Trying to live #Wattys2024

Chapter 11 (Edited)

"Because you know me, and even if we've both changed, some things remain the same," I said, then lifted my foot higher and stomped down hard on his.

I felt a rush of satisfaction when Henry grunted and cursed. Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him. "What—" I began, but I was cut off as I collided with his chest.

Looking up at him, I saw a fleeting, amused smile on his lips and his green eyes dancing with laughter. "You're right," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Some things are still the same, like you being utterly violent."

"I'm not," I retorted, trying to steady my rapidly beating heart. Stupid heart.

"You threw fries at me and the salt got in my eyes," Henry said, his tone almost nostalgic.

I shook my head, my hair brushing against our faces. "Wrong. I threw the fries on the plate, and they accidentally hit you. The real reason I threw them was because you were ogling that stupid waitress," I grumbled.

"Were you jealous?" Henry grinned, and something inside me shifted.

His grin was disarming, and it felt as though the universe was playing a cruel joke on me. Henry, who had always been distant and cold, was now grinning at me as if he was genuinely happy to see me. It was disorienting and oddly comforting, making me question if perhaps I felt a bit of happiness in his presence.

Before I could respond, a shrill scream cut through the moment. It was more of a banshee-like screech that made me shiver. Henry's expression changed instantly from amused to cold, and he pushed me away with such force that I stumbled but managed to catch myself before falling.

I stared at him, watching as he erased every trace of warmth from his face, leaving only indifference and coldness.

"What the hell were you doing?" Leah's voice was sharp, her eyes blazing with accusation as she stood next to Henry. The way she glared at me made it clear she had already made up her mind and wouldn't be swayed by any explanations. I had long stopped bothering to clarify myself in front of her.

When had she arrived? I had assumed she wouldn't come down, but clearly, I was mistaken. She turned to Henry, lowering her voice as if whispering, though I heard every word clearly. "Have you found Alika? Not that she—" Leah leaned closer to Henry, "—you know, took her with her or gave Alika to someone else to demand money."

I glared at Leah, finally understanding where Henry's suspicion came from. But how could he believe her? It infuriated me. He should know I wouldn't do something like that.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Smile, keep calm, all that nonsense. I plastered on a sweet smile and leaned my head on Henry's shoulder.

When he stiffened, I couldn't help but grin. "Me? I'm clearly seducing him," I declared with forced enthusiasm. "Well, I seduce boyfriends—" I paused, making a show of thinking, then walked over to Leah, "—that's my second profession after kidnapping little siblings to my room, where I watch SpongeBob, play Hide and Seek, or read books to them."

I hadn't actually done any of that with Alika, but the words spilled out. I turned back to Henry, who watched me impassively. There was no sign of shame or regret in his eyes. He was still the same cold Henry I had known since our breakup.

"Yeah," I drawled, sarcasm dripping from my voice. "I'm the reincarnation of an evil queen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to retreat to my chambers to plot my next evil scheme."

I stormed upstairs, still fuming. I wanted to kick something, maybe the vase full of flowers, but refrained—first, it was expensive, and second, everyone would know it was me.