The Ace and the Four Kings.
Xyrine Jean's POV
"I really like you."
I almost froze at what I just heard. For a moment, my mind went blank. I didn't know what to say—something felt off, like something wasn't right.
I didn't know how to react to his words when suddenly, a loud noise came from behind him. Before I could process what was happening, we were surrounded by men dressed in black who, by the looks of it, were his men.
"Defuse the bomb. NOW!" Spade shouted, snapping me back to my senses.
After they defused the bomb, they quickly unhandcuffed me. As I stood up, I realized what had gone wrong. I clenched my fist. I turned around without thinking, but Spade quickly grabbed my arm.
"Xyrine..." he said softly, his eyes full of regret. When I looked at him, he suddenly dropped his gaze. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said those words."
Sorry? Why is he apologizing now? Why now, after he told me he liked me? Why not back then when he was tormenting me?
I didn't know why, but I suddenly found myself laughing at what he said.
Right, that was a mistake! He shouldn't have told me those words. Me? He likes me? So what was he doing with Sharina then? Didn't he even ask for my help to win her over? So what now? Has she rejected him, so he's coming to me?
"Let go."
"But—"
I quickly jerked my arm away from him. "You know what, I don't know what got into you to suddenly say you like me. What do you think I am? A toy?" I asked sarcastically, grinning, "Right, since I got to Montreal, you've always treated me like a toy!"
He turned away to avert my gaze, and that only fueled my frustration even more. I exhaled sharply and stared at him again. "If you still see me as a person…" I took a few steps back. "From now on, never approach me again."
When he didn't say anything, I turned away and started walking. I hadn't gotten very far when out of nowhere, Tennessee, Ren, and Louren suddenly appeared in front of me, breathing heavily. We all exchanged glances.
What's going on with these guys? Why are they all here?
I jumped in surprise when Louren suddenly put his jacket and my cap on me, but I was even more shocked when he wrapped me in a tight hug. "I'm glad you're safe," he said, his voice full of worry.
I was about to push him away when Ren suddenly shoved Louren out of the way.
"Xyrine, I have something to say!" Ren said as he grabbed me by the shoulders.
"I like you!" My eyes widened, and I shifted my gaze to Tennessee, who had spoken before Ren could finish.
What!?
"What the hell, bro! Why'd you cut me off?" Ren yelled at Ten.
My eyebrows furrowed at the chaos they were making in front of me. They were starting to shove each other, and it was only making me more irritated.
"Knock it off!" I shouted, stepping between them. "You four! What the hell is wrong with you? Why do you always mess with me?! Don't you have lives of your own?" I yelled, causing them all to stop.
I started walking away again, then turned back to face them. "Stay right there and don't follow me!" After saying that, I ran off.
Ha! crazy mofus!
Montreal Univeristy
"I still don't understand what happened last night at the pageant. So many shocking things happened!" Ella muttered in front of me as her head hung low. "First—You, how did you end up in the pageant? But honestly, you looked amazing, coz. I heard all the guys on campus are talking about you now."
She leaned closer but I turned away. "Second—the chaos last night. The explosion, then there was thick smoke and then you just disappeared!"
"Actually, it was the first time I saw the Butlers and Private guards of the SYs, and guess what? It were all because of you!"
I averted my gaze again.
"Now, I'm pretty sure about something." She grinned and leaned in closer. "Spade likes you!"
That's bullshit. It almost escaped my mouth.
"Did you know he's courting Sharina?" I looked off into the distance.
"Ha? How did that happen? I thought he turned her down a long time ago."
My eyes widened automatically. "He rejected Sharina?" I asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, last year. Sharina confessed to Spade, and as I remember, it happened in the cafeteria, but sadly, Spade just ignored her. That's why your sister got heartbroken. She went to the US, but surprisingly, when she came back, rumors spread that she was engaged to Spade."
Wait, what? I don't understand. If he was the one who rejected Sharina, why is he courting her now? This is confusing!
I stood up suddenly because of what I just realized. I need to confirm it.
I was about to walk away when someone bumped into me. "Look who's here. The girl who's overly confident to join Ms. Montreal. Do you really think Spade or one of the 4 Kings will like you?"
I almost laughed at Monique's comment. "Who knows?" I tried to walk past her, but suddenly, the crowd started getting louder, and I knew that meant one thing.
They were here.
I quickly searched the crowd for Spade, and when I saw him, I froze.
What happened? Why does his face have so many bruises? And that expression—it's exactly the same as when I first met him.
I jolted when Monique suddenly turned me to face him. "Stop daydreaming, bitch. To them, you're just a toy. Want me to prove it?" She smirked as she turned toward Spade.
"Hey, Spade! Would you mind if I borrow your toy for a while?" she asked, pulling me closer to Spade.
I glanced at him. His expression remained blank, and he didn't even spare me a glance.
"Piss off." That's all he said before walking past us, making me stunned.
"You're not funny anymore." Louren's voice came from behind us.
