Maria.

I walked away from Adrien instantly, my steps quick and firm, not giving him even the slightest chance to catch up with me again.

And thankfully, for once he didn’t follow.

That alone told me everything I needed to know.

He must have seen it, the seriousness in my expression and felt the finality in my voice.

I meant what I said this time, and even he could tell there would be consequences if he pushed any further.

Still, the irritation lingered. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

I couldn’t help but wonder...

Who exactly gave them the right to make every decision?

To decide what happens to people... what happens to me... as if my opinion didn’t matter at all.

My jaw tightened as the thought of Patricia surfaced again.

That woman had made my life a living hell.

Every single moment with her had been filled with pain, humiliation, and torment, and now, when it was finally time for her to face something in return...

Adrien was talking about killing her.

Just like that. Ending her without letting me know beforehand.

No.

Death was far too easy for Patricia.

Far too merciful.

She didn’t deserve something so quick... so painless. She needed to feel it, at least a fraction of what she had put me through.

I exhaled slowly, lost in my thoughts as I continued walking, my mind clouded with frustration and unresolved anger.

So much so that I didn’t even realize where I was going, not until I stopped at my door.

I blinked slightly, staring at it. I hadn’t meant to come here, I should have gone to Noah’s room instead because that had been my intention.

But somewhere along the way, my thoughts had taken over, and my legs had simply led me here without me noticing.

I sighed softly, reaching for the handle anyway.

It didn’t matter.

I just needed a moment in a quiet space.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside...and froze.

The sight in front of me made me go completely still, my body locking up instantly.

"What are you doing here, Anabel?" I asked, my voice sharp with surprise as I stepped further into the room, my eyes narrowing slightly at her unexpected presence.

As she sat there, like she had every right to.

"Calm down, Maria," she said suddenly, her tone unusually soft, almost gentle. "I’m here to make peace."

I blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Then, without even thinking, I lifted my hand and scratched my ear, once... twice... three times. Just to make sure I had heard her correctly.

Because what she just said, It sounded too good to be true and that alone made it suspicious.

I scoffed lightly, lowering my hand as I studied her more carefully and hell, she looked serious, genuine even.

"And how exactly am I supposed to believe that?" I asked, raising my brows slightly, my tone filled with clear doubt.

Anabel didn’t seem offended by my response, If anything she smiled sweetly. Then she stood up and walked toward me, closing the distance between us before I could react. Her hands reached out, gently taking mine into hers.

The gesture caught me off guard.

"Noah is my friend, Maria," she said softly, her voice carrying a calm sincerity that almost sounded convincing. "And I’ve come to accept the fact that he chose you."

She paused.

Then slowly, she moved behind me, her hands still lightly holding onto mine.

"So it means..." she continued, her voice now right behind me, closer than before. "You are also my friend now."

Friend?

The word echoed in my mind, sounding strange, foreign, even as it hung in the air between us.

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry as I tried to process what she had just said. My gaze lingered on her, searching her face for even the slightest hint of insincerity... but all I saw was that same soft smile.

Wasn’t I just a rogue to her?

Someone beneath her?

Someone she didn’t even bother to hide her contempt for?

So what exactly had changed?

Or better yet...What exactly did she have up her sleeve this time around?

Because this...no matter how she smiled, couldn’t be genuine.

"How about you join us for a drink this evening?"

Her voice broke through my thoughts as she moved from behind me, stepping around until she stood right in front of me again. Her expression remained pleasant, almost inviting.

"To celebrate our friendship," she added, her tone light, as if the idea was completely normal.

I stared at her for a moment longer, weighing my response carefully before forcing a small, polite smile.

"Thank you, Anabel..." I said finally, keeping my tone calm, measured. "I really appreciate your kind gesture..." I paused briefly, letting the words settle before finishing. "But I won’t be joining."

Her smile faltered.

Just slightly.

She took a step back, and for a brief moment, disappointment flickered across her face. It was subtle, but it was there.

Still, she didn’t look like someone ready to give up.

"I know you don’t trust me, Maria," she said, her voice softer now, almost understanding. "I totally understand."

She stepped forward again, closing the small distance she had just created.

"But it’s just a harmless drink," she added, her tone almost persuasive, as if trying to reassure me, to make it seem like there was nothing to worry about.

But I didn’t respond, I just watched her because no matter how she phrased it...No matter how gentle she sounded...I wasn’t convinced.

Not even a little.

After a brief pause, she finally stepped away, the tension easing slightly as she turned toward the door.

"See you soon, Maria," she said, glancing back over her shoulder, that same smile returning to her lips. "I can’t wait to have you join us."

And then, with those words she left.

The door closed behind her, leaving the room quiet once again. I stood there, unmoving, my eyes fixed on the spot where she had just been.

Puzzled.

Suspicious.

What exactly did she take me for?

A fool?

Because that was the only explanation that made sense.

How could someone who had never coexisted peacefully with me suddenly decide to become my friend overnight?

It didn’t add up.

Not even close.

I exhaled slowly, my expression hardening as my thoughts settled.

I didn’t know what she was planning, neither did I know what game she was playing but one thing was certain...

No matter what it was...

I wouldn’t let her get to me that easily.