you all about her tomorrow, Grandma. But for now, I just want to say thanks for listening. It means so much to me."

Grandma's voice softened. "Anytime, sweetie. That's what grandmas are for. Get some rest, and I'll talk to you tomorrow."

The next day, Katherine arrived at the university, still feeling a bit apprehensive after the events of the previous day. As she walked across the campus, she witnessed a disturbing scene. Ethan, Noah, and Nicholas were surrounding a boy, who was cowering in fear.

Ethan's face was red with anger, and he was yelling at the boy. "How dare you look at her? Don't you know she's Nicholas's girlfriend?"

The boy tried to apologize, but Ethan wouldn't let up. "You think you can just flirt with her and get away with it? Well, let me tell you something, she's off-limits."

Noah and Nicholas were egging Ethan on, their faces twisted in cruel grins. Katherine felt a surge of disgust and fear. She didn't know what to do, but she knew she couldn't just stand there and watch.

Just as she was about to intervene, Rhea appeared by her side. "Don't get involved, Katherine.

Katherine hesitated, but Rhea's words echoed in her mind. She didn't want to get entangled in their drama. So, she turned and walked away, feeling a mix of emotions: anger, fear, and helplessness.

Rhea whispered, "That's why I told you to stay away from them. They're not just charming faces, they're toxic."

After sometime when everybody was out of sight Katherine tried to help the boy, she struggled to lift him up, her face scrunched in effort. Just then a manly voice come from behind The Aiden Romano strolled by, a mischievous glint in his eye. He chuckled and taunted, "Oh, I think you're making it worse, sweetheart! You're gonna hurt him more than those bullies did!"

Katherine's face flushed with embarrassment, but Aiden's teasing tone was playful, not mean-spirited. He strode over, his long legs eating up the distance, and gently took the boy's arm, helping him up with ease.

Aiden's handsome face was alight with amusement, his bright blue eyes sparkling like sapphires in the sunlight. His chiseled features were accentuated by a strong jawline and sharp cheekbones, giving him a ruggedly charming look. His dark hair was perfectly messy, and his bright, pearly whites flashed as he grinned at Katherine.

Katherine shot him a look, her eyes narrowing in mock annoyance. "Hey, I had it under control!" she protested, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

Aiden chuckled, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "Oh, sure you did! That's why he was sinking further into the ground under your care!"

Katherine rolled her eyes and spat "Shut up!

Aiden grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Only if you admit I'm the hero here!"

Katherine playfully scoffed, but couldn't deny the flutter in her chest as Aiden's charming smile washed over her.