My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 86: He's got the charms

She looked straight into my eyes — those eyes boiling with fury — and something inside me tightened.
In that instant, I knew I'd bought myself a one-way ticket to hell.

⸻

Stephen POV

"You."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried authority — sharp, commanding.

"Come with me."

Before I could react, her fist curled into my shirt and she dragged me through the pulsing chaos of the club. Colored lights flickered across her face as bodies parted around us. I stumbled behind her like dead weight, my shoes scraping against the sticky floor.

I'd started this.
She was about to finish it.

"Ugh," I groaned, letting myself be hauled along like a lifeless dog.

Cold night air hit us the moment we stepped outside. The bass from inside thumped faintly through the walls, replaced by the distant hum of traffic and neon lights buzzing overhead.

She stopped.

We faced each other in silence — tension thick between us — neither willing to speak first.

"What?" I muttered finally, unsure what else to say.

God, she looked different. Fierce. Untamed.
And breathtaking.

Her red hair caught the glow of the streetlights. Her lips — painted deep crimson — drew my attention despite everything. I could almost feel them against mine.

Get yourself together, Stephen. You already messed up.

"Jerk."

The slap landed before I could brace myself.

Sharp. Explosive.

Pain spread across my cheek, hot and stinging. I swallowed it, forcing my expression steady.

"Okay... I deserved that," I said, resisting the urge to rub my face.

Another slap struck — harder.

I hissed, instinctively touching my cheek this time.

"Correction," I muttered. "I didn't deserve that one."

"Aaargh!"

She screamed, her voice cracking with emotion. I could smell the alcohol on her breath now — strong — yet she held herself upright, fueled by anger.

"I hate you!" she shouted, fists pounding weakly against my chest. "Cheater! You were enjoying yourself with that worthless girl! You're nothing but a cheat!"

The blows barely registered physically — but emotionally...

They hit.

I should've felt smug. Jealousy meant she cared.
Instead, guilt settled heavy in my chest.

I broke my promise.
I hurt her.

"Sharon, I'm so—"

She lurched forward and vomited all over my white shirt.

"What the—!"

I stared down in horror.

Before I could recover, more splattered onto my shoes.

"My shoes... no, no, no... not my shoes..."

Then I noticed her collapse.

She lay motionless on the pavement.

"...Damn. She's drunk."

The alcohol smell was unmistakable.

I stripped off my shirt — there was no carrying her like that — and lifted her carefully, placing her in the backseat before driving straight to the hospital.

I couldn't risk anything happening.

Not to her.
Not to my unborn child — whether she wanted it or not.

⸻

Hospital

Bright fluorescent lights replaced the darkness of the street. The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the air as I carried Sharon through the entrance.

People stared.

I barely noticed at first — my focus locked on her.

But whispers followed me.

"Oh my..." a nurse murmured.

Another clasped her rosary. "Lord have mercy..."

A woman pushing a wheelchair slowed to gape, forgetting where she was headed.

What on earth was happening?

"Can someone please check on her?!" I barked, frustration spilling over.

Finally, nurses rushed forward, guiding her onto a stretcher and wheeling her away.

I exhaled, tension easing slightly — until one nurse approached me, eyes lingering.

"Let me clean those stains off you," she said softly, accent lilting, resting her head briefly against my chest.

I blinked.

"...What are you doing?"

"Checking your vitals," she said quickly.

I stepped back.

"That's enough. My girlfriend's in there. She's the patient."

She retreated, and I leaned against the wall waiting.

Only then did it click — the stares, the whispers — I was shirtless.

I smirked despite myself. People passed, glancing twice. One old man covered his wife's eyes.

"Go put on a shirt before you steal my wife."

I nearly laughed.

Trust me — not happening.

⸻

The doctor finally emerged.

"She needs to stop drinking," he said firmly. "It's risky for both her and the baby. I assume you're the father?"

"Yes."

"Ensure she eats properly and takes care of herself."

"I will. Can I see her?"

He nodded.

⸻

Inside the Room

She lay asleep, pale under the hospital lights. I sat beside her, tension knotting in my chest.

Eventually she stirred, rubbing her forehead.

"Where am I?"

Her eyes found me.

"...What am I doing here? And why are you shirtless?"