The Space Between

Chapter 33 : Shifting alliances

Ethan' s POV

I stormed out of the captain's house, my heart racing with frustration. Talking to Sophia was a mistake—one I regretted the moment the words left my mouth. She was so self-absorbed, always wrapped up in her own mess, dragging everyone down with her. She had made life unbearable, not just for me, but for Derek and his family too. His mother still couldn’t look at her without tears in her eyes, and I couldn’t help but blame Sophia for it all.

Everything had fallen apart since she showed up. Marcus, my closest friend, was now practically at Emma's beck and call because of her. And now Matteo was following the same path, falling for her lies and manipulations. She had both of them wrapped around her finger, just like she did with Derek. I’d lost my friends, my place in the house felt suffocating, and it was all because of her. I couldn’t stay there anymore, not when it was filled with memories of our friendship that she had destroyed.

As I walked, anger burned through me, fueling each step until I found myself in front of the girls' dorm. I didn’t even hesitate, heading straight for the door I knew too well. I knocked hard, each rap echoing my frustration.

When the door swung open, I was caught off guard by the sight of Graham and Tara deep in an intense conversation. Their heads whipped towards me, surprise written all over their faces, but I didn’t care. My gaze moved past them, finding Bianca sitting on her bed, and I marched inside, ignoring the other two entirely.

“Ethan, what the hell are you doing here?” Bianca asked, her tone sharp with irritation, but her eyes held a spark of curiosity.

I crossed the room, not bothering to answer her question. “Bianca,” I started, my voice laced with determination. “Matteo and Sophia… they’re together.”

Bianca’s expression twisted into one of disgust, but I could see the flicker of hurt there too. “Of course they are,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “I told you she’s a bitch. She’s been playing everyone from the start.”

I nodded, my resentment mirroring hers. “You were right. She’s a mess, and she’s dragging Matteo down with her. We need to get rid of her.”

Bianca's eyes flashed with interest, and she leaned forward, hanging on my every word. "And how exactly do you plan to do that, Ethan?"

I glanced at Graham and Tara, who were awkwardly lingering in the corner, unsure of where they fit in this sudden alliance. Ignoring them, I turned my full attention back to Bianca.

"I don't know yet," I admitted, the weight of the situation settling in. "But I’ll figure it out. I’ll do whatever it takes to save Matteo from her. We can't let her ruin everything."

Bianca smirked, a dark satisfaction lighting up her face. "Good," she said simply, her voice dripping with malice. "Because I’ve been waiting for this moment. And if you’re in, Ethan, we can finally take her down."

I nodded, a cold resolve settling in my chest. It was time to put an end to the chaos Sophia had brought into our lives. No more watching her ruin the people I cared about. I was ready to do whatever it took—even if it meant teaming up with Bianca.