"Stop being bitchy," Ren added.
"Get a life, okay?" Ten muttered as well.
"Arg! Whatever!" she grumbled before turning back to me. "And you, have you seen it? You mean nothing to him, so stop daydreaming, okay?"
I couldn't respond to her. I was about to walk past her when I suddenly felt cold water pour over my head. "I'm still talking to you. Don't be rude!"
I felt like all my energy drained. I couldn't even defend myself anymore.
She was about to grab my hair when a hand stopped her. "Stop this childish act, Monique!" I looked up to see who spoke.
It was Sharina.
"Whatever! You all deserve each other!" Monique snapped before walking off.
"Are you okay? It's better if we go to the washroom," Sharina said with concern as she motioned for me to follow her.
I didn't have a choice but to go with her.
"I guess he's already told you…" Sharina said as she sat beside me on one of the school benches.
I looked at her in confusion but she just smiled. "I've known Spade since we were kids. We're childhood friends, so I can tell when he's lying or not. After knowing him for 15 years, I'd say I know him better than anyone. He gets everything he wants. He's used to having everything fall into his lap, and he doesn't even care who he steps on to get it. He's a bit childish, selfish, and a ruler. But trust me... he'll be there when you need him. He was always there for me when I needed him most. That's why, yeah…" She let out a heavy sigh and smiled bitterly.
"...I fell for him. I kept it hidden for years, maybe even ten. I was too scared to admit it because every time someone tried to confess to him, they failed. Until last year, I built up the courage. I was hurt when he just brushed me off. I was the one who grew up with him. The one he always saved! I realized that I was wrong. I shouldn't have assumed."
A silence enveloped us for a moment. I don't know why she's telling me this. I mean, what does all this mean? I am so confused. As my thoughts grew deeper, she opened her mouth to speak again.
"I admit. It was my biggest mistake. When I couldn't take it anymore, I left for the States. Then this year, we got engaged. I thought I was lucky, that maybe destiny was on my side. But, unfortunately, the feelings aren't mutual. I thought it was possible. I thought there was hope, but the moment I saw him staring at another girl... that look in his eyes, the smile every time he saw her... that's when I knew. I hadn't even fought yet, but I already knew I lost."
She took my hand. "He never smiles at anyone the way he smiles when he sees you. He doesn't care for anyone the way he cares for you. I know he already admitted it to you. But let me say this one last time... it hurts, but..."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "He likes you." She smiled bitterly.
"No! Stop this!" I immediately pulled my hand away from her. "He told me he liked you. He asked me to help him court you. He even asked me to help him serenade you. So, why are you saying that he likes me?" I asked in confusion.
She just smiled at my words. "How do you think it feels when someone you like asks you to help him with someone else?" She smiled bitterly for the ninth time.
"Right, he didn't ask you for help. He asked me. He wanted to pretend he was courting me just to get closer to you. But who would've thought that the leader of the 4 Kings, the heir of the SY clan, the ruler of Montreal University, also has his weaknesses? He can't even admit that he likes you." She chuckled softly.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Is this even real? All this time, he really liked me and not Sharina? Is this kind of joke?
"Don't you remember when we first met? I told you that you were the first girl to catch Spade's attention. I even told you how envious I was."
My heart began to race from everything I had learned. There's only way for me to know the truth.
"Sharina, I need to talk to him—"
"EVERYONE, THERE'S A FIGHT IN THE PAVILION!"
Both Sharina and I stood up as we heard a student shout.
"I'm sorry, Sharina. Let's talk later."
I was about to take a step when she grabbed my arm. "I know you like him too. You should tell him before it's too late. The expression he had earlier, the last time I saw him like that was when his mom died."
I smiled at her. "Thank you." After saying that, I didn't waste any more time and ran toward the pavilion.
Right! I need to know everything from that devil.
As I got closer to the pavilion, I noticed how packed it was. I froze when I finally got to the front and saw what was going on.
Spade was mercilessly punching a student who had already lost consciousness.
"Spade, stop!" His three friends shouted, but it was like he didn't hear them.
I took a few steps forward, calling his name, "Spade..." My voice barely escaped. He stopped and slowly turned to face me. I couldn't move as he walked toward me, his eyes full of anger.
Every step he took toward me was one step I took back. I was stopped when I felt the wall behind me. I could barely breathe as he raised his fist to punch me.
I braced myself for the punch, but instead, I gasped when it hit the wall, inches from my face.
I couldn't understand why, but fear overwhelmed me, and my tears fell almost immediately.
He took a step closer, his forehead resting gently on my shoulder. "I'm sorry..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Minutes passed in silence before he spoke again. "About what you said last night..."
"Believe me, I wanted to, but I couldn't. I can't able to do what you want..." He wiped away my tears, his touch soft as he caressed my cheek.
"But if this is your decision..." He gently turned me to face him, his eyes filled with nothing but sincerity.
"I'll make sure you never shed another tear because of me." He paused, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
"Let's make sure our paths never cross again."