Hearthook - opposites attract

Chapter 15- I love her

The next morning, James Hook woke up late, the weight of the previous day's events dragging him into a restless slumber. He had no desire to attend his classes, a stark contrast to his recent dedication to showing up, all for the sake of seeing Bridget.

Without even attempting to change out of his pajamas, James knew he had to address the situation with Uliana first and foremost. He owed Bridget the truth, and he couldn't do that until he had dealt with the lingering consequences of his past actions.

Entering Uliana's room, where she was busy with her potions, James braced himself for the confrontation. "What brings you here this early? I didn't call for anyone," Uliana said, her eyes narrowing as she took in his disheveled appearance.

"I broke her heart. I told Bridget the truth," James replied, his voice wavering with a mixture of guilt and resolve.

Uliana's expression shifted to one of surprise, quickly followed by a mocking laugh. "You look horrible. Why didn't you stick to the plan? You were supposed to break her heart at the dance in two days," she said, her irritation barely concealed.

James remained silent for a moment, weighing his words carefully. "Because I'm done. With all of this. I'm leaving the group. Your revenge has happened, so you can be happy," he declared, his posture straightening as he made his decision.

Uliana's laughter abruptly ceased, her eyes narrowing as she approached him. "You're leaving this group? The one I let you in, all because you like that princess?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "You'll regret this," she threatened.

James felt a surge of irritation, his resolve hardening. "I don't like her! I love her! And I'd rather have her than be a part of your group, even if she doesn't take me back. I'd still rather be alone than be 'friends' with you!" he exclaimed, his words carrying the weight of his newfound conviction.

With that, James turned on his heel, determined to find Bridget and make amends, regardless of the consequences. He was willing to risk it all for the chance to win back the girl he loved, the queen of his heart.

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Ella's expression hardened as James approached her door, her protective instincts kicking in. "James," she said, her tone laced with caution. "I assume you're looking for Bridget."

James nodded, his voice wavering slightly as he replied, "Yes, I need to speak with her. Do you know where she is?"

Ella narrowed her eyes, studying him carefully. "And why should I tell you that?" she asked, her arms crossing over her chest. "Bridget is my best friend, and I've seen how much you've hurt her. What makes you think you deserve to know where she is?"

James swallowed hard, recognizing the justified skepticism in Ella's words. "Because... because I love her, Ella," he admitted, his gaze meeting hers with unwavering sincerity. "I know I've made mistakes, and I've broken her trust. But I need to make things right, to tell her the full story. Please, Ella, I need to speak with her."

Ella's expression softened ever so slightly, the worry for her friend evident in her eyes. "Bridget is at the secluded garden on the edge of campus," she relented, her voice carrying a warning. "But James, be careful. She's hurting, and I won't stand by and watch you break her heart again."

James nodded solemnly, his heart swelling with a renewed sense of determination. "I understand, Ella. I won't hurt her again, I promise. I just need to make things right, to show her how much she means to me."

With that, James hurried towards the garden, his mind racing with the words he would say, the apologies he would offer, and the hope that Bridget would be willing to give him another chance to prove his love.

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Bridget sat in the secluded garden, her hair falling softly into her face as she stared down at her hands. Despite the hurt and betrayal she felt, she couldn't bring herself to be truly angry with James. In fact, she even felt remorseful for the way she had lashed out at him, shoving the cupcakes in his face. Deep down, she knew he had to have some good in him - after all, why had he revealed the plan to her before the dance?

Letting out a deep, weary sigh, Bridget struggled to make sense of it all. She wanted so desperately to understand his motives, to find some rationality in the chaos of their tangled relationship.

As she wrestled with her thoughts, a shadow fell across the grass, and Bridget knew immediately that James had found her. She tensed, prepared to stand and leave, but before she could move, he gently grasped her wrist.

"Please, Bridget," he pleaded, his voice laced with desperation. "Just listen to me once more. Give me one minute, just let me explain."

Bridget hesitated, her heart warring with her mind. Part of her yearned to hear him out, to understand the truth behind his actions. But the other part of her was still too wounded, too uncertain to trust him fully.

Finally, she relented, sitting back down on the bench, though she kept a careful distance between them. "Three minutes," she said, her voice soft but firm. "And no more."

James nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and trepidation. He knew he had to choose his words carefully, to lay bare his heart and hope that Bridget would be willing to see the truth of his feelings. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak, his gaze locked with hers, determined to make her understand.