Chapter 7: A Web of Lies and Deceit
Alexo carried Alena through the hallway, her head resting against his shoulder, her body limp from the alcohol she had consumed. The warmth of his chest only made her more vulnerable, and her senses were drowned in the haze of the night. She barely registered the low hum of voices around them as he moved toward the door, a protective grip on her.
Just as he reached the entrance, Emma stepped into his path, her eyes wide with feigned concern. "She's my roommate," she said, her voice firm, though it carried a subtle edge of something darker. "Let me take her."
Alexo hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking to Emma, then back to Alena. He knew Emma had always been eager for his attention, and despite his indifference toward her, he could sense the underlying tension in the air. Yet, despite everything, he trusted her to look after Alena. After all, Alena had no one else.
"Alright," he said softly, handing Alena over. "But make sure she's okay."
Emma nodded, her fingers curling around Alena's limp body, and with a slight struggle, she managed to maneuver her into the car. She drove off, the night's silence thick in the air, her grip tight on the steering wheel.
---
Inside the room, Emma's irritation began to show. She placed Alena roughly onto the bed, her anger flaring as she stared at the unconscious girl.
"I did not bring you here to ruin things for me," Emma hissed, her voice rising with frustration. "This was supposed to be my chance. You have no idea what you've done."
Alena, disoriented and still numb from the alcohol, stirred slightly before sinking back into sleep. Emma stood over her, her chest heaving as she fumed, unsure whether she felt more resentment toward Alena or her own failed plans.
---
The next morning, Alena woke with a pounding headache, every muscle in her body sore and heavy. She groaned, squinting against the harsh sunlight streaming through the window. Her mind was foggy, struggling to piece together the blurry fragments of the night before.
The kiss.
Her heart leapt in her chest as the memory hit her like a wave. She gasped, her fingers flying to her lips as she recalled the intensity of the stranger's kiss. Alexo. She couldn't have kissed him. Not like that. She covered her mouth with trembling hands, wide-eyed, as shock and guilt washed over her in waves.
"Oh no," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I messed up."
Her thoughts spiraled in panic. How am I going to face him now? I've ruined everything. She felt the weight of the situation press on her chest, suffocating her. Alena had always prided herself on her quiet, unassuming life, hoping to get through university without attracting attention. Now, she had just made the biggest mistake of her life.
Regret flooded her, and before she could stop herself, tears began to well up in her eyes. She buried her face in her hands, the sobs racking her body as the reality of what had happened set in.
She cried for the embarrassment, for the shame, but most of all for the feeling that everything had changed and she had no control over it. When the tears slowed, she glanced over at Emma, who was still asleep on the other bed.
A deep wave of depression hit her, and she shuffled to the bathroom, hoping that a shower could clear her head, calm her thoughts.
Under the warm water, Alena tried to gather her strength. She knew what she had to do. She had to face Alexo, apologize, and promise herself that nothing like this would ever happen again. With a heavy heart and a cloud of shame hanging over her, she dressed and made her way to class.
---
Upon arrival, the whispers and stares that greeted her made Alena's stomach turn. It seemed everyone knew about her kiss with Alexo already. Her cheeks burned as she desperately tried to stay calm, her mind racing to formulate an explanation.
Then, she saw him—Lexy. His eyes softened when he saw her, concern and confusion etched across his face.
"What's going on, Alena?" he asked, rushing to her side. "What happened? I never thought you'd go to that party."
Alena took a deep breath, her voice trembling. "Please, just listen to me. I can explain everything."
Her words caught in her throat as she struggled to keep her composure. "I only went to the party to keep Emma company. She said she'd be lonely, and I didn't want her to go alone." Her voice cracked, and she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt weigh her down.
Lexy's eyes narrowed, his gaze becoming sharper. His mind churned as he pieced together what was happening. Emma, he thought bitterly. She's been after Alexo for months. And now she's using Alena as a pawn in her game. It doesn't make sense. Why target Alena?
Alena caught his distant expression and gently called his name. "Lexy?" she said softly, her voice full of concern.
He snapped out of his thoughts, turning back to face her. His expression was still clouded with confusion, but his concern for her was clear. "I believe you," he said firmly. "But something's not right."
Alena's heart pounded in her chest. "What do you mean? What's going on?"
Lexy took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. "Emma," he started, his voice tinged with anger. "She's been obsessed with Alexo for a while. I've known this for months. She's manipulative, cunning, and she'd do anything to get what she wants. She spiked your drink to make you act out of character. She wanted to make you look bad and ruin things for you—especially around Alexo."
Alena's eyes widened in disbelief, her stomach sinking. "But why? What did I ever do to her?"
Lexy's gaze softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You didn't do anything. You're just the target in her game. But don't worry," he said with a gentle smile. "I've got your back. We'll figure this out."