Leandra had always admired Adriel from afar, but it seemed like fate had other plans for them. Elizabeth, who had always been a close friend to Leandra, had revealed herself to be a cunning and manipulative person.
At first, Leandra was thrilled when Elizabeth put her in touch with Leo, a popular and confident boy who seemed to be interested in her. But it wasn't long before she realized that Elizabeth was using her as a pawn in a larger game to keep Adriel to herself.
It was only later that Elizabeth confided in Leandra about the curse that gave Adriel his irresistible charm. Leandra was shocked to learn that she had been used as a diversion to keep Adriel from noticing the full extent of his power. She felt like she had been betrayed by someone she thought was a friend.
But even as she struggled with her own feelings of hurt and betrayal, Leandra knew that she had to do what was best for Adriel. She joined forces with Adriel's teacher and his sister to keep him from becoming too aware of his own charm, and to keep the curse from consuming him completely.
It was a difficult task, and one that left Leandra feeling lonely and isolated. But even as she struggled with her own feelings of jealousy and longing, she knew that she had to do what was best for Adriel. She was the only one who truly understood the danger that the curse posed, and the only one who could keep him from succumbing to its power.
And so she watched from afar, knowing that she could never have Adriel for herself, but content in the knowledge that she was doing what was best for him.
**
Leandra had been excited to be asked to participate in the school play, but her heart sank when she found out she would be acting alongside Adriel. It was her chance to finally get close to him, but Elora, Adriel's friend, had other plans.
"Hey, Adriel," Leandra said, trying to sound casual.
"Hi," Adriel replied, his voice barely audible.
Leandra tried to break the awkward silence. "Congratulations on getting the role. You'll make a great Romeo."
Adriel looked up at her, surprised by the compliment. "Thanks."
Elora chimed in, "Don't worry, Leandra, you'll make a great Romeo."
Leandra rolled her eyes. She knew Elora was just trying to keep her away from Adriel. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy when she saw Elora flirting with him.
As they waited in the wings, Leandra overheard Elora and Adriel talking about how they had been practicing their lines together. She felt like an outsider, and her frustration grew when she realized they had a connection that she didn't.
"Hey, Leo!" Elizabeth's voice coming from the cell phone interrupted her thoughts.
Leandra groaned inwardly. She hated being called Leo, but she knew she had to keep up the charade for Adriel's sake.
"What's up, Elizabeth?" Leandra asked, trying to keep her irritation under control.
"It's a code red. Someone is after Adriel, and we need to meet up to figure out what's going on," Elizabeth said urgently.
Leandra's heart raced. "I'll be there."
Adriel looked confused as Leandra rushed out of the theater. She couldn't explain the situation to him, not without revealing her true identity. She was annoyed with herself for missing the chance to talk to him, but she knew that protecting him was more important.
As she hurried to the hideout, she couldn't help but think that she was the one making all the sacrifices. She deserved to be with Adriel more than anyone else. She just hoped that someday he would see that too.