Bound to Us (Bound Duology Book#1)

The Downside of Dating Him

Emma hadn't meant to get caught up in this whirlwind with Ilario. But somewhere between all the teasing, late nights working together, and stolen glances that had lingered a little too long, she'd let her guard down. And now, to her own surprise, they were officially dating. The thrill of it had caught her completely off-guard—until she felt the icy stares in the hallway.

The next morning, when she walked into school holding Ilario's hand, a quiet hush fell over the hallway. Girls who'd once been friendly turned away with scowls, muttering in hushed voices as Emma passed. She tried to ignore it, but it was impossible not to notice the shift. By lunchtime, the whispers had morphed into open glares, and she caught bits of conversation she knew were meant for her to hear.

"She's only been here a few months, and she's already got her claws into him."

"Can you believe it? Her?"

"She's probably just using him."

At first, Emma tried to brush it off, reminding herself that she didn't care about what they thought. She had Ilario, and that should have been enough. But by the end of the week, their whispers had turned into cruel jokes, and every time she passed a group of girls, she felt their eyes boring into her back.

One afternoon, she found herself walking into the art room, desperate for a break from the scrutiny. She'd barely sat down when Ilario appeared, looking concerned.

"You've been quiet all day," he said, sitting beside her. "What's going on?"

She shrugged, pretending to focus on her sketchbook. "Nothing. Just... adjusting, I guess."

He frowned, reaching out to gently turn her face toward him. "Emma, don't give me that. I know when something's bothering you."

She let out a sigh, looking down. "It's just... ever since we started dating, it feels like everyone's out to get me. Your friends, girls in our class—they all act like I'm some kind of intruder."

Ilario's expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand. "Look, I know they can be intense. But they don't know you like I do."

Emma managed a weak smile. "But it's more than that, Ilario. It's like... they resent me for being with you. They barely even give me a chance."

He hesitated, then spoke softly. "Emma, you're new here. People don't know what to think. And, well... some girls have had their eye on me for a while." His tone was joking, but his eyes held a flicker of guilt.

She laughed, though it felt forced. "Oh, trust me, I've noticed."

"Let them talk," he said, squeezing her hand. "They'll get over it. Besides, anyone who actually knows me would know I'm lucky to have you*"

Emma felt a warmth spread through her, his words easing the sting of the judgment she'd been feeling. But even with his reassurance, she wasn't entirely convinced.

The next day, Ilario walked her to class as usual, but Emma could still feel the glares. One girl—Giulia, a tall brunette known for her popularity and her interest in Ilario—made a point of bumping into her, muttering under her breath, "Careful, straniera, you're out of your league."

Emma's face flushed, but before she could respond, Ilario was by her side, his voice cold as he addressed Giulia. "Back off, Giulia."

Giulia's eyes widened, and she shot Emma a look of pure resentment before storming off.

Emma looked up at Ilario, feeling a strange mix of relief and guilt. "You didn't have to do that."

"Actually, I did," he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "You're with me, and if they can't handle it, that's their problem."

For the first time, Emma felt herself relax. Maybe this wouldn't be easy, and maybe the gossip would sting, but with Ilario by her side, she was starting to believe she could handle it.

And as they walked through the hallway together, facing the whispers head-on, she felt a surge of confidence she hadn't known she had.

Sorry ik this is a short chapter,

Bisou,