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Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Fractured Alliances

ADRIAN POINT OF VIEW

Adrian Blackwood stormed across the basketball court, his frustration palpable with every stride. The sun was sinking behind the horizon, casting elongated shadows over the court. The rhythmic thud of the basketball against the asphalt was the only sound that accompanied his intense focus. Sweat trickled down his face, mingling with the anger simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Every dribble and slam of the ball was an attempt to channel his rage. His thoughts were a tangled mess, circling around Elena Martinez—the thorn in his side. She was naive, driven, and everything he found irritating. The memory of their argument from the previous night was still fresh, gnawing at him like an incessant itch he couldn't scratch.

Why did I let her get to me like this? Elena Martinez, with her innocent eyes and her damned determination. It's infuriating.

The game was in full swing, and Adrian threw himself into it with a fervor that bordered on obsession. His teammates cheered as he maneuvered past opponents with ruthless efficiency. The court was his battleground, and winning was his only solace.

Every time I see her, she's like a reminder of everything I don't want to deal with. She's naive, and it's driving me insane.

As the final whistle blew, Adrian scored the winning shot. The ball swooshed through the net, and his teammates erupted in cheers. But for Adrian, the victory felt hollow. He stood there, his face a mask of stoicism, his eyes scanning the crowd.

Winning doesn't feel good when you're so pissed off. Why the hell did my mother put me in charge of watching her? It's like she's a constant reminder of every damn thing that annoys me.

Adrian's gaze was sharp, piercing through the thinning crowd. His eyes locked onto Elena, who was animatedly chatting with a group of students. Her laughter, her ease—it all seemed to mock his frustrations. The sight only intensified his anger.

There she is again. Laughing and chatting with people like she doesn't have a care in the world. Does she have any idea what she's gotten herself into? I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on her, and all she does is make me want to scream.

Determined to confront his irritation head-on, Adrian walked purposefully toward Elena. His expression was dark, a storm of emotions barely contained. The crowd around Elena was dispersing, leaving her more exposed to his approach.

I can't stand how she just waltzes around here, thinking everything is so easy. She's not just a student here; she's a complication I never asked for.

Elena looked up as Adrian approached. Her smile faltered, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of his intense gaze. The air between them crackled with unresolved tension.

"Still out here, enjoying yourself?" Adrian's voice was sharp, edged with a bitterness he couldn't hide. "Didn't expect you to be so carefree."

Elena's response was immediate, her tone defensive. "What's it to you? Can't you just leave me alone?"

Adrian's frustration flared. "I don't get why I'm stuck watching you. Maybe if you actually understood what's going on around here, you'd be more careful."

Elena took a step back, her face a mix of hurt and indignation. "I'm just trying to make the most of my time here. Maybe you should worry about your own problems."

Adrian's eyes flashed with irritation. "You don't know anything about my problems. Just stay out of my way, and maybe I won't have to be so damn irritated."

With a final, piercing look, Adrian turned sharply and walked away. His anger remained, but it was now accompanied by a twinge of confusion. He left Elena standing alone, her gaze following him as he disappeared into the distance.

Why does it have to be so complicated? Why does she have to make it so hard? I'm supposed to be in control, but every time I see her, it's like everything spirals out of control.

Sitting alone on a bench outside the basketball court, Adrian buried his head in his hands. The weight of his responsibilities and emotions pressed heavily upon him. The darkness of the evening seemed to mirror the turmoil inside him.

I need to get a grip. If I let her get to me like this, I'll lose everything I've worked for. But why can't I just ignore her?

As Adrian looked up at the darkening sky, he struggled to make sense of his tangled emotions. The battle between his duty and his desires was far from over, and the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty.