Broken Series Book 2: LOVE ONCE DIED💔

🌹CHAPTER SIX🌹

**_LIA'S POV_**

I took my bag in my hand and headed towards the big sports hall and gym area.

The school had a sprawling space for track and field events. The hall was packed with facilities: table tennis, snooker, ludo, Scrabble, and even a secured spot for karaoke, as singing was recognized as a sport here.

From inside, I could see the boys outside playing football, basketball, or engaged in other types of training.

The girls were on the other side, dominating the badminton courts-some just for fun, while others hoped their crushes would notice them.

It was refreshing to watch...

Damn!!

He just passed!

"Lia, you should get your bag and get out of here," my subconscious warned against Rome Williams, who I happened to see.

He was jogging around the field with a group of guys in matching basketball jerseys. Even from a distance, the sun and sweat on his skin made him look good.

He was focused, and I hate to admit it, but he caught my attention. He was three shades of smokey hot!

He stopped when a teammate fell, offering a helping hand to lift him up.

My silly eyes couldn't stop staring. Deep down, I wondered if he still cared.

Forget it, Lia. Why would he think about you, let alone care?

A random girl from the field rushed over, and he gave her his full attention. She said something that made him laugh, his Adam's apple moving up and down.

What could she have said that's so funny?

She clung to him, grabbing his right hand and intertwining their arms, dragging him out of the field.

And he followed like a moron!

I grabbed my bag and, without saying a word, decided to leave. As I approached the exit, I saw him standing right in front of the door.

I quickly turned to use the other door, not wanting to interrupt his afternoon. He's probably happy right now, and he wouldn't even look at me.

And why do I even feel entitled to his attention?

"Ophelia Johnson?" His voice, deep and resonant, echoed across the hall, drawing unnecessary attention. If I didn't respond, no one would know he was talking to me.

Ignore.

Ignore.

Ignore.

Ign-

I felt masculine hands on my shoulders and froze. This was the part where the ground should open up and swallow me.

"Hi... Rome?" I squeaked.

"Hey, look at you! I-I really missed you," he said, his voice low. I knew he didn't mean a word of it.

He held on for a while, probably expecting an "I miss you too" response.

Faking a smile, I slowly removed his hands and glared at his green-colored irises. He had a condition that made his eyes change color-either from a lack of melanin or a skin cancer issue.

I really didn't care anymore.

"It's really good to see you again, honestly. I know you wouldn't, but we can hang out sometime," he shrugged